VeloSolo Blog

News, stock updates and bike related features (older updates - click on thumbnails for more).

September 9th 2009: stock update and new products

Lots of items just arrived back in stock this week including Zenith hubs in 36h, KMC 3/32" half-links, Campag 'Peanut Butter' wrenches and MKS deep toe clips. Also back in stock are Dia Compe BRS100 front brakes in black and new polished finish. The ever popular Kalloy KL stems are now available in 80mm and super-short 60mm lengths.

Coming next week are some new affordable track chainsets from Lasco - in 165mm and 170mm and 1/8" and 3/32" widths. We will also have Andel splined (cassette fitting) machined cro-mo singlespeed cogs in sizes 14t to 19t available as a higher spec alternative to our regular Shimano DX single cogs. As with Andel track cogs these are from the same production line as S*rly, but without the 'name' and significantly more affordable.

September 7th 2009: VeloSolo shop now open again

We are pleased to say the shop is now open, thanks for your patience following our short closure for holidays.

IMPORTANT: VeloSolo shop currently closed for annual holidays

The VeloSolo shop is now closed for annual holidays until Sunday September 6th. Thank you to all our customers for your support this year. Any enquiries during this period will be answered at the earliest opportunity.

If you are concerned about an order that has not yet arrived please first check that your local sorting office or customs' authority is not holding your parcel. We ship thousands of parcels every year all over the world and losses are incredibly rare. In virtually every case of a delayed order the parcel turns up at the local sorting office. If you still have problems with a missing order please email and as above we will deal with this asap during this holiday period. Many thanks from VeloSolo.

August 14th 2009: Jonathan Girvan's bicycle furniture

Here is something completely different and wonderfully unique. From Jonathan in Belgium a pair of items utilising bicycle parts in his 'Re-Cycle' collection - a stool and a lamp. Please click the pic for more.

August 11th 2009: New tyres, stock update

We have a stock of Vittoria Zaffiro Pro II folding 700c x 23 tyres in all white just arrived, pics coming soon. A number of lines back in stock this week including Nitto Noodle handlebars, MKS AR2 pedals, Soyo grips and Gebhardt chainrings.

August 6th 2009: Postal strikes continuing in London

IMPORTANT: due to the growing industrial action by postal workers in London, all deliveries are currently subject to delays. Our apologies for this difficult situation which is regrettably totally beyond our control. Orders placed on Friday 7th August may not be dispatched until Monday 10th August.

July 31st 2009: Holiday closure, anodized hub spacers, stock update

Exact dates to follow but VeloSolo will be closed for a couple of weeks at the end of August for annual holidays. Please place your orders in the next couple of weeks if possible. We now have in stock anodized hub axle spacer kits in red or gold. In all three sizes (100mm to 120mm, 126mm and 130mm) for Shimano hub conversions or adapting any track hub for different frame spacing. Please see the shop for pics.

VeloSolo chainrings are now finally in production and we hope to have stock in September. Apologies for the lack of VS riser bars - these sold out very quickly but again we hope to have stock of an improved model in early September. Please see the bar section of the shop for more. Stock of the Ultegra stems is now getting low, the Sugino Maxy chainsets are very nearly all gone too.

July 27th 2009: Parabikes (Danish - Part II)

For anyone who has followed the articles on WWII and Swiss Army bikes (base of this page) you will remember we were looking for a Danish 'Parabike'. Pleased to say we finally found one last week and it's a real beauty. There is more on the history of these on the original blog entry as mentioned below but we gained further info from the Danish militaria dealer we purchased it from too, please click the thumbnails for more...

July 20th 2009: VeloSolo shop off-line for two days this week

IMPORTANT: please note the VeloSolo web shop and eBay shop will be off-line and unavailable from Tuesday evening to Wednesday afternoon and from Thursday evening to Friday afteroon. Our apologies for the inconvenience. Any orders placed after 3pm Thursday will ship on Monday 27th July.

July 19th 2009: Onza Mongo headsets, KMC Kool chains, Haro 15t cogs

Some new items now in the shop include Onza Mongo III headsets. Available in anodized colours as well as powder coat white with sealed cartridge bearings top and bottom - excellent value. We also have high spec KMC (Onza packaging) Z710 chains new in. Lastly some splined Haro cogs for singlespeed use in the 15t size. Full details in the various shop sections.

July 9th 2009: Postal strike in London

IMPORTANT: due to the postal strike in London, all UK items posted today and Friday are unlikely to arrive before the early part of next week. Our apologies for the delay.

July 3rd 2009: MKS Flips, anodized BB spacers, frame decals

New in and now photographed in the shop are MKS pedal flips for attaching to pedals without...erm....flippy bits for your feet. We are now making our five piece bottom bracket/cog/mini singlespeed spacer kit in gold and red anodized finishes. Some new VeloSolo frame decals in too.

Lots of questions on the VeloSolo chainrings lately - can only apologise for the delay with these - we have some samples at last and are hoping for stock end July/early August. The range will include 1/8" and 3/32" in MTB (104mm) in 32/34/36 and road/track (130/135/144mm) in 44/46/48. Various finishes including silver, gold and black anodized and custom polished.

June 25th 2009: Etienne in Germany writes...

Dear Velosoloists, I received my Disc Cog from VeloSolo and it is now installed on my bike. You can have a look at my city bike here. I'm living in the small town of Bayreuth in Germany but I plan to go back to my home in Québec, Canada at the end of the year. I made the experience that around -20°C, all the cables on the bike start to freeze, which makes it impossible to use any shifters or cable actuated rear brake.

I figured a fixed gear bike would be the perfect solution to those problems. However, I wanted to use studded tires which are fantastic on snow and ice, but much larger than what you can fit on a traditional track frame with 120mm rear hub spacing. For such tires, a frame with more generous clearances must be used.

The more difficult problem for me was the rear hub. I could have used a Surly Fixxer, but it isn't exactly cheap and requires readjusment of the hub. Another option is a speciality 135mm fixed hub but those are rare, expensive and require a custom wheel build. So the VeloSolo cog was really the missing link for me. It is affordable, looks really clean, feels rock-solid and it's made in the UK.

As a last bit of story telling, I'll just say that on my first commute, I had to wait at a red light next to a law or economy student and he didn't say anything but he looked mesmerized by my setup. I think he almost had to loosen his polo shirt. So thank you guys and I wish you many more satisfied customers! Cheers, Etienne.

June 21st 2009: MKS half clips, Phil Wood, electric cars

New in the shop are MKS half clips - a toe clip without a strap and ideal if you don't get on with being tightly strapped to the pedals. Also new in are YST threadless BB's for frames with stripped BB shells. Away from stock updates we had an email from a customer running our bolt on cogs who asked Phil Wood to custom build a hub for him. As to be expected from Phil the result who a beauty. Seems they may now be offering this as a regular order item. We are still considering producing a VeloSolo UK made CNC machined hub for bolt on cogs. Depends on the demand out there - please let us know!

Related to this we are always interested in novel uses for our Disc Cogs and were pleased to hear from Steve at Ipswich High School. Steve is working with a group of pupils to enter an electric car in the Greenpower competition and is using 15t bolt on cogs in the drivetrain. More on the project here.

June 13th 2009: Sugino Messenger, Kalloy post, MKS 'deep' clips, photos etc

We are now stocking the classic Sugino Messenger chainset. A budget Kalloy post is new in, ideal for commuter builds. The deep MKS toe-clips are also available now - perfect for those riding in 'big' shoes. Photos of the various Oury colours are now up as well as are all the other new items mentioned below.

June 12th 2009: Stock update and new items

Oury grips now in stock in all colours - free large Oury sticker with each pair while stocks last. MKS GR9 pedals now available in black. We have found some NOS Ultegra stems in 100mm in addition to the 90mm. Tektro RL720 brake levers now in stock - this is the 24.0mm size, ideal for the top of drop bars.

June 10th 2009: Which brake lever fits which bar??

In the list of questions sent to VeloSolo each day this is definitely one of the most common. At last we have a new guide at the bottom of the FAQ here: Which brake lever fits which bar?

June 9th 2009: New stems, posts, tools etc

Lots of new items in this week including some superb tools from BBB. We have a new headset wrench and a new lockring tool - this one we modify to fit like a Hozan but at half the price. Details in the tool section. New in too are the classic Rivex chain tools and BBB chain checkers - all very affordable.

Also from BBB are a couple of new seatposts in polished or black finish. Size 27.2mm for classic steel frames but longer than the others in stock at 300mm (400mm option too for mountain bikes). We have a new 'freeride' style stem perfect for use with our pre-cut riser bars. Oury grips should be available from VeloSolo within a few days.

June 3rd 2009: VeloSolo Track cogs on the London to Paris

We're very proud to be supporting Eurosport's David Harmon and cycling guru Jez Hastings as they take part in the London to Paris later this month. Our gold fixed wheel Track cogs will be making the journey on the rear of Jez's bike and you can read lots more on their fascinating preparation for the big ride at u2needyourheadsfixed and thewashingmachinepost.

June 2nd 2009: NOS Shimano Ultegra (Nitto) stems available

We have now got the photos of the Ultegra stems on the website. As per the description in the shop these are things of beauty and a rare find indeed. They were manufactured for Shimano by Nitto in the early 80's and are some of the best quill stems ever made. Numbers are limited and they are not cheap but if Nitto was to start making labour intensive stems like this again they would be very expensive indeed!

Pics below show a few boxed models but the ones for sale are in poly bags. Please see the handlebar and stem shop section for more. A high-res copy of the instructions is available by email.

May 30th 2009: Patriot singlespeed spacer kits now in stock

The latest colour mix in our CNC singlespeed spacer kit is now available - the good old red, white and blue! Ideal for Chris King Patriot lovers and flag flyers all over the world. Please see the singlespeed shop for more.

May 28th 2009: Nitto Noodle Model 177 Bar now available

We have been out of stock of an aluminium Nitto drop bar for some time but we're pleased to have the excellent Noodle bar now available. We really like these - lightweight and well finished and at a very fair price too. More on the shape in the item description but don't be out off by the famous 'kink' in the tops, the design of this bar really works well. Please see the shop for more.

May 25th 2009: New Stronglight chainset and Sugino Maxy update

The photos of our new Stronglight chainset are now in the shop. This is a great value economy model and ideal for basic fixed or singlespeed conversions. Extremely lightweight too. We have been trying to locate some more Maxy chainsets but it seems they may well be finished now. There is a chance a last few will come in this week but without BB's and a small price decrease to reflect this. If so availability will be updated on the chainset page.

May 23th 2009: Onza pedals and chain-tugs

New in and now pictured in the shop are double cage pedals and CNC chain-tugs from Onza. The pedals are more heavy duty than some of the other models we stock and can be used with or without toe-clips. Available now in four colours. Onza chain-tugs are a new alternative to the MKS cast tugs and a fair bit more affordable. Please see the shop for the usual pics and more info.

May 22nd 2009: New chains and grips

New in are two 1/8" chains from KMC. The popular 510 model now available in a gold finish and also a heavy duty half-link chain from KMC, perfect for street use or fine-tuning chain length for a 'magic-gear' - or if you just like the unique look of a half-link chain. New in also is a range of Premium grips to join the Token grips. Being flexible these are ideal for cut-down flat bars or risers but please see the note on end-plugs in the description.

May 20th 2009: Trixie Tools are here

We are very pleased to be stocking the Pedro's Trixie, now available from the shop. This really clever all-in-one fixed rider's friend has all the essential tools built into one tough, pockatable hardened piece of steel. This ranks up there alongside the Campag corkscrew and Park pizza cutter as one of the best cyclist's tools ever...

May 16th 2009: New items and stock update

The last few SR Laprade posts are still available. As an alternative we also have the NOS San Marco Italian posts in 27.2mm and another NOS find - beautiful boxed SR Sakae posts. Both in the Miscellaneous shop. We are now stocking Nitto Technomic stems in a 70mm length - these work very well for a more upright position on the bike. The 26.4mm (Cinelli fitting) Saba bars are nearly all gone.

This coming week we expect to take delivery of the very last remaining stock of Sugino Maxy chainsets. Also in next week will be some very affordable Stronglight chainsets, some new chains, new grips and more pedals. The popular Trixie tool is coming too. Suzue hubs have now finished for good sadly. Happy to say VeloSolo UK made chainrings are not too far away now - for both road and MTB.

May 14th 2009: Squeeze bar in 26.0mm

The Squeeze bar has just arrived in the new 26.0mm size for 'modern' stems. Available in a new colour of black too as well as gold and polished. Lots more photos in the shop.

May 13th 2009: New pedals at VeloSolo

Some new pedals now available this week covering a range of prices from £14.95 to £19.95. To add to the popular Sylvan Track and other models in the shop we have two more from MKS - the Sylvan Stream and also the AR-2. And from VP is the 333, a very affordable clone of the Keirin approved MKS RX-1. Please see the pedal section of the shop for more.

May 11th 2009: Token update

As per last entry (below) Token hubs and lockrings are now in stock and pictured in the shop. Token's new products have been very popular - beautifully machined, very nicely packaged and well priced. Now we have the hubs in our hands at last we can really recommend these, lightweight and attractive but also ready to go shipping with a CNC Token cog and lockring. Please see the track section of the shop for more.

May 8th 2009: Stock update

Lots of new items in this week: a Token delivery has just arrived with all colours of grips and cassette lockrings available again as well as Ti QR skewers and track pedals. Also our first batch of Token track hubs and fixed wheel lockrings is finally here. On the Italian front we are now stocking the Miche splined cogs and adaptors and have got a limited supply of lovely old San Marco NOS fluted seatposts in as well as a small batch of Campag 'Peanut Butter' wrenches. Exus double toe-straps and Sugino (SR) charinring tools back at last too.

VS decals are here as are Dia Compe's BRS front brakes in black, Gebhardt MTB singlespeed chainrings and a good mix of team race caps. More NOS late 80's Kalloy stems are now in the shop - perfect for building up an old frame. As a good match for these we are also able to supply a custom cut-down riser bar at 40cm wide. The NOS Maxy chainset has been hugely popular but it seems the end is nigh with the warehouse being scoured for any remaining examples. FSA Vero's should be back one day but we will have some similar chainsets very soon.

April 29th 2009: Stock update

Disc cogs in 19t 1/8" back in stock at last. Other items in this week include Nitto B2500 bars and some more Nitto stems. Also new stems from 3TTT and Kalloy (on website shortly). Some new sizes in Gebhardt chainrings and Hozan lockring pliers are now in stock. Photos of the SR Sakae bars are up at last too. Here in the UK the £ has lost over 40% against the Yen and around 30% against the US dollar and Euro in recent times (as the much publicised Shimano XTR pricing increases show) - this continues to push our imported items to higher levels unfortunately but at least our own UK made (VeloSolo) items get cheaper for those from overseas!

April 23rd 2009: Stock update

A number of items back in stock now including: Sugino bottom brackets, Miche Pista track chains, Tange Levin and Passage headsets. We also have MKS drop-out adjusters now in stock in the 5mm size for steel frames. These are the NJS stamped model with allen key bolts. Also new in is the Hozan lock-ring spanner - double ended and as with pricing for most Japan stuff suffering from the collapsed UK £ but a top quality tool. As always, please see the shop for more.

April 19th 2009: Shop now open again

The VeloSolo shop is now OPEN again for business following the Easter break. Many thanks for your patience in waiting for responses to enquiries. Orders placed over the next couple of days may be dispatched within a couple of days rather than the normal same day as we catch up a bit!

April 1st 2009: Stock update - VS Gold track cogs and tees

Latest delivery of our 7075-T6 gold track cogs has landed. Now in stock in all sizes from 15t to 19t and both 1/8" and 3/32" widths. Also now in are the VeloSolo logo tees in blue (update - Chestnut tees now in too).

March 29th 2009: Ben's Cycles, new products, stock update

Of special interest for customers within the USA we are very pleased to announce that a range of VeloSolo products are now available directly from the famous US shop Ben's Cycles (Milwaukee Bicycle Co). They are now stocking Squeeze bars, threaded and bolt-on cogs as well as singlespeed spacer kits and smaller items.

Stock news: our new headset top caps are now in stock; with our own logo or alternatively in 'Derailleur? Nein Danke' flavour, please see the miscellaneous section of the shop for more. Due in this week are the full range of VS gold track cogs from 15t to 19t and 1/8" and new 3/32" widths (edit: now in stock). The tees and decals should be here soon. On the third party front Nitto drop bars are back in stock but due to the collapse of the UK £ have become very expensive unfortunately, still beautiful bars though at any price. NOS update: KKT pedals now all gone, SR Laprade posts nearly finished, ITM 400 stems down to one or two.

March 20th 2009: Stock update - new pedals and stems

MKS GR9 and VP pedals now in stock with pictures. Nitto Jaguar stems in too. Available in the shop now.

March 18th 2009: Stock update

Been a bit hectic of late so here's a quick update. DA lockrings back in stock today. We are hoping to have some VS cro-mo lockrings manufactured soon too as well as some custom headset top caps. A stock of Nitto drop bars in various specifications should be with us early next week as well as a 'new' tyre to replace the Ultremos that are now sold out. The 3/32" and out of stock VS gold track cogs should be here within 7 days. Squeeze bars in 26.0mm hopefully in April. VS tees and decals within 2 weeks or so. We are still trying to source a replacement or alternative supply for the FSA Vero chainsets.

On the NOS side of things we are down to our last few pairs of KKT Top Run pedals sadly. NOS Sugino Maxy chainsets and SR Laprade seatposts are still in quite good supply but again once they're gone they're gone!

March 3rd 2009: Stock update - Token here at last.

The new range of Token parts have landed. Track cogs, SS/cassette lockrings, QR's, grips, valve extensions, jockey wheels, headsets and the new track pedals complete with clips and straps. All available in the shop now.

Feb 27th 2009: Stock update - Squeeze bars have arrived!

The Squeeze bars are here. First batch just received of 25.4mm and 26.4mm in gold anodized and custom polished, we're really impressed with the finish on these. Coming soon will be silver anodized bars and an additional size of 26.0mm. Update: silver anodized now in stock too.

Also in is a large batch of Disc cogs - although 'someone' forgot to order 19t 1/8" so we are out of that size... New method of machining our cro-mo axles gives an improved thread and a nice 'trick' dimple in the end, these will eventually replace current stock.