Raleigh Professional MKII Restorations

Raleigh Professional MKII Restorations

A UPS flight instructor comes into the shop with two very tired looking 1970s Raleigh Professional Mark II bikes and proceeds to share their history with us.

They had been purchased new by his grandparents and for many years the couple toured the country on them. The purchase price at that time would have been around $200, which would calculate to about $1,300 in 2019 money.

The bikes had several modifications over the years including Campy bar-end shifters replacing the down-tube shifters, along with new Brooks Swallow saddles.

The grandparents divorced and the grandson acquired both of the bikes that hadn’t been ridden in decades.

In August, 2019 Vic began restoring them to top mechanical condition while preserving the patined finish on the frame from the years of mileage the bikes had seen.

Raleigh Professional MKII serial numbers 146 and 370 will soon be proudly displayed in our client’s family room.

Raleigh Professional Mark II #370 before restoration.

One of the most iconic of racing bicycles during the 1970s bike boom in America, the Raleigh Professional also represented the heyday of their mark in the USA.

Raleigh’s trademark blue-mink and silver paint, gold lug linings, lashings of lustrous chrome, characteristic fastback rear stays and the much coveted Campagnolo componentry made it one of the most aesthetically pleasing and desired lightweights of the era and often a pipe-dream machine for a generation of young cyclists because of its high cost.

For those fortunate enough to own one, then or now, it remains one of the most distinctive and pleasing of racing machines in appearance and ride.

Learn More.

#146 after restoration.

Vic’s Tie-dye Jersey

Vic’s Tie-dye Jersey

Psychedelic tie-dye art from the 1960s & 70s returns with brightest, most eye-catching cycling jersey ever. Vic’s Classic Bikes Tie-dye Cycling Jersey is already world-famous!

These custom jerseys are produced by Jakroo and have become so popular we’ve already placed a second order.

The standard-cut design provides a balance of convenience, comfort and performance with moisture-wicking fabric, three cargo pockets, and a really nice zippered fourth pocket on the back, plus an elasticized waist and full-length hidden front zipper.

Available in four sizes, M, L, XL & 2XL. $66 each – stop in or call to place an order.

Or visit Vic’s Team Store.

Vic’s Classic Bikes Moves To Preston Hwy

Vic’s Classic Bikes Moves To Preston Hwy

Shop interior

Vic’s has relocated to 3141 Preston Hwy. near the Audubon Park neighborhood after six years in The Highlands. Vic Miller, known for restoring older, high-quality handmade bicycles, moved into a larger, more centrally located shop at Audubon Park at the end of July, 2018.

Vic started restoring bicycles in his garage at home and selling them on craigslist before anyone else in Louisville was doing such a thing which led to eventually opening his first shop on Preston St. He moved his shop to Baxter Ave. in the Highlands in 2012.

Vic’s interest in restoring old 70’s & 80’s bikes came out of his love for the quality frames and components made towards the end of the handmade bike era in America, before most bicycle manufacturing was sent to Taiwan and China.

Master mechanic Perry Finley, one of the finest in the region, is on staff as well as the shop’s mascot dogs, Bentley and Stella.

Vic’s Classic Bikes supports Falls City Community BikeWorks, a non-profit community bike shop that teaches aspiring bike mechanics to restore bikes, an initiative to make Louisville a more bicycle friendly community.

Ariel Rider Ebikes in Stock at Vics

Ariel Rider Ebikes in Stock at Vics

Vic’s is pleased to announce that we are now the official dealer for Ariel Rider Ebikes in the area and we have several models available for test rides in the shop.

Ariel is a west coast based e-bike company offering the most affordable, fastest, most robust e-bikes on the market, these guys have been at is for well over a decade. Ariel Rider features original designs in many frame styles including: urban city, cruiser, compact commuter, and an off-road model. 

The germination of Ariel Rider Ebikes dates back to 2010 when two brothers, who had traveled and lived abroad in Europe, Asia and Africa, noticed the evolution of traditional bikes towards electric assist. This inspired them and ultimately led to the creation of the company in 2011, it’s name was inspired by vintage Ariel motorcycles.

In 2014 the Ariel Rider brand was officially launched and the startup was restructured to support growth into more countries. Over the years, new designs were introduced and in 2016 a line was brought to North America including the C, N and W Class.

 

  • All Ariel Rider bikes feature a full LCD display which includes speedometer, odometer and system diagnostics.
  • All Ariel Rider bikes reach a maximum speed of 28 mph.
  • All Ariel Rider bikes are covered under a one-year all-inclusive warranty for the original owner against all manufacturing defects and come with Vic’s Lifetime Service: FREE Tune-ups and Labor for as long as you own the bike.