Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

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The Fixer
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby The Fixer » Sun Apr 20, 2014 9:32 pm

My latest Apollo rebuild, for my local Men's Shed...

A 'Peak' MTB of uncertain vintage which started out as not much more than a frameset, (stuffed) wheels, and a seat when it was donated. Most of what
was there was stuffed, the BB fell apart in my hand when removed, for example, and most of the balls from the drive-side were missing altogether.

It has already found a new home, and its new owner is delighted with it as its very tall frame suits him perfectly. It does ride very nicely, but is too
big for me.

I'm quite pleased with the result (as was the Men's Shed, it sold for $70). What do others think?

Before: Incomplete and stuffed. Good frame and paint though.
Image

After: All the missing parts replaced, repairs made, cleaned and polished. Ready to ride anywhere.
Image
I don't care if it's a $20 Huffy or a $20k Colnago, as long as you're riding, and you're happy.

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The Fixer
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby The Fixer » Sun Apr 20, 2014 9:43 pm

And an Apollo 'Summit' MTB which I completed prior to the 'Peak' shown above.

Same story, but a better bike, and in better, more complete condition. I'd have kept this one if I'd
had the room, it really was a nice bike, both on-road and off. Again, it has found a new home and
is very happy. :wink:

No 'before' pic for this one, and sorry about the shadows. :-(

Note the rows of bikes (mostly, but not all, BSOs) waiting for either refurbishment/rebuilding
for sale, donation to charity, or scrapping/wrecking for parts.

Is it any wonder I don't get the time I'd like to actually work on my bikes.

Image
I don't care if it's a $20 Huffy or a $20k Colnago, as long as you're riding, and you're happy.

morini
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby morini » Mon Apr 21, 2014 8:39 am

DarrylH wrote:
eraser215 wrote:

MTB low to high:
Summit???
Kosciusko
Something else?

Road bike low to high:
Vitesse?
Eclipse?
Jaguar?
Concorde?
Other?

Any information anybody could give me would be much appreciated! I'm hoping to eventually get my hands on one of the higher end road bikes from the same era, but would like to better inform myself while I keep an eye out online and in real life.
Number series predated the name series from about the time the bike source shifted from Japan to Taiwan in the early 80s.

From 93 mag
MTB low to high

Cheetah
Crystal
Montega
Summit
Alpine
Corniche
Aspen
Kosciusko
Himalaya
Matterhorn
Everest
Expert
Team ($3200)!!

Road

Sport
Style
Jaguar
Eclipse
Vitesse(300EX)
Concorde (Exage 400)
Performance (RX100)
Peleton (RX100)
Giro (105sc)
Ultra (Ultegra)
The below may be of interest.
=>> From my "APOLLO NEWS - World of Wheels (WOW) Catalogue, Warren Norris Advertising 984.

APOLLO VI – 12 Speed
Colour: Pearl White
Frame: Ishiwata 019 CrMo double butted frame
Forks: CrMo
Ensemble: Suntour Superbe Pro
Sealed bearing: B.B. Hubs & Pedals
Derailleurs: Superbe
Brake Set: CB3000
Panaracer Leger 230 GSM tubulars

APOLLO V – 12 Speed
Colour: Olympic Gold
Frame: CrMo double butted frame
Forks: CrMo
Ensemble: Shimano 600 Series, brakes, chain wheel set 52/42T, pedals, hubs, derailleurs, free wheel 12-21T.
Panaracer Leger 230 GSM tubulars
Saddle: Kashimax super pro black suede

APOLLO IV – 12 Speed
Colour: Silver/Mink or Flamboyant Red
Frame: Tange CrMo
Forks: CrMo
Rims: 27” black alloy HP wheels with QR Hubs
Derailleurs: Suntour ARX
Cluster: Suntour 13-24T Ultra 6Speed
Brakes: Diacomp GX500N Alloy side pull
Chainwheel Set: Sugino GT Drilled hole 52-40T

APOLLO III – 12 Speed
Colour: Silver/Grey or Metallic Lemon
Frame: Tange CrMo
Forks: Hi Tensile
Rims: 27” alloy HP wheels with QR Hubs
Derailleurs: Suntour ARX
Cluster: Suntour 14-28T Ultra 6Speed
Brakes: Diacomp G500N Alloy side pull
Chainwheel Set: Sugino GT Aero alloy cotterless 52-40T

APOLLO Cutlass – 18Speed
Colour: Champagne or Metallic Light Blue
Frame: Tange CrMo
Forks: Hi Tensile
Rims: 27” alloy HP wheels with QR Hubs
Derailleurs: Suntour ARX-GT
Cluster: Suntour 14-34T Gold 6Speed
Brakes: Diacomp N500 Alloy side pull
Chainwheel Set: Sugino GT Triple Aero 52-42-28T
Rear alloy carrier, many frame braze-ons.

APOLLO II – 12 Speed
Colour: Ice Blue or Black or Red or Peal White
Frame: Tange Hi Tensile Steel
Forks: Hi Tensile
Rims: 27” HP steel wheels with front QR Hub
Derailleurs: Shimano Z503 Series
Cluster: Shimano 14-28T 6Speed Uniglide
Brakes: Diacomp light alloy Alloy side pull with QR. Dual levers and centreon adjuster.
Chainwheel Set: Sugino Alloy Aero No.6 cotterless 52-40T

APOLLO I – 12 Speed
Colour: Apollo Blue or Black or Silver
Frame: Tange Hi Tensile Steel
Forks: Hi Tensile
Rims: 27” HP steel wheels
Derailleurs: Shimano Z501 Series
Cluster: Shimano 14-28T 6Speed
Brakes: Diacomp light alloy Alloy side pull. Dual levers.
Chainwheel Set: Sugino Alloy Aero No.5 cotterless 52-40T

All APOLLO bikes are manufactured and assembled to meet the requirements of Australian Standards AS1927.
APOLLO frames and forks carry a 15 year guarantee

Could you get the Apollo V & Apollo IV in a 25" frame? The Catalogue does not indicate whether this was possible?
(However Catalogue lists Apollo IV & II as available in 19 1/2, 21, 22 1/2, 23 1/2 or 25").

From - Rob74's post


Should keep this info together as we learn more.
Chris

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The Fixer
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby The Fixer » Mon Apr 21, 2014 10:08 am

Thanks for that info, Morini.

Among other things, it confirms my '84 (the Red Hen) as an Apollo II.
I'd suspected it was, but there is nothing on it to indicate its model.

Thanks again! :D
I don't care if it's a $20 Huffy or a $20k Colnago, as long as you're riding, and you're happy.

eraser215
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby eraser215 » Wed Apr 23, 2014 10:07 am

DarrylH wrote: Number series predated the name series from about the time the bike source shifted from Japan to Taiwan in the early 80s.

From 93 mag
MTB low to high

Cheetah
Crystal
Montega
Summit
Alpine
...
Hi DarrylH,

Thank you for the fantastic information! Did you get that from a magazine? I know this thread focuses a lot on the (probably better) 70s and 80s Japanese stuff, but I grew up with the 90s frames so this is a lot of value to me. I'd buy you a beer if I could :D

DarrylH
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby DarrylH » Wed Apr 23, 2014 5:04 pm

It came from Cycling World - Buyer's Guide 1993 - an interesting period for mountain bikes. Check out the Slingshot with only a cable in place of the down tube and the Edsan Aussie made suspension forks. I also have a Bicycling Australia mag from 93 with an MTB buyers guide.

Trooper
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby Trooper » Sun Jun 01, 2014 9:52 pm

Some very nice old bikes in this thread, and an education on old Apollo's. Thought I would share my Apollo 4. Its a bit tired, its obviously been around the block a few times but in very original condition. Still a fine ride except for the occasional chain jump.
Specs:
Red Apollo 4
Tange 900 CR-MO Double Butted Tubes
Araya 700C Wheels
Kuwahara Head Set
Dia-Compe 500 Brakes
Sugino GT Cranks (170)
Sugino Saddle
Suntour ARX Gear Shifts
Nitto Olympiad Bars
Sticker on the frame says Kuwahara - Osaka Japan
I would post some pics if I could work out how??

bryan_f
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby bryan_f » Thu Jun 12, 2014 12:09 pm

bought this 2nd hand Apollo Concorde from gumtree a few months ago. does anyone knows which era does it belongs to? (im guessing sometime between late 80s to early 90s)

it was in a really good condition when it arrived. everything still working silky smooth. good job by the previous owner!
came with shimano rsx 7 speed groupsets. for my own convenience ive switched it from downtube shifters to a pair of brifters bought from this guy in Sydney for 65 bucks.
Sakae stems and handlebars.
Alesa rims.

was planning to repaint the frame in the long run. seriously don't like the purple camouflages on the frame.

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singlespeedscott
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby singlespeedscott » Thu Jun 12, 2014 2:53 pm

RSX would but it as a late 90's build.
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eraser215
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby eraser215 » Thu Jul 03, 2014 3:38 pm

bryan_f wrote:bought this 2nd hand Apollo Concorde from gumtree a few months ago. does anyone knows which era does it belongs to? (im guessing sometime between late 80s to early 90s)...
Hi Bryan,

Those image links don't seem to have worked. Any chance you can share them again?

VeloPaint
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby VeloPaint » Mon Jul 21, 2014 4:14 pm

Hi All

I remember a discussion here a while ago about the elusive early 1980's Apollo decals (I, II, III, IV etc)

I'm currently restoring a IV for a customer and before I go to the trouble of doing a series of vinyl masks to replicate the gold and white top tube and down tube decals, I wondered if anyone has unearthed a supply or managed to get some re-produced?

I have seen the excellent artwork produced by 'lixy' over at OZBMX forums (http://www.ozbmx.com.au/index.php?showt ... 721&page=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) and will use these as a start for some paint masks but just thought I'd ask here in case anyone has a set.

I will post up here the progress and final pics when done.

Oh...while I remember, I know that the gum arabesque hoods are a rarity, is there an alternative that people have tried..?

Cheers

Simon
Velopaint
Canberra

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sli123
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby sli123 » Tue Jul 22, 2014 8:26 pm

Hi Simon,
I recently contacted Lixy through her web site (http://www.lixbmx.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) and have Apollo V decals on order.
Cheers,
Stuart

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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby VeloPaint » Wed Jul 23, 2014 6:54 am

Excellent, thanks Stuart.

I will get in touch with her.

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The Fixer
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby The Fixer » Mon Aug 04, 2014 1:50 am

My latest Apollo 're-furb' for the charity I do the bikes for... a 1990 Apollo 'Style' ladies 27".

She was complete but quite 'rough' when donated, so she got a 'ground-up' strip, rebuild and service, and was also 'upgraded' with better brakes
etc. As far as possible, original or period parts were used.

The brown vinegar trick was performed, to good effect, and a lot of Brasso and steel wool were consumed (no, not by me). :wink:

Now I think she looks pretty good for her age, and she certainly 'rides' like new.

No, she's not worth a lot, but was, IMO, too good to throw away or part-out.

But the charity will make a few dollars out of her, and someone will end up with quite a nice and reliable bike for a very reasonable price... and I
have the satisfaction of a job well done, and having saved yet another one from becoming landfill.

I'm happy.

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munga
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby munga » Mon Aug 04, 2014 6:50 am

nice one!

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The Fixer
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby The Fixer » Mon Aug 04, 2014 9:58 am

Thanks! :D :D
I don't care if it's a $20 Huffy or a $20k Colnago, as long as you're riding, and you're happy.

eraser215
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby eraser215 » Thu Aug 14, 2014 8:16 pm

The Fixer wrote:My latest Apollo 're-furb' for the charity I do the bikes for... a 1990 Apollo 'Style' ladies 27"
The bike looks lovely, and it's most excellent that you do this kind of work :D

Thanks for sharing!

Lots of steel bikes
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby Lots of steel bikes » Sat Aug 16, 2014 2:39 pm

Just picked up an Apollo III ... with the world's biggest reflector.

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foo on patrol
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby foo on patrol » Sat Aug 16, 2014 2:48 pm

:shock: Hahaha

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ldrcycles
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby ldrcycles » Sat Aug 16, 2014 5:52 pm

Crikey you could just about see that thing from space! Is it just the pics or is the paintwork actually THAT good?
"I must be rather keen on cycling"- Sir Hubert Opperman.

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sli123
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby sli123 » Sat Aug 16, 2014 6:06 pm

Paint and decals done, almost there...

Image

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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby Lots of steel bikes » Sat Aug 16, 2014 6:55 pm

ldrcycles wrote:Crikey you could just about see that thing from space! Is it just the pics or is the paintwork actually THAT good?
The paintwork is exceptional. I wish the frame was about 8cm taller.

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foo on patrol
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby foo on patrol » Sat Aug 16, 2014 7:57 pm

sli123 wrote:Paint and decals done, almost there...

Image
Nice! 8)

Foo
I don't suffer fools easily and so long as you have done your best,you should have no regrets.
Goal 6000km

rkelsen
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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby rkelsen » Sat Aug 16, 2014 8:06 pm

I'll say. Well done! :D

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Re: Apollophiles - The Apollo Appreciation Thread

Postby Kermit TF » Sun Aug 17, 2014 4:37 pm

Top job !
I noticed you wrote the frame and forks weigh 3kg, is it a Tange infinity frame ? (interesting that the Ishiwata frames are either 1.9 or 2.2kg..) my gun metal Apollo 3.5 weighs about the same.
I bought another V 4 weeks ago, only arrived on thursday, need to sell my small one now :?
When in doubt......mumble.

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