Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

My Apollo Himalaya (circa 1991) had seen better days after approx 30 000km on original gears and chain. Not wanting to throw it away nor spend too much money on it I thought a single speed conversion would be the way to go, and it would shed some weight. I've removed original stickers, sanded paintwork then sprayed a primer, 3 coats of metallic charcoal and 2 coats of clear, not a perfect job but looks ok and only cost $45. 2nd hand Maxxis tyres were $2 each, a new set of bearings for the headset and a riser bar have been the other changes. I have cranks, chain and spacer kit on order from Velo Solo so it shouldn't be too long before it's on the road, of course I'm on the look out for a new saddle. Will update this post when more progress is made.

That saddle is a worry. Looks like it belongs in Night of the Living Dead or it's just escaped from Tales from the Crypt and it's waiting patiently for a opportunity to turn you into ... One of Them.

Nice paint job

There's no photo of a 30,000 km chain...so it didn't happen. You have to keep that saddle. Zombie indeed...

I instantly had a saddle like that once, the morning after I ate a particularly hot curry.

I like that frame geometry, and nice paint. What type (brand etc.) of paint is it?

Are you going for magic gearing or using a tensioner for SS? If you hadn't repainted it, it could have been a contender for 'ghetto build of the year'!

Jim

Now there's a bike in need of a black Brooks saddle if ever I've seen one!

Stuey wrote:I instantly had a saddle like that once, the morning after I ate a particularly hot curry.

I like that frame geometry, and nice paint. What type (brand etc.) of paint is it?

The paint was White Knight which cost about $8 a can and I used 2 cans, clear coat and primer were both Dulux. Probably should have gone to a more expensive paint as it has chipped already down to the primer, anyway I'll see how it goes.

silentbutdeadly wrote:There's no photo of a 30,000 km chain...so it didn't happen. You have to keep that saddle. Zombie indeed...

Rode the bike for 11 years in Alice Springs commuting to work and also off road on the weekends, the chain was well lubed and never got wet - so no rust which might explain it's long life. The only maintenance since '91 has been new a bottom bracket, tyres and brake cables, everything was still running reasonably well l ast time I rode it, except for a problem with the rear shifter. Photo of original chain and BioSpace chainrings to come

familyguy wrote:Are you going for magic gearing or using a tensioner for SS? If you hadn't repainted it, it could have been a contender for 'ghetto build of the year'!

Jim

might see how it goes without tensioner to start with

Mate that looks awesome, I think you'll have enough space in the dropouts to get tension without anything apart from bolted axles.

Great looking ride so far, lots of win !!

m@ wrote:Now there's a bike in need of a black Brooks saddle if ever I've seen one!

The bike looks good. Definitely a Brooks on this puppy.
I love the older MTB converted to SS, they look the goods.

IIRC the dropouts are "semi horizontal" so you should be able to get a magic gear working easily. A little bit of fore aft adjustment available.

I started riding Mtb on a 1989 model Himalaya. I recall it being a hoot!

Good luck. Rigid SS are fun, and punishing!

Finally got around to getting a replacement saddle and getting some photos.

PJZap wrote:

Stuey wrote:I instantly had a saddle like that once, the morning after I ate a particularly hot curry.

I like that frame geometry, and nice paint. What type (brand etc.) of paint is it?

The paint was White Knight which cost about $8 a can and I used 2 cans, clear coat and primer were both Dulux. Probably should have gone to a more expensive paint as it has chipped already down to the primer, anyway I'll see how it goes.

WARNING on White Knight, its crap, I've only painted items for the kids, it just flakes off????