VeloSolo Blog
News, stock updates and bike related features (older updates - click on thumbnails for more).
Note: VeloSolo samples sale and classic parts sale!
We have a collection of sample or soiled parts at reduced prices including cogs, chainrings, singlespeed spacers, handlebars etc (updated August 31st). Please see this page for full details. Note: new items will be added as we discover them.
VeloSolo classic parts sale! NOW 10% OFF ALL ITEMS! (updated August 8th). Similar to our samples sale above this is a new page detailing a few various classic spares we have for sale - Cinelli stems etc. See here for more.
September 2nd: Stock update
Various items back in stock this week and some new lines. Velo saddles back in synthetic and now leather too, Andel chainsets complete with CNC chainrings new in, white barrel cables back in, Kalloy posts new in black.
August 30th: VeloSolo shop open again following Summer holiday closure
Apologies it is slightly later than planned due to some technical issues but we are up and running again. Thanks to all our customers old and new for your patience while we have been closed for summer holidays.
July 24th 2010: Abnormal shipping this coming Friday July 30th
Please note that orders placed between 1pm Thursday July 29th and 1pm Friday July 30th will ship on the following Monday and not on the Friday as would usually be the case. We will also be unable to answer enquiries sent after 6pm Thursday until Sunday/Monday. Our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.
July 22nd 2010: A couple of customer's bikes
We received a couple of emails from customers this week showcasing their beautiful bikes. Elias in Greece has done an amazing job bringing a classic Raleigh back to life and writes: "Hi, I would like to let you know that you have contributed in both the single speed conversion of my commuting bike and the rebuild of an old Raleigh".
And Paul in the UK has just finished a fantastic build on his Mercian frame: "I thought I’d send you some pictures of my new Mercian now I’ve built it all up with some VS bits. I had to wait six months for it to be built, but it was worth the wait!". Please click the pics for more.
July 5th 2010: Stock update - Big Token delivery
Another big Token delivery just in this morning. Many items are finally back in stock including track chainsets, chainrings, cogs, lockrings, bottom brackets and titanium QR levers. Please grab then while they are here as we never get enough Token!
June 9th 2010: Stock update - Token delivery
At long last we have had a delivery from Token, not all lines are back in stock but we have the track pedals, track hubs, threadless headsets, 48mm valve extensions, 15t track cogs, MTB external BB's and all colours of cassette lockrings, lock-on grips and CNC jockey wheels now available.
June 3rd 2010: Re-strap Pedal Straps
These have just arrived in stock this week. A brilliant product and proudly manufactured here in the UK from recycled seat belts. Some clever design points make these a great alternative to other big name straps, full details in the shop.
June 2nd 2010: Stock update - VeloSolo Risers and Disc Cogs
Both colours of VS Riser Bars are back in stock as of today. Also back in stock today are all sizes of Disc Cogs.
May 26th 2010: Stock update - VeloSolo chainrings
We have just taken delivery of the latest batch of VS chainrings - all sizes and colours now back in stock. We will not be producing road rings in gold anodized any longer so please grab them while we have stock. In the MTB singlespeed range we will be dropping the 34t size but we still have some stock of polished/black/gold in 3/32" but only black left in 1/8".
May 19th 2010: SR chainrings, MKS spares
Some more new lines in this week including SR Sakae NOS chainrings, MKS pedal spares and tools, split chain links etc. All listed and pictured in the shop.
May 18th 2010: Stock update - chains and BB's
Back in stock this week are Izumi and Miche track chains in 1/8" and Tange and Sugino bottom brackets in 103mm.
May 5th 2010: New items, stock update
Lots of new products and old favourites back in stock this week. Firstly back in stock are Lasco chainsets in 165mm/44t and a new size of 165mm/46t. Also back in are the combined chainwhip and lockring tools and Dicta freewheel tools. Nitto Moustache bars are now available in 25.4mm and 26.0mm, Miche ISO BB's now in 107mm and 110mm. Zenith 32h hubs are also back in at last.
Various new items include Izumi black chains, standard and deep drop Tektro brakes (front and rear), a new Kalloy stem and Schwalbe Durano tyres (with a special offer on pairs). We also have a brand new machined Andel track chainset (styled after Campag Nuovo Record) available as arms only or with a lovely NOS Sugino chainring. Please check the various shop sections for more.
May 4th 2010: Fixiestudio
This is a really useful new website that takes much of the guesswork out of how that latest bike build will look. Configure your own style in paint finish, handlebar, wheels etc. More here: fixiestudio.com
April 26th 2010: Stock update
Back in stock this week are VeloSolo 'large logo' chainrings in all colours. Also back in are VS frame decals, Levin headsets, Lasco 170mm chainsets and Trixie tools. Unfortunately the latest delivery of Token products into the UK has been delayed again and is not now expected until sometime in May.
April 18th 2010: VeloSolo shop open again
Following the Easter break the VS shop is now open again for orders - many thanks to all those who have emailed for your patience! All orders will ship as normal from tomorrow, Monday 19th April.
Important note for international customers: due to the volcanic ash problem over Northern Europe there have been no flights out of the UK and across most of Europe for some days now. All airmail is therfore currently unable to proceed through the system beyond the UK and once flights resume there will be a huge backlog. Unfortunately, this will mean long delays to all international deliveries and a week or significantly more may need to be added to the normal expected delivery times. Our apologies for the inconvenience this delay will cause.
April 2nd 2010: VeloSolo shop currently closed for Easter holidays
IMPORTANT: the VeloSolo is now closed for orders until Sunday 18th April. The shop is available for viewing but it is not possible to place orders.
During this period we will be unable to deal with enquiries but if your query relates to a delayed parcel please see the shipping page for full details. In 99% of cases we find the delay is due to the postal authorities having the parcel sitting in their office. Please check that the local postal sorting office is not holding your shipment on account of a failure to deliver. Royal Mail insist on allowing 15 working days for UK parcels and 25 days for international deliveries. If your query relates to an item you would like to return please hold on to the item and we will process all requests upon our return.
If your query relates to a recent website or eBay order and you do not appear to have an email acknowledgment please can you check the email address you have registered with Paypal. This is where we always send a personal email to the registered buyer following the purchase and detailing dispatch of order and other details - if not there please check spam and junk folders too! We often find that certain webmail accounts (hotmail, gmail etc) reject our email. We do not use ebay's own messaging systems etc for confirming orders. If received by 1pm all order are dispatched the same working day. However, please do not hesitate to email if you have further queries and all will be dealt with promptly upon our return. Many thanks from VeloSolo.
March 17th 2010: VeloSolo shop will be closed for Easter holidays
IMPORTANT: the VeloSolo shop will be closed for approximately two weeks from Friday 2nd April. The last day for placing an order will be 10am Thursday morning 1st April. After this date the shop will be available for viewing but it will not be possible to place orders.
During this period we will be unable to deal with enquiries but all will be dealt with promptly upon our return. Please place orders before this date to avoid possible delays and disappointment! Many thanks from VeloSolo.
March 15th 2010: VS Polished chainring bargains...
We have a number of polished VeloSolo road and MTB chainrings at £10 off normal prices. These have been added to the samples page - please click here for more.
March 11th 2010: Oury grips, brake levers, headset tools
All colours of Oury grips are now back in stock including the chocolate varieties. Also in are BBB headset spanners and Tektro RL726 RH brake levers.
February 21st 2010: Paul in Dorset writes...
Hi, thanks for the items. The (lovely) bits will be going on a new Mercian single speed frame that should be with me in a couple of months. I’ve attached a picture of the ‘ring which will be going on a NOS 1973 Dura Ace crank – some might say it’s sacrilege, but it’s a beautiful vintage item and the VS ‘ring is just perfect for what will be a real retro-build. I’m super-impressed with the quality of the ‘ring. Also a picture of the crank before I took the road ‘rings off (Lord knows how someone could’ve lived with a 54t/44t set up in those days!).
February 18th 2010: Velo saddle, toe straps, cables
We have a new saddle in stock within a few days (see shop) in the classic rivetted style (edit: now in stock). Also some new budget toe straps and some white brake cables at last.
February 16th 2010: VS polished chainrings in today
We now have in stock VeloSolo polished chainrings in both road/track and mountain bike sizes. Please see the shop for details. Photos of the MTB rings will be added shortly [edit - pics now up].
February 9th 2010: Stock update
Some popular items back in stock as of today. These include Kalloy KL stems in 60mm and 80mm lengths, Izumi chains in 1/8" and Tange bottom brackets in 103mm.
February 2nd 2010: VS chainrings in stock - new pictures
Pictures of the anodized road chainrings are now up in the shop. We also have some new pictures of the polished rings on the same page although stock of these is not expected for a short while yet.
February 1st 2010: VeloSolo chainrings are now in stock!
We are very happy to announce we finally have initial stocks of anodized road/track and MTB singlespeed chainrings (polished coming soon). We are really pleased with the finish on these and at last can offer a matching UK made front and rear drivetrain. As per spec in the shop these are all machined from 4mm aircraft grade heat-treated 7075-T6 aluminium alloy, lots of choices available in BCD, width, size etc. Full details in this section of the shop.
Photos up now of the MTB rings and 'large logo' type road rings - the 'traditional' road rings with cut-outs will be photographed this week.
January 20th 2010: Double toe clips, straps, NJS chain etc.
Some new items in the shop this week including double toe clips and matching leather double straps. Also a single strap in the same black leather, a new NJS certified track chain and Stronglight bottom brackets.
January 14th 2010: VeloSolo MTB chainrings.
Very soon we will have stock but photos of the finished anodized MTB singlespeed chainrings are now in the shop. Polished and road ring pics coming soon.
January 2nd 2010: VeloSolo shop now open again.
The VeloSolo shop is now open again following the Christmas break with first orders shipping on Monday 4th January.
December 18th 2009: VeloSolo Christmas holiday closures
Coming to the end of 2009 it's time to say a huge thank you to all our customers for your support throughout the past year and to wish you all a very peaceful and enjoyable Christmas and New Year. Our last day of dispatching orders in 2009 will be the 23rd December re-opening on the 2nd January. During this period the shop will be open for 'viewing' but you will not be able to place orders. Note: 2nd January is a Saturday so orders placed 2nd/3rd will be dispatched Monday 4th January. We will of course continue to deal with all enquiries and emails at the earliest opportunity. Once again thank you from VeloSolo and happy riding in 2010.
December 15th 2009: Disc Cogs back in stock
We are pleased to have all sizes of Disc Cogs back in stock again and available for delivery immediately.
December 10th 2009: VeloSolo Squeeze bars and Token pedals
We now have all Squeeze bar sizes and colours back in stock except for 25.4mm gold/silver. Also back in today are Token track pedals complete with clips and straps.
December 7th 2009: Photos of new Token products
All Token is now up to date with pics of chainsets, chainrings and new bottom brackets now in the shop.
December 6th 2009: VeloSolo chainrings
Once again we must apologise for the continuing delays with bringing these to market. We fully expected to have all variations in stock back in September but achieving the required quality of consistent finish (both anodizing and polishing) has proved difficult thus far. Machining is one thing but for plating we rely on other companies and numerous samples continue to go back and forth. Until we can achive the finish we need the chainrings will unfortunately not be available.
December 4th 2009: all Token products now back in stock
Pleased to say we have just had a huge delivery from Token with all items back in stock again (except pedals). This includes Token track hubs, cogs, lockrings as well as brand new lines including track chainsets and chainrings. We are now stocking cassette/singlespeed lockrings in Campag pattern as well as Shimano.
New colours in grips and jockey wheels too. Probably most impressive are the new bottom brackets with a superb spec for the price. Photos of new items should be up next week but all in stock as of today.
November 26th 2009: Bristol fixed gear race
Down in the Bristol area there is a large and fast growing fixed wheel scene. On December 12th the Santa Cruise race is taking place in the city centre organised by local riders - check this link for more.
November 17th 2009: stock update and Token
A few items back in stock this week including 42cm Nitto Bullhorns, Sugino BB's and Dia Compe 188 brake levers. A big Token Delivery is on the way too with old favourites as well as some new products.
November 15th 2009: New VeloSolo cut-down riser bars in stock this week
Yes, at long last we have cut-down risers back again. For full details please see the bar section of the shop. Briefly these are NOS mountain bike risers that have been professionally cut down by our UK engineers with 'factory finish' chamfered ends inside and out. Available in black or polished finish with VeloSolo laser engraved logo. Width is 40cm and ideal for city, urban or commuting use. Stiff, strong, dependable bars.
November 9th 2009: Shop closed this Friday (13th Nov)
Please note that the VeloSolo shop will be closed this coming Friday - orders placed by 1pm Thursday will ship the same day as normal. Orders placed after this time will ship on Monday 16th. All enquiries and orders after 1pm Thursday will be acknowledged by Monday morning at the latest.
November 8th 2009: Dicta track cogs, Zenith quill stems
A couple more new items in the shop. Budget Dicta steel track cogs - very affordable at £5.95 and a new two bolt quill stem from Zenith.
November 6th 2009: Campagnolo NOS Super Record Toe Clips
These are a rare find from a dusty corner of a supplier's warehouse. Super Record toe clips from Campag's top groupset and complete in beautiful original boxes dating from the early 1980's. We have a limited supply in two sizes, please see the pedal section of the shop for more info.
November 5th 2009: New items in stock; tools, new cogs, stems, bars etc...
Quite a few new parts available in the shop this week. The very popular Kalloy KL stems are now available in black alongside the regular polished. A new bull-horn bar is in too. We have a new supply of Shimano singlespeed lockrings at last - the lovely XT version. On the tool side we are pleased to have a new Dicta freewheel tool and a superb new chain whip/lockring tool. The Rivoli Pro chain tools are now in stock. Some pics below but all photos in the various shop sections as usual.
October 29th 2009: New three day UK postal strike from today
Unfortunately, as per last week there is further industrial action taking place within the UK postal system. Three days of strikes are taking place and will of course create significant delays to the postal service. As before we can only apologise for the inevitable inconvenience this will cause to our customers.
Like many small businesses we are at Royal Mail's mercy and powerless to speed things up. Please be aware that orders may take a lot longer to arrive than normal while the dispute continues - this will now affect the UK nationally as well as potentially affecting international deliveries.
Please see this Royal Mail link for updates.
October 26th 2009: Stock update
We now have VeloSolo M10 solid axles back in stock in both sizes. We are pleased therfore to also have converted M756 hubs available again. Also in are a limited number of VS tees in large sizes - both designs/colours available. Shimano XT lockrings are back in too (for singlespeed conversions). MKS half clips are available again but in the 'deep' version only at present. Other recent additons include Onza 3/32" chains and Rivoli 'Pro' series chain tools.
October 19th 2009: Postal strikes and London delays - update
As reported in the news there is a full blown postal strike on the way this week, beginning Thursday. This is a step beyond the random localised strikes of recent weeks that have caused so many problems particularly in the London area with many customers reporting delayed parcels by as much as two weeks. Once again we can only apologise for the chaotic state of the postal service and the problems it is causing.
Like many small businesses we are at Royal Mail's mercy and powerless to speed things up. Please be aware that orders may take a lot longer to arrive than normal while the dispute continues (this may now affect areas other than London as well as international deliveries). We are told that measures are in place to minimise the disruption so hopefully orders will not be too badly affected.
Please see this Royal Mail link for updates.
Please note: we will not be dispatching any orders on Friday 23rd October. All orders placed by 1pm Thursday will ship Thursday. Orders placed after this time will be sent on the following Monday, 27th October. In addition we will not be able to acknowledge orders or answer emails between Thursday afternoon and Sunday afternoon when normal service will be resumed!
October 11th 2009: First pics of VS chainrings
At last a few grab shots of the new VeloSolo chainrings, these are polished production samples of a 144/46 and a 135/48. Full details of spec on the chainset page. The first batch is made but they are still to be anodized/polished and engraved. Looks like we will do black ano and gold ano in addition to polished for both road and mountain bike rings. Silver ano was going to be an option but the polished rings are so attractive in comparison we plan to drop silver. Pics on a screen are OK but mounted on a chainset and held in the hand they are really lovely. They are polished both sides, including all the inside faces of the bore and cut-outs.
October 9th 2009: New Oury's, SR stems, Sugino BB's
We have some new Oury colours now in stock. Also available are some NOS SR quill stems and a few Sugino 'loose ball' bottom brackets.
October 9th 2009: Shoreditch Bike Company stocking VS products
If you are in London please pop along to the Old Street area to check out the Shoreditch Bike Company who are now stocking a selection of VeloSolo parts. You can check out more on SBC here or email them at shoreditchbikeco@live.com for more info.
September 23rd 2009: New photos in the shop.
At last we have all the recent arrivals photographed including the Andel (S*rly) singlespeed cogs, new colours in VeloSolo track cogs, Soyo SV grips, BRS polished brakes, Zenith toe-straps and Kalloy KL short stems. Please see the various shop sections for more.
September 22nd 2009: Token and toe-straps
We have just received a Token delivery with most combinations of CNC lockrings now back in stock. Also on the delivery are Token 16t track cogs and 1" threaded headsets.
We are down to the very last pairs of Christophe toe-straps and these will be a finished line. As a replacement we now have in stock some very attractive Zenith leather straps, basically these are a copy of the MKS Spirit straps but at a more affordable price.
September 16th 2009: All Disc Cogs back in stock, new Track cogs, stock updates...
We are pleased to finally have all Disc cog sizes back in stock including the elusive 16t. Also in today are brand new colours of our own UK Track cogs with a new engraving design too, sizes 16t, 17t and 18t in 1/8" width only.
The Lasco chainsets are now in stock and pictured in the shop. Other additions include bottom bracket/crank bolts in two types, VP516 pedals in black or silver and Velox puncture kits. Please see the shop for pics.
Still waiting on VeloSolo chainrings and riser bars - we could blame delivery schedules, summer holidays, tool making delays, engineers being sick but that would just be making excuses...!
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