1984 Ibis Custom
Very early on in the history of Ibis Cycles, founder Scot Nicol saw the virtues of TIG-welded bicycle construction: light and fast with a small heat-effected zone. Perhaps only his first dozen bikes were built with the more traditional method of fillet-brazing, as taught to him by Joe Breeze and others. Surprisingly, this example, with a serial number which appears to be 50 and is certainly one of the first 100 Ibis bikes built, features fillet-brazed construction. As was common with the earliest Ibis Customs, the rear stays are nickel plated. However, other features such as the uni-crown fork, tapered stays, and split cable guides are more indicative of Ibis bikes from the late 80s, such as the harlequin Ibis in the collection. In any case, the fillets on this bike are small and the frame incorporates a substantial sleeve at the bottom of the seat tube and a minimal ring at the top. The hubs are Ibis-modified Hi-E, following a riveting method developed by Charlie Cunningham which allows the bearings to be serviced without unlacing the wheel. The stem clamps to a stud brazed into the top of the fork steerer, with a motorcycle cable noodle to route the front brake.
The Build
Year: 1984
S/N: 050 Frame: Ibis Custom Fork: Ibis Unicrown Stem: Ibis Direct Mount Headset: Specialized Sealed Bearing Bottom Bracket: Cartridge Bearing Handlebar: Tuf-Neck Alloy Riser Shifters: Suntour Power Thumbshifter Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT M700 Rear Derailleur: Suntour ARX Brake Levers: Magura Motorcycle "Shortie" Front Brake: Shimano Deore XT M700 Rear Brake: Suntour Rollercam Crankset: Suntour Touring Chainrings: Specialized Sugino 26-36-46 Pedals: Shimano PD-MX15 Hubs: Hi-E Ibis Modified Rims: Ambrosio Durex Tires: Specialized Stumpjumper Wheel QR: Suntour Seatpost: SR Laprade Saddle: Ariake Jaguar II Seatpost QR: Suntour Grips: Magura Pow-R-Grip Chain: Sachs Cogs: Shimano 600 Freewheel Bottle Cage: Specialized |
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