1989 Brodie Romax
Canadian Paul Brodie started out as a young adult working in machine shops, driving cabs, and ripping around on modified motorcycles before building his first frame in 1983. From there Paul would go on to build the first 113 mountain bike frames supplied to Rocky Mountain before starting his own business known as Brodie Bikes in 1986. Noted for his sloping toptube frames and bolt-together Gatorblade forks, Paul would enter into an ill-fated partnership with The Bicycle Group, or TBG, to market his bikes in North America. Many mountain bikers south of the Canadian border would learn about Brodie Bikes from TBG ads in Mountain Bike Action that also featured Merlin Metal Works and Kona. The Romax was the top model in the Brodie lineup, with a finely finished, fillet-brazed frame. This example is especially unique for having one of the first 25 Gatorblade forks, which had curved and tapered legs. Later forks had straight legs of constant diameter, with the fork rake accomplished entirely at the crown. Besides the TBG sticker on the seat tube, this bike is also marked with "The Art Dept" which was the paint shop at Brodie Bikes run by Art Tyler. The bike is a solid performer with well-mannered, all-day ride characteristics. The ride of the curved Gatorblade fork is reminiscent of the Cunningham Type I, which has a stiff crown and compliant legs. In recent times, Paul has been sharing his frame building expertise at frame building schools and through on-line videos. He recently published the book "Paul Brodie, The Man Behind the Bikes" which is an inside look at the struggles of a frame building business during a time of rapid growth in the industry.
The Build
Year: 1989
S/N: 911 Frame: Brodie Romax Fork: Brodie Gatorblade Stem: Brodie Fillet Headset: Shimano Deore XT Bottom Bracket: Bullseye Sealed Bearing Handlebar: True Temper Steel Shifters: Shimano Deore XT M732 Thumbshifters Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT M735 Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT M735 Brake Levers: Shimano Deore XT M733 Front Brake: Shimano Deore XT M732 Cantilever Rear Brake: Shimano Deore XT M730 U-Brake Crankset: Bullseye Chainrings: Shimano Suntour 24-36-46 Pedals: Suntour XC Compe w/ WTB Toe Flips Hubs: Shimano Deore XT M730/M732 Rims: Ritchey Vantage Comp Tires: Panaracer Smoke 2.1 Wheel QR: Shimano Deore XT Seatpost: Shimano Deore XT Saddle: Selle Italia Turbo Seatpost QR: Shimano Deore XT Grips: Oury Cogs: Shimano Hyperglide Chain: Shimano HG Brake Booster: Brodie |
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