2 for 1

There are moments, moments where the stars align and greatness shines through. Often through adversity and hard work, sometimes through a chain of 'random' events. This neither of those: the JBolt '...because we ride' photo shoot.

A simple equation: 1977 Ford E-250 van + a Milwaukee track frame X (eerily similar paint scheme + Thin Lizzy playing the background) = greatness.

Sure, first and foremost we love bikes. We ride bikes. But a van with this vintage, with this much character and a recliner in the back we couldn't help but highlight both. Today I give you, JBolt's write up on them both:

I got this bike a little over a year ago on a trade deal between Velocity and the fine folks at Milwaukee/Ben’s. I wanted a light, American made, fast, cool looking bike to zip around town on. Also, they made it in the Blatz brown and gold colorway which was the biggest selling point as Blatz is the finest American beer of all time (and hard to find in Grand Rapids). The picture of the bike is in front of my 1977 Ford E-250. They are pretty much the same paint job and both are total badass modes of transport.

Milwaukee Orange One frame/fork 62cm
Sugino Crank/Ring/B.B.
Brooks saddle
Easton Post
No name stem, bars, and pedals from the Freewheeler junkyard.
Continental Tires

The wheels on this are my favorite part. They are a classic example of “having cool stuff at your disposal and a bit of time after hours”. The front is a one of a kind black and mirror flake Deep-V modified crow’s foot laced to the Velocity Hollow Axle track hub. The rear is a Bronze Deep-V snowflake laced to a one off proto-type track hub made right here in Michigan by our good buds over at Aerospoke. That hub is by far my favorite part of the bike.

Adam also asked that I give a small write up of the van as-well. It’s a ’77 E-250 ¾ ton. I got this little lady for $900 off of Craigslist not too long ago. It came with the green faux leather recliner and foot stool, custom carpet from floor to ceiling (including the inside door panels), built in cabinets, and up to date stereo system housed inside the coffee table. It also came with a tee shirt with a picture of the van on it…. I’ve never been one to get all chubbed out by cars, but I love a good van. I love this van.