Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Jim Bundy #racklyf

Jim Bundy #racklyf

The 2014 Sydney Classic Bicycle Show was held in March which, including the customary sticky heat that accompanies that date, seems like a lifetime ago, especially now, in August, when Sydney is in the middle of a month-long thunderstorm. One of the bikes that graced the concourse was this vintage track frame, converted to an around-towner, built by an iconic Aussie builder: Jim Bundy.

Jim Bundy #racklyf
Jim Bundy #racklyf

The Bundy name is well known among Australian cyclists, young and old. Jim, now in his 80s, specialized in reliable track bikes for many club racers and pros, a tradition carried on by his son, Peter. This frame was built between 1960 and 1970 by Jim from the lesser-known Falck tubing — a brand more commonly seen in Europe. A few sets, however, obviously made it to Australia.

Jim Bundy #racklyf
Jim Bundy #racklyf

The new owner of this Bundy is a Sydney connoisseur named George Kollias, who is passionate about the Bundy family and this bike. He contracted Greg Softley at Cyclomondo, an expert in replica decals, to supply the Falck, and had Peter Bundy fill in the oil port on the bottom bracket shell before sending it off for paint by Star Enamel who, as always, did a stellar job.

Jim Bundy #racklyf
Jim Bundy #racklyf

It’s a real legacy to have had both Bundys work on the same frame, so to commemorate, George had stickers made for the inner chainstays: ‘Bundy x Bundy’ and #fromthegarageofbundy. The wheelset has come full circle too, so to speak, it was originally Peter’s, who was an accomplished racer himself. They were located in Brisbane and brought back to Sydney by a collector.

Jim Bundy #racklyf
Jim Bundy #racklyf

George assembled the frame to be a functional daily rider rather than show pony, utilising a CETMA 5-rail rack for carting luggage and the occasional carton of beer. A smattering of Cinelli, Campagnolo and Suntour Superbe complete the ensemble. These days, however, it has reverted to its original purpose and can now be seen with it, whirling around the local velodrome.

Watch the journey using the #fromthegarageofbundy tag on Instagram and following @georgekgeorgek on Instagram.

Jim Bundy #racklyf