Bicycle restoration can be a very rewarding experience, but sometimes it’s better to hand the job to a professional and let them deal with the potential grief that may ensue. When the bicycle in question holds a vast amount of sentimental value, a skilled restorer should provide every assurance that the final result will return the memories and pleasure that age and the elements have taken away.
Alexandra Strickland at Melbourne’s Pony Bikes must have been a bit wary of accepting the challenge that this Rondell presented. While it looked like a cross between a dumpster find and a basket case, it also represented the blood, sweat and tears of Victorian Ken Comley’s racing career during the 50s. Rondell is a combination of the first and last names of the builder, Ron Blundell. Ron was a frame builder in Melbourne on Sydney road in Brunswick who, as was the wont of the time, contracted their services to various shops. While Ron was building for Bates Cycles, this was a rare frame that was branded with his own name.
The paint restoration was completed by Steve at Sun Graphics, who faithfully reproduced the down tube decal, and Sasha did a stellar job of cleaning and replacing the required parts. Ken Comley, now in his 80s, was moved to tears when he saw the finished bike, a true testament to the work that Pony Bikes is capable of. You can contact Sasha through her website.
