Advice: John Hollands frames

[tsarpepe]

In a local bikeshop, I came across a well-preserved John Hollands frameset from the late 1980s. I have never heard of this builder. Just by first impression, the frameset showcases masterful work. Has anyone ridden a Hollands? Any information about these frames will be greatly appreciated.

[palincss]

http://www.classicrendezvous.com/USA/Hollands_frames.htm

[thwart]

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=77068

and mine...

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=29810&highlight=hollands

Very good stuff.

[tsarpepe]

Yes, I did find John's web page, but this can hardly be called informative.

[tsarpepe]

thwart, would you elaborate on the "good stuff" remark?

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=77068

and mine...

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=29810&highlight=hollands

Very good stuff.

[thwart]

Bring out the superlatives...

Well crafted, beautiful, stiff yet smooth, all-day ride. One of the best steel bikes I've ridden. If mine had a longer head tube it'd be near-perfect, and that's only because of my own musculoskeletal shortcomings. The '87 for sale above is fairly priced, I'd say.

Did I leave anything out? ;)

[Dekonick]

Pbbob (forum member) has one. Nice frame!

From what I remember his frames were highly regarded locally - I haven't ridden one so can't say, but the one I have seen was nice.

[tsarpepe]

Thanks, thwart!

Bring out the superlatives...

Well crafted, beautiful, stiff yet smooth, all-day ride. One of the best steel bikes I've ridden. If mine had a longer head tube it'd be near-perfect, and that's only because of my own musculoskeletal shortcomings. The '87 for sale above is fairly priced, I'd say.

Did I leave anything out? ;)

[sashae]

The '87 for sale above is mine, I've also got a later frame of his that was built as a "fast commuter/light tourer" -- rack brazeons front and rear but no fender mounts, Columbus EL-OS, very quick handling. Fantastic rider, really love his bikes.

John's actually quietly building frames again, apparently. I spoke to some folks at the Westminster, MD swap in February that know him and say that he's building a few bikes occasionally, but not as many as he used to. He was making marimba tubes for some time as a diversion. Larry Black of Mt. Airy Cycles in MD knows him well, and could likely put you in touch if so inclined.

My commuter:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2581/4077123088_1a9af77120_b.jpg

[zap]

I met John at local races in the late 80's when he was putting frames together part time. A year or two later John was brazing full time. Nice man and I remember his steel frames were highly regarded. I might have an old Bicycling article featuring one of his frames.

I also met the fellow (name?-al framebuilder based in Rockville, MD) who built aluminium frames for John in the 90's. Local racers used the al frames for a short period. I can't remember if the aluminum frames had anything to do with him closing shop. I recall that both disappeared around the same time.

[pbbob]

Pbbob (forum member) has one. Nice frame!

From what I remember his frames were highly regarded locally - I haven't ridden one so can't say, but the one I have seen was nice.


two actually! :)
but this weekend it's the desalvo 10th anniversary in the booty 24 hour ride!

[avalonracing]

I also met the fellow (name?-al framebuilder based in Rockville, MD) who built aluminium frames for John in the 90's. Local racers used the al frames for a short period. I can't remember if the aluminum frames had anything to do with him closing shop. I recall that both disappeared around the same time.

I don't know if it was the same guy but there was a builder out of Rockville making aluminum bikes under the name of Outback. They were very light and ridden successfully by some local teams but I did see more than a couple with "issues".

As for the steel Hollands bikes, very nice. John is a good guy too.

[zap]

That's it-Outback.