CCC Bike of the Month: A mysterious tandem
Posted by Jonathan Maus (Editor) on July 4th, 2008 at 10:05 am
This is a monthly feature to remind you that when you buy a used bike from the Community Cycling Center’s retail shop (1700 NE Alberta) you are not just getting a cool bike, you’re also helping fund their amazing education programs for low-income youth and adults.
(All photos courtesy CCC)
[The following was written by Breesa Culver of the CCC.]
The origins of this custom-built Lippy tandem are shrouded in mystery. We’ve only heard unverified rumors of its provenance. We’re not sure how this statuesque tandem fell into our possession but now we’re offering it to you just in time for the NW Tandem Rally.
David Kuch, Production Manager at the Community Cycling Center, says that it, “almost looks organic it’s so beautifully wrought.”
Its impeccable workmanship includes tubes that “flow” into one another.
Built for a tall couple, the captain seat’s stand over height is 88cm and the stoker seat’s stand over height is 84cm. It is a light weight, high performance class bicycle featuring DeoreXT derailleurs, Phil Wood sealed bearing hubs, and Shimano XTX cantilever brakes. It also has touring range gearing: a 7-speed rear cluster and triple crank set.
The custom paint job extends to the matching Silca pump.
What tall, graceful couple owned this gorgeous tandem? The only hints we have are the personalized top tubes that read, “Joei” and “Loren.”
Easily worth upwards of $3,000, we’re offering this gorgeous tandem for $1,250.
If you have any questions, please call the shop at 503-287-8786.
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July 4th, 2008 11:31
Saw this yesterday and have never wanted a tandem so bad! The bike is absolutely striking! Good biking juju to the final buyer/s.
July 4th, 2008 13:31
Mr. Libby, the maker of Libby tandems was my middle school science teacher. He used to talk about how he started making bikes in his free time and now years later, I have seen three in the last month.
July 4th, 2008 13:32
Correction, *Lippy not Libby*
July 4th, 2008 18:13
I think I get what they are trying to go for in the tone of that article, but it just comes off as if they are speaking coyly about it being stolen.
July 5th, 2008 13:44
My husband is Keith Lippy. He is the builder of the "mysterious tandem:. It looks like the original paint job. Keith did his own paint jobs. If we have the frame number we might be able to give some data on when it was built. Thanks for the great comments. Keith has always been a meticulous craftsman.
July 5th, 2008 14:58
They've had the bike hanging in the back for years, I think that is why it is mysterious. Because no-one still works there from when it came int.
July 7th, 2008 10:59
Beautiful bike! I have a Lippy frame I use for my commuter/rain bike. It's gorgeous and a lovely ride. Pat, if I send a picture of it and can find an s/n of some sort, could I get more info about it? Is it true that Keith was a builder for Masi-California years ago? He is certainly an amazing craftsman.
July 7th, 2008 11:50
Thanks for the positive comments! It really is so gorgeous -- the photos do not do it justice. Pat, the number noted as the serial on the inventory tag is L287.
July 7th, 2008 12:24
The bike was built @1990-1992. The original owner's name is Loren Erickson.
I used to work on it for him from time to time at the Bike Gallery.
I would have to hope that a bike that was once so treasured by its owner reached the CCC through legitimate channels.
July 18th, 2008 18:21
Hello, Just came upon your post googling. I have a lippy which was custom made for a racer in Colorado.It was built in the early 1980s. Would love to learn more about the bike and the history of the builder.Any info is appreciated.
August 28th, 2008 19:54
i am trying to reach keith lippy, a grade school [first boy] friend. ANY help is greatly appreciated.
deidra C.