London Fixed-gear and Single-speed - Classifieds & Shopping - For Sale: Plum Vainqueur 53-55cm columbus Track frame with forks, stem, post & headset

velonoir · 8th July 2009

For sale is my much loved vintage Plum(e) Vainqueur Track racing frame. Plum is a very long established bike shop in Ghent, Belgium who had their own frames built (so I believe) by Torpado in Italy. Plum’s track frames were constructed with Columbus tubing and Campagnolo track-ends, though in this case I am unsure of the lugs, possibly a mix of cinelli and nervex but that’s just a guess. It’s a proper track frame, no braze-ons, brake mounts or bottle bolts etc though has enough clearance that you can get a 28c tyre in the back if desired. With the right chain length you can get the rear wheel right into the seat-tube if you’re after that look.

Sizing is quite unusual. It is a 53CM centre-top but the top-tube is 55cm centre-centre. As a result it is a little longer than an average 53cm frame so would accommodate a larger rider. Sadly I’m a short-arse and just got a great deal on a 52 which is basically what I needed all along so this is for sale.

I had the frame powder coated as the paint was quite tatty looking when I got it (see pics) and I felt that an enamel paint finish would chip too easily for a practical bike. This was carried out by ESP coatings in Glasgow in a Black “sparkle” finish. In truth the sparkle is quite subdued and not that noticeable unless it is sunny. The frame has had about 2 years use since being coated so does have the numerous small marks and scuffs from being locked up etc which are seen close up but no major scratches and no dents. In farness having asked the coater to ensure the frame was ovened at the lowest possible temperature (to avoid melting the braze) and also to put on as thick a coat as possible (for durability) there is some slight unevenness in the coating on the undersides of the top and down tubes, though not visible unless the frame is being inspected closely.

The only minor problem is that the seat binder bolt had been overtightened by someone in the past, presumably to fit a smaller than ideal seatpost, resulting in minor damage to the seat-lug-split area. This is not something you can see unless you are really looking and is only a very minor aesthetic issue as the seat-binder clamps the seat post absolutely fine. I’ve only mentioned these issues as I want to be completely clear on everything to avoid misleading anyone.

Unfortunately the original chrome flat crown track fork that the bike came with was in my old car when it was stolen, the frame was in the Powder Coaters at the time and the fork was going to go and be re-chromed...a piece of bad luck that still gives me that “kicked up the arse” feeling to this day. As a result this frame comes with a Time Millennium threadless 1” carbon fork instead. Though the frame is vintage I ended up going with a pretty modern build and running a front brake.

Also included in the price is a very smooth Cane Creek S-2 cartridge bearing headset RRP£40, Bontrager Select stem £15 (Quite short with steep drop) and a brand-new Alpina aluminium seatpost £15. The frame will come with a seat binder bolt although none is pictured. I have some chrome tange threaded forks I’ll chuck in for an extra £10 if desired as they will take a mud-guard.

I’m looking for £185 plus postage (can be collected in Glasgow) for this lot. The last Plum track frame went on ebay for £330 though I appreciate it was in original trim with decals and original fork I think my price reflects a pretty good deal given the parts included http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&it em=170344652875

If you need any other bits and bobs like a saddle I can probably throw something in. Any questions, or after more detailed pics at all just PM or email me – doogyscoot at hot mail dot com

When I got it originally

Built a while ago

Frame as it is now, and as you will get it!

Sorry for the long ad...

8th July 2009	#1
velonoir Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 426 Friends: 3 Location: Glasgow	Plum Vainqueur 53-55cm columbus Track frame with forks, stem, post & headset For sale is my much loved vintage Plum(e) Vainqueur Track racing frame. Plum is a very long established bike shop in Ghent, Belgium who had their own frames built (so I believe) by Torpado in Italy. Plum’s track frames were constructed with Columbus tubing and Campagnolo track-ends, though in this case I am unsure of the lugs, possibly a mix of cinelli and nervex but that’s just a guess. It’s a proper track frame, no braze-ons, brake mounts or bottle bolts etc though has enough clearance that you can get a 28c tyre in the back if desired. With the right chain length you can get the rear wheel right into the seat-tube if you’re after that look. Sizing is quite unusual. It is a 53CM centre-top but the top-tube is 55cm centre-centre. As a result it is a little longer than an average 53cm frame so would accommodate a larger rider. Sadly I’m a short-arse and just got a great deal on a 52 which is basically what I needed all along so this is for sale. I had the frame powder coated as the paint was quite tatty looking when I got it (see pics) and I felt that an enamel paint finish would chip too easily for a practical bike. This was carried out by ESP coatings in Glasgow in a Black “sparkle” finish. In truth the sparkle is quite subdued and not that noticeable unless it is sunny. The frame has had about 2 years use since being coated so does have the numerous small marks and scuffs from being locked up etc which are seen close up but no major scratches and no dents. In farness having asked the coater to ensure the frame was ovened at the lowest possible temperature (to avoid melting the braze) and also to put on as thick a coat as possible (for durability) there is some slight unevenness in the coating on the undersides of the top and down tubes, though not visible unless the frame is being inspected closely. The only minor problem is that the seat binder bolt had been overtightened by someone in the past, presumably to fit a smaller than ideal seatpost, resulting in minor damage to the seat-lug-split area. This is not something you can see unless you are really looking and is only a very minor aesthetic issue as the seat-binder clamps the seat post absolutely fine. I’ve only mentioned these issues as I want to be completely clear on everything to avoid misleading anyone. Unfortunately the original chrome flat crown track fork that the bike came with was in my old car when it was stolen, the frame was in the Powder Coaters at the time and the fork was going to go and be re-chromed...a piece of bad luck that still gives me that “kicked up the arse” feeling to this day. As a result this frame comes with a Time Millennium threadless 1” carbon fork instead. Though the frame is vintage I ended up going with a pretty modern build and running a front brake. Also included in the price is a very smooth Cane Creek S-2 cartridge bearing headset RRP£40, Bontrager Select stem £15 (Quite short with steep drop) and a brand-new Alpina aluminium seatpost £15. The frame will come with a seat binder bolt although none is pictured. I have some chrome tange threaded forks I’ll chuck in for an extra £10 if desired as they will take a mud-guard. I’m looking for £185 plus postage (can be collected in Glasgow) for this lot. The last Plum track frame went on ebay for £330 though I appreciate it was in original trim with decals and original fork I think my price reflects a pretty good deal given the parts included http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&it em=170344652875 If you need any other bits and bobs like a saddle I can probably throw something in. Any questions, or after more detailed pics at all just PM or email me – doogyscoot at hot mail dot com When I got it originally Built a while ago Frame as it is now, and as you will get it! Sorry for the long ad... Last edited by velonoir; 9th July 2009 at 06:34.
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