• I have just picked up this 1950's (est 1952) Rivetts Of Leytonstone.
    http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/rivetts.html
    The frame has Nervex Professional lugs but as far as original parts go that's it

    This was refurbished in the 80s and built with top quality kit from that time.
    The Campagnolo brakes (Gran Sport deep drop calipers and Nuovo Record levers with Modolo anatomic gum hoods) are NOS. The 3TTT stem and Superleggero bars are new, as is probably the Tange headset

    Thankfully the headbadge remains, I should think they are quite rare. I haven't found many other examples from this bike shop online.

    Dura Ace first generation high flange hubs on Saturae C20 clinchers.

    TA Chainset and Stronglight Competition BB, I put the MKS track pedals on there.

    Came with Le Concor and Sakae seat post

    There has been speculation that this is a Road frame that has had track ends fitted. I don't believe that. Reading the history provided by Terry Drury, Frame builder at Rivetts,
    http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/drury.html
    Terry says the track frames were built with rounded forks which this has.

    Anyway here's the dropout and i don't see any obvious brazing marks (the gold bit is paint i think, which is admittedly odd) The dropout shape is not something i've seen before.

    And the detail that really sold the bike to me, epic flap.

    Changes i plan to make

    1. Swap Concor for Brooks
    2. Swap seatpost for...tbh Sakae one is quite nice
    3. Shorter Stem of 100mm instead of 120mm, 3TTT would be nice so i can keep the Superleggero bars, or just change both for Cinelli.
    4. Gumwall tyres probably Pasela 23 or 25
    5. Going to try to have some decals made up as it feels bare

    6. There is the option to change everything for original 50's parts, e.g It is built for 27" wheels i think and the DA are 700C. But it looks good. Normally i'd hate the idea of 700's on a 50's bike but i really like how this bike has been very sympathetically restored and rebuilt. That's rare for me as i always try to build with period parts.

    This bike is for me to ride though so i'd be happy with just the few changes.
    Definitely keeping the mudguards

    looking for any ideas

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