Search results for:

Thanks, Nikica.

I'll give the tubes a ping when I get in tonight.

Pretty sure the BB is English. It's a 68 mm shell. I haven't taken it out yet (came with the frame). But, I think I should be able to tell by the direction of threading on one side or the other.

Thanks again

Thank you, Shipwright.

I'll give them a go. It may be a long shot. But, they might have some more ideas, even if it isn't one of theirs. As I've said somewhere, if all else fails, I could always just get some Scooby Doo stickers...

I've got a lot of terminology to learn! Fastback, shot in...

But, I have learned how helpful people are on this forum - and also that the frame builders are very forthcoming with information.

Cheers. More posts as I learn new things...

OK, I'm going to see if I can see this thread through to completion this time. My BSA Javelin build thread ( https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/223880/#comment12209199 )stopped before the money shot! And, I completely failed to catalogue and upload my Peugeot Yale build.

So, this is the starting point of my build. An unidentified, but promising looking steel frame. I bought it on the basis of the word "lightweight". I don't really have any reference point to say whether it is or not. It's 3.1 kg cw BB, forks and headset. I popped it up on the "Any idea what this is?" forum ( https://www.lfgss.com/comments/13527475/ ). But, no takers there. However, @ssswinton has been really helpful in pointing toward an era.

Basically, it is steel. Some decals say 531 (but, those could just be optimistic add-ons!). It's thin walled (27.2 mm seat post required) and lugless. That's as much as I know. From my conversations with @ssswinton, it could be from the 80s. So, I am aiming at a fairly period build - don't have the budget to be too precious. I'm going down the Shimano route - 600/tricolore brakes and gears at the moment, depending on what I can source and what fits. (chainset, brakes, levers, derailleurs, pedals on their way - thanks @ssswinton and cybernck ).

The main sticking point could be the rear wheel. I have a nice Ambrosio (Durex) wheel set from a previous build. The front will be fine. But, the rear is built on a Maillard track hub. I want to go gears with this build, ideally, 7 of them, i.e. 2x7 speed. So, I need to source a 122 mm 7-speed hub (cassette preferably). Any pointers / advice on that would be most appreciated.

Fortunately, I have a Cinelli bar (42 cm Giro) and 110 mm stem (XA, I think) from "shed stock". So, that will go on, probably with black bar tape, unless I can find a matching (properly matching, not close) green. Stem is missing the Cinelli badge from the front, if anyone knows where to get a replacement - I thought I'd seen them somewhere, but that memory has vanished into the ether!

Not sure which way to go on the saddle. I have a stripped down Selle Italia SLR in the shed. OK for short distances. But, anything over an hour on that requires some serious "downstairs" pampering!

So, this is the start. Let's see how the twists and turns of the Mystery Machine build go...

Mike, I've loved reading your thread. Fantastic to find out so much about your bike, the history of Jim Guard and his bike shop and reading your build back up with period kit. I got so into it that you winning "best preserved" at Eroica brought a tear to my eye (sentimental old fool!). Keep on enjoying!

Hi, do you still have the Shimano 600 crank set by any chance?

Hi,

Did the cranks go to HHC? If not and HHC no longer interested, I am.

Cheers

Hi,

Just bought this frame. The chap I bought it off thought it was a Steve Elsworth frame. And, since he was a builder for MKM, I tried them, or at least the chap who runs the mkm-cycles.co.uk site. They deny any responsibility! Whilst MKM did produce lugless frames (The Ultimate), the frame number's wrong and they didn't have internal cable routing (in the top tube). So, I'm back to square one...

The frame number is 5207, with 97 stamped upside down to that. It has Reynolds 531 decals on the frame and forks. Of course, they may be incorrect later additions. But, given it has Campag drop outs front and rear, I'm optimistic that they're genuine. I have no idea whether the chrome work is original or not. I suspect that it has been resprayed - the transition between paint and chrome on the chain stays is not the best.

I'd love to find out what it is and what its original build was, so I can build it back up to somewhere near original. So, if any of you knowledgeable chaps and chapesses have any ideas, I'd love to hear them. I've got some other photos laying about, if it would help. Oh, and I can take more specific ones, since I actually own it!

Cheers

PS So, It seems that this could well be a 531 frame. It's definitely thin walled steel. And I've checked and confirmed that the forks match the frame (same frame number stamped on it). A few anomalies that have transpired. Internal cable routing and cable guides under the BB point toward late 80s, whereas the rear OLND is 122 mm, indicating a 5-speed hub. The mystery continues...

Thanks to @ssswinton for some kind assistance.

UPDATE: No, still no idea who built this frame. My latest ideas are that it could be a Philbrook or Roberts frame. They both built lugless and were a bit more experimental back in the day. The lugless frame, under-BB cable routing and 122 mm rear spacing are not so easy to find on one frame...
So, if anyone has any info on how to follow this up with either of these builders, or has any other bright ideas, I'm all ears!
Cheers

^^ The easiest way; I sourced cups with the same depth of thread as the originals.

Cunning!

Dibs on 32 handlebar / stem at front in pic (what make / model are they?), dependent on stem length. I'm after something in the region of 110-120 mm. Cheers.

Excellent. Both diameters of the stems (fork and handlebar), please.

What lengths and diameters are the stems?
Cheers

Thanks, chaps (I'm assuming 57Hawkes, you're a chap, given the comment!).

How did you overcome the BB cup issue, 57Hawkes? Or didn't you?

Phil, the flexibility of the rear triangle is helping me, in that I can be a mm or 10 out and still get the wheel in. The 6 mm spacers each side should help make sure there's no pre-stressing of the frame. I'm not planning on fitting original wheels, unless I stumble on a front. I'm happy with a mongrel!

Cheers

OK, it's been a while!

Lack of funds and time have mostly caused this hiatus. That and having lots of, erm, fun removing the seatpost!

So, progress since last time...

I finally managed to drill out the cotter pin. I tried everything else, but going medieval was the only option that worked. This process resulted in a trashed crank - well, it'll be difficult to use anyway. So, I am trying the build-a-BB route. I had an axle and bearings in my bits drawer, which was a bonus. Although, either my build technique or the parts are not quite right. There is a small amount of end float, which is annoying. It could be that I've not managed to tighten the cups up fully. At least, that's what I hope. The axle came from an old Falcon I had once. I replaced the BB on that with a cartridge type - much easier. I've got to get the headset replaced by my LBS (I don't have the tools). So, I might see if they can lose the float.

Which brings me onto the front end. I quickly discovered that the old Raleigh/BSAs have narrower hubs (90 mm?) than pretty much everything else. Or, certainly, anything I could find. So, I splashed out on a pair of Coppi forks. Their purple shininess is somewhat in contrast to the rest of the frame. But, hey. At least I've been able to find plenty of wheels and hubs that fit.

And, indeed, I've procured what seem to be a nice pair of Ambrosio Elite rims on Quattro and Maillard hubs (front & rear). They fit - nearly. The rear needs 6 mm of spacers either side to fit in between the chainstays without bending them too much. The rear came with a 17T gear, which may have to go. Though, I might wait until I've ridden it a bit before changing the gearing.

A decent KMC 1/8" chain is lying in wait in my bits drawer, ready for the day I feel brave enough to actually ride the bike! It'll connect the 17T rear gear to a 44T chainring. I've gone all aluminium-y on the front whirly bit, with a System-Ex crank. Not sure what these are like. But, I couldn't afford a Sugino!

Brakes seem to be one of my other conundrums. I'm having trouble landing a pair that fit properly. I think I might have finally found a rear that fits; a Weinemann of unknown vintage. The front is a more modern Shimano Exage. The Shimano Super SLR and Modolo wouldn't fit - screws the wrong length. I have a pair of Dia Compe brakes on their way, courtesy of eBay. And, I'm hoping these will fit. I'm sure I'll work something out with what I've got / will have. At some point, I'll have to make sure I've got cable to let me operate the brakes - always handy!

The brake levers will be attached to an ITM handlebar. Although, this might be a little on the wide side. It'll do for now, especially as it's winter and the extra control of a wide bar will be most welcome as the slipperiness increases its hold on our roads. A 3T stem bridges the gap between handlebar and frame, or at least will do once the headset has been fitted.

To stop me doing myself an injury on the crossbar, I've got a Selle Italia SLR saddle. Bit racy. But, it's cost me nothing. I may have to remove the cover, as it is already coming off. Still, gives me a chance to go all naked carbon. So...

The biggest problem on the whole bike so far has been the seatpost. I tried absolutely everything; used all the tools in my shed, including monkey wrench, vice, every type of "freeing" oi, everything. But, it wouldn't budge. I gave the frame to my LBS for two weeks. They couldn't budge it - not even by stabbing it with a screwdriver! So, in desperation, I gave it (and £50) to De Ver Cycles in Norbury. A week or so later, I was handed my frame back without the offending post, and no discernable heat damage - result!

In its place, I now have a Chinese knock off Truvativ aluminium post (greased, just in case you ask). Hopefully, this one won't get stuck!

So, I have nearly all the parts now to finish the bike. I just need time to find the time to fit them. When I've done so, I'll be back on to bask in the glory of having finished my very own first project. In the meantime, enjoy a couple of piccies of the journey so far.....

Dibs on Hatta HS, please.
It is a 1" threaded, yes? And, is that 20euro posted to UK?

You have PM :-)

Dibs on the brake levers, hoods, and brake, please.

I'm not sure whether this is the place to put this. But, this is the latest modification.

I am also building up an old BSA Javelin, which will probably end up on here (not exactly sparkling paintwork....), but that is taking far too long. So, since I can't cope with more than one gear for too long, I have single speeded my old Raleigh Air Max Pro with the results below....

I don't even know what HHSMTB stands for!

OK, I get the MTB bit.

Finally! A decent tune for the day: Not Giving In, Rudimental - been with me all day, hurrah!

Yeah, too much drag! :-p

Marine Drive, Isle of man

Yep, that's a reet nice ride that. Although, I have to say the view down to Ramsey as you've just completed the first steep section up Snaefell (Hairpin to Water Works?) is eye-wateringly beautiful - I did a little involuntary "Wow!" as I looked over my shoulder! Unfortunately, I don't have any photos, as I was mostly concerned about exactly when my lungs might actually burst through my chest!

Perhaps, there's a new "Lasting injuries lists" thread to evolve from here...........

Yep, that would have got your heart pumping and blood boiling, James. Glad you're OK and just took a fright.

Had my own "Oh Shit" moment this morning. It reminded me why I always avoid schools in the morning! Mercedes A Class overtook me down a little road, then pulled left into side road (fortunately, far enough ahead to avoid being annoying / dangerous). However, as I started to come past the side road, he decides that's a good time to exit said side road, pulling straight into my path. A long "Aaaaaaah, whoooooooaaaaa" later and I'd managed to take enough speed off and steer round the front of his car. Somehow, I managed to avoid a huge, fuck off swear - being outside a primary school is not the best place to practice your vernacular! But, all I got was a half-hearted, slightly sheepish "sorry". Ah, well, I suppose I'm alive - what more could I want!

I was kinda desperate to avoid the accident, as just before Christmas I found out what it was like to have an actual accident. Tootling along on the way home, I stopped at a set of traffic lights next to Epsom station, waited until they were nice and green before setting off. About halfway across said lights, my progress was blocked by a cab turning right right across in front of me. All I could manage was the lightest of swerves before I hit the front of his cab and was tossed like some sort of human pancake over the front of the cab and onto my face!

This taught me a few things:

1. Cars are hard and they hurt when you hit them
   
2. The road is hard and it hurts when you hit it
   
3. Brakes are a much more comfortable option than your face in the trying to stop forward motion side of things
   
4. Helmets stop me being more hurt than I would have been
   
5. Accidents are a surprise
   
   

Fortunately, I got away without major injury. Although, two months later, I still have a stiff neck and my right thumb aches like a bastard after a ride. But, hey, once again, I'm still alive.

After an ill-advised trip to Weebl, I am now the proud owner of a Baby Baboon flavoured ear worm!

http://www.weebls-stuff.com/songs/Baby+Baboon/

Good luck keeping that out of your brain box!

Yep, just tried it. Hurrah, I have a new tune to banish Taylor Swift from my music lobe