1950s Norman Conquest - Which way to go?

[vintagebicycleman]

Hi Guys,

I have what I believe to be a late 1950s Norman Conquest frameset. I bought this as it stands at a car boot sale when I was 16 and 13 years later the build is still un-started. It came to me with the D/T shifter and some campag cable clips.

I have kept it all this time as it is a good size for me, was built locally and I like the novelty of its 'historical significance', being a history buff. About 5 years ago I managed to buy two NOS front wheel nuts which match the head badge but have done nothing more to start the build.

I have decided that:
- I want to get the original decals re-produced. Does anyone know a company that could do this.
- I want to get the bike painted Flam. Green. Probably by Don and his team at Jackson's
- I am going to build it as a flat-bar 1950s/60s 27in 'Touriste' bike, The hybrid of its day. I am looking for a set of GB All-rounder bars and GB Riviera brakes if anyone has anything lurking?

However, as the rear spacing is currently 115mm I am torn between:
A) Sturmey-Archer Hub Gear build

B) Having the rear end set at 120 and building it as a 5 speed with a Gran Sport as a previous owner did.

Stay safe everyone!

 

[pigman]

Re:

If you're decided on sending it to a frame shop for painting, I'd get the rear end cold set for derailleurs whilst it's already there. You then have much more flexibility with gearing

 

[Peachy!]

4 speed Sturmey... those old Campagnolo mechs aren’t quite as sweet as the later 70’s + versions.

And you won’t be disappointed with BJ’s flamboyant green!

 

[Peachy!]

Oh and Steve at HLloyd cycles is your man for retro road decals

https://h-lloyd-cycles.myshopify.com/pr ... nvader-set

https://h-lloyd-cycles.myshopify.com/pr ... h-red-edge

https://h-lloyd-cycles.myshopify.com/pr ... ulticolour


I’m sure he would be happy to add yours to his small Norman selection.

 

[keithglos]

Its clearly from before Norman were badged raleigh. But the D to round fork blades look a bit low rent. Probably had a "Bendylux" before GS gear.
Is it possibly a Phillips frame?
iIt appears to have a 24 TPI bottom bracket and headset.
Sturmey Archer was never an option for me, saw too many in the 50s full of brown mud, where water enters through the ball race behind the cog.

Keith

 

[vintagebicycleman]

Re: Norman

Thanks for your response Peachy! I have contacted Steve at H Lloyds and sent him some photos of what's left of the decals.

In other news I found out the "front" wheel nuts I bought were actually Rears so I have decided to build my first ever single-speed. I used to hate people who converted old road bikes to this but I plan on making no changes to the frame itself so if I decide on a period correct re-build (If I find a catalogue) at a future time I can easily revert back.

So far a search of the shed has yielded:

- A NOS 48T Thun chromed single chain set
- A very nice pair of Webb 'rat-trap' pedals
- A NOS Tange Seiki Alloy headset
- And although not in the picture I do have a spare GB Spearpoint stem

I want to use some Bayliss Wiley Continental Hubs (32/40H) as the basis for the Wheels and will probably use Dia Compe side-pull brakes.

So the build will give a nod to the Bike's past but bring in some more modern touches.

I also found an original Bluemels inflator which fits the pump pegs perfectly.

 

[keithglos]

The fork column may not be long enough. "Stack height" and "Steerer" are tooAmerican for me.

Keith

 

[vintagebicycleman]

Re:

I was a little concerned about that and have a chromed Akibo headset which is shallower if needs be.

 

[allenh]

Nice to see. I've always wanted to do a Norman as it's from my home town and the first of two frame makers in the town. I've got one of the 2nd much later makers a Ken James which I've had for at least 25 years but have never managed to pick up a Norman.

Norman was a pretty big concern in their heyday but are more generally known for the Norman Nippy moped than the bicycles really.

 

[oldandslow]

I've never known much about them, but my first bike as a child (probably aged 7-11??) was a Norman of England, so I remember the brand fondly.