1974 Viscount Supabike build thread sort of..

[jim haseltine]

Why?

Because the early bikes had BB bearings that weren't up to the job but customers thought 'sealed bearings' meant that they didn't need to service the bikes. After being hammered around for ages the bearings loosened in the BB shell, sometimes stretching it to the point that new bearings would slide in and out with finger pressure. A couple of the worst examples I tapped out to take a threaded BB (Italian thread if I recall).

 

[bagpuss]

Nice looking machine .what is the ride like?

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

It's alive
Just ridden it. Quiet, until you use the brakes Jesus Christ I nearly crapped my pants

Smooth, selects all gears which is useful and stops, also helpful. Squealing has subsided after some braking.

Ride quality as far as I can tell is excellent. Compliant despite the alloy fork and very responsive, one of the best I've ridden of that era and I've had a few The saddle surprised me with it's comfort. It has modern compression less cables and stainless inner cables, as old cables feel horrible at the lever imo.

Needs, tape, cable trimming, crimps and a good de finger printing and polish, probably a few adjustments. A bottle cage too. Happy for now. Here are some crappy pictures.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Nice looking machine .what is the ride like?

Thanks mate

 

[bagpuss]

Bob
Look to save all the mucking about with it , just put it in a big box and send it to me.
You know it makes sense .
Ps do not include the pants.
Paul

 

[sooper8]

Absolutely superb restoration! And I say that as the 'original' owner/ seller who let this one go. I was genuinely worried that it might get chopped up, parted out, or just be badly done. Although when I checked out the photos of your bike collection, I knew it would be in good company. You have really done the Viscount name proud @Guinessisgoodforyou ! It looks smoking hot.

I loved reading your write up too, made me laugh.

By the way readers, @Guinessisgoodforyou, didn't need much arm twisting to take both bikes. It was a case of "I'll knock some money off and box them up, are you interested?" 20 mins later "ah, yes, go on then".

My only regret is not quoting for massive amount of extra strong Gorilla tape - I used miles and miles of it It's a wonder anyone could get into those boxes.

It really is a great ride, and turns a few heads. Enjoy it.

If anyone is interested in Viscount, then we have a small forum board over here - very friendly and lots of info and technical stuff.
https://viscountandlambert.boards.net/

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Bob
Look to save all the mucking about with it , just put it in a big box and send it to me.
You know it makes sense .
Ps do not include the pants.
Paul

I'll pass thanks mate. I'm rather attached to it. Do I put Blumels black club specials on it? That is the question.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Absolutely superb restoration! And I say that as the 'original' owner/ seller who let this one go. I was genuinely worried that it might get chopped up, parted out, or just be badly done. Although when I checked out the photos of your bike collection, I knew it would be in good company. You have really done the Viscount name proud @Guinessisgoodforyou ! It looks smoking hot.

I loved reading your write up too, made me laugh.

By the way readers, @Guinessisgoodforyou, didn't need much arm twisting to take both bikes. It was a case of "I'll knock some money off and box them up, are you interested?" 20 mins later "ah, yes, go on then".

My only regret is not quoting for massive amount of extra strong Gorilla tape - I used miles and miles of it It's a wonder anyone could get into those boxes.

It really is a great ride, and turns a few heads. Enjoy it.

If anyone is interested in Viscount, then we have a small forum board over here - very friendly and lots of info and technical stuff.
https://viscountandlambert.boards.net/

Wow, I sound kind of easy truth is always difficult to deal with

The tape, the horror, it was everywhere Jo will tell you it took at least half an hour to get it unpacked. No damage though, so well worth the effort.
I don't like breaking bikes for parts, I never have. Like the Al Carter's and Carrera's stripped for the DX or XT groupset. Leaves me cold, but to each their own.

 

[otherself]

£235 in 1974 is equivalent in purchasing power to about £2,187.56 in 2014.

https://www.in2013dollars.com/uk/inflation/1974?endYear=2014&amount=235

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

£235 in 1974 is equivalent in purchasing power to about £2,187.56 in 2014.

https://www.in2013dollars.com/uk/inflation/1974?endYear=2014&amount=235

Wow, that is expensive