Well, I really needed another project like a hole in the head, especially as I've already several other bikes in a state of flux right now. This one was however calling me somehow, having been outed on the 'bay. Possibly it was it's forlorn, saddle-less appearance, or maybe the splatter paint as I'm a sucker for this sort of thing. And then there is of course those mysterious curved P2's, only featured on this model and never to be seen again.
One auction win later (for the princely sum of £10) and it was mine... It turns out that the chap I bought it from was it's one and original owner, having received it as a thirteenth birthday present. The bike seems to have been stored in a nice dry garage for some time and I was informed that the plan was to take it to a LBS for a rebuild that never quite materialised. I actually felt strangely guilty for taking away a once-treasured ride that the previous owner had kept at hand for almost 30 years. This feeling was not helped by the fact that I only had two fivers to hand over (not even a proper tenner thanks to the local ATM!)
The plan will be to hopefully turn this one around a bit faster than my other projects. The Exage shifter/brake things are pretty much shot (never liked them anyhow), as is the rear wheel/freehub, I do however have some Deore thumbies spare and some slightly younger M735 wheels that will still look period-ish. The Front brakes may be replaced with some DX cantis that I've had sitting in the toolbox. Seatpost and saddle are a bit of a necessity of course, I doubt I'll find an original Avocet one but a Turbo will look nice I reckon. The temptation to add neon cables is worryingly strong
The pictures below are of the bike as received. There's a bit to be done but it ain't that bad:
One auction win later (for the princely sum of £10) and it was mine... It turns out that the chap I bought it from was it's one and original owner, having received it as a thirteenth birthday present. The bike seems to have been stored in a nice dry garage for some time and I was informed that the plan was to take it to a LBS for a rebuild that never quite materialised. I actually felt strangely guilty for taking away a once-treasured ride that the previous owner had kept at hand for almost 30 years. This feeling was not helped by the fact that I only had two fivers to hand over (not even a proper tenner thanks to the local ATM!)
The plan will be to hopefully turn this one around a bit faster than my other projects. The Exage shifter/brake things are pretty much shot (never liked them anyhow), as is the rear wheel/freehub, I do however have some Deore thumbies spare and some slightly younger M735 wheels that will still look period-ish. The Front brakes may be replaced with some DX cantis that I've had sitting in the toolbox. Seatpost and saddle are a bit of a necessity of course, I doubt I'll find an original Avocet one but a Turbo will look nice I reckon. The temptation to add neon cables is worryingly strong
The pictures below are of the bike as received. There's a bit to be done but it ain't that bad:
