When I first moved to UK over 20 years ago, one of my classmates at uni, Jack, who was from Purley, rode a battered White Spider (still with many trick bits attached) which he’s inherited from his older brother. Despite being far from pristine, it was clear that it was rather special. He told me the bike was made at a bike shop that was local to him, and so I was introduced to Roberts Cycles and their two-wheeled wonders and craftsmanship involved. I have no idea where Jack is, or what he’s up to, but I am glad I’ve met him and his bike left a lasting impression and inspired me to find one at some point. As well as generally ignited my enthusiasm for British built MTBs.
Fast forward to about 4 years ago, I bought a RoughStuff, then another, then a White Spider! There was still one that eluded me though. The D.O.G.S. B.O.L.X. After pretty much accepting that the D.B. were all either too small, or too expensive, I’ve unexpectedly found one whilst perusing a well known auction site one day. It was in the right size, a rare SE, but seemed to have stood unused in a damp barn for a couple of decades so it was in a bit of a state, and was missing the Forkplay (the owner binned them after one of the brake studs sheared off…).
I took a punt, placed my bid, and brought it home a couple of days later. It was clear that it will need a respray as it had quite few rusty spots which I’ve sanded down to make sure it won’t just crumble apart and was fit for new paint. I rode it around the block, stripped everything, and braced myself for a closer inspection.
The rust turned out to be superficial so I started gathering the parts I intended to use, and tried to decide on the paint job. I was not in a rush as I’ve got half a dozen other frames awaiting new paint etc and I am still holding out for a matching fork so I’ve sprayed some anti corrosion goop on the bare metal patches, and just hang the frame in my mates shop.
Couples of weeks ago whilst sorting through the stash of parts, I’ve assembled a little pile of parts destined for the frame, added some that were at hand, and decided to do a “dry build” and ride it while the weather is kind.
It might seem sacrilege in a sense, but this is basically a prototype. I still want to restore it at some point but I have to say I rather like how it turned out. It’s ratty, some bits are not period correct, some bits are ugly. I will probably use different wheels (these were bought for the rims and currently have decals oriented the wrong way) and forks (hence the unsightly stack on the headset. I really didn’t want to cut the steerer on the Switchblades which are pinched from a different project). It rides really well, and that’s 99% what matters to me for now…. Once I’ve decided on the fork choice, and paint scheme, it will be off to Mercian.
Anyhow, excuse my ramblings.
I present you: The R.A.T.S. G.O.N.A.D.S.
Fast forward to about 4 years ago, I bought a RoughStuff, then another, then a White Spider! There was still one that eluded me though. The D.O.G.S. B.O.L.X. After pretty much accepting that the D.B. were all either too small, or too expensive, I’ve unexpectedly found one whilst perusing a well known auction site one day. It was in the right size, a rare SE, but seemed to have stood unused in a damp barn for a couple of decades so it was in a bit of a state, and was missing the Forkplay (the owner binned them after one of the brake studs sheared off…).
I took a punt, placed my bid, and brought it home a couple of days later. It was clear that it will need a respray as it had quite few rusty spots which I’ve sanded down to make sure it won’t just crumble apart and was fit for new paint. I rode it around the block, stripped everything, and braced myself for a closer inspection.
The rust turned out to be superficial so I started gathering the parts I intended to use, and tried to decide on the paint job. I was not in a rush as I’ve got half a dozen other frames awaiting new paint etc and I am still holding out for a matching fork so I’ve sprayed some anti corrosion goop on the bare metal patches, and just hang the frame in my mates shop.
Couples of weeks ago whilst sorting through the stash of parts, I’ve assembled a little pile of parts destined for the frame, added some that were at hand, and decided to do a “dry build” and ride it while the weather is kind.
It might seem sacrilege in a sense, but this is basically a prototype. I still want to restore it at some point but I have to say I rather like how it turned out. It’s ratty, some bits are not period correct, some bits are ugly. I will probably use different wheels (these were bought for the rims and currently have decals oriented the wrong way) and forks (hence the unsightly stack on the headset. I really didn’t want to cut the steerer on the Switchblades which are pinched from a different project). It rides really well, and that’s 99% what matters to me for now…. Once I’ve decided on the fork choice, and paint scheme, it will be off to Mercian.
Anyhow, excuse my ramblings.
I present you: The R.A.T.S. G.O.N.A.D.S.
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