A. Walkling of Merton Project

[Wingsonmyheels]

Actually, I was forgetting that I have funny ends…



which I think (I may be wrong) only works with osgear type gears. Given the scarcity of them I may have to stick to double fixed.

 

[Toecutter]

Suggest you borrow or beg a rear mech with hanger and try it out to check the clearances.
Shaun

 

[Toecutter]

More progress with quite a few hours taken in renovating the frame further. With much of the surface rust, gunge and nicotine removed the frame was clearly quite badly chipped and pitted in places. Lots of delicate infilling with a fine brush and tin of Humbrol white - I originally thought the frames main colour was cream or ivory - followed by a light application of Halfords Diamond White in a few places. The double box lining was carefully touched back in where it had been damaged. Overall the look is so much better, a mixture of restoration and renovation preserving much of what was worth keeping. Now I've added some component parts though the only ones to be retained from the original bike are the bars, stem, brakes and levers. The old Lycett saddle was sadly too far gone but I've used a Brooks Professional in its place. I've got a pair of 27" wheels to hand with a double chainset and BB to be fitted.

 

[Toecutter]

Skip to page 2 and beyond....

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

That really is pretty.

 

[Toecutter]

After more cleaning and careful art work the frame is now moving a step or two nearer completion. I've fitted a pair of alloy mudguards, red bar tape, an SR double alloy 52/40 chainset, front and rear Campagnolo mechs and twin shifters. I have to admit to a little sacrilege in that I cut off the downtube gear shifter boss to make way for the latter. The frame was originally fitted with a non descript single steel chainset and pedals, typical of a 50s 'racing' bike. Whilst some prefer to be absolutely original in use of parts my outlook is one of practicality and looks, I like to ride light and not encumbered with clunky steel kit that no-one particularly liked at the time anyway. Now trying to decide whether to use red outer cabling as per the original or silver grey which I've preliminary fitted to the rear mech. Also in the wings are a pair of Atom alloy pedals with red toe clip straps.

 

[Toecutter]

That really is pretty.

Thank you. It's a satisfying project.

 

[Toecutter]

I get the impression that Reynolds 531 frames don't always seem to share the same diameter seat post. The one originally fitted - size unknown had been drilled through to secure a wooden plug within the post and into the saddle clamp, bit of a Frankenstein job so that was readily consigned to the bin. The last bits and bobs - Atom pedals and brake lever hoods (the hood ferules vanished inside when I tensioned the brake cables) have been fitted today and I decided on silver grey outer cabling as opposed to the original red of which there are enough splashes elsewhere. A four speed block is fitted and the wheels are 27" Styrals with large flange Q/R hubs - my preferred look. The gears and brakes work fine and the ride is very smooth. I did two miles locally and weather permitting tomorrow I'll go for a proper spin. So another one finished and I'm happy with what I've got. If anyone else has an A. Walklings bike / frame I'd like to hear from you; can't be that many around.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Good job, another one saved

 

[Toecutter]

Thanks very much, I'm chuffed to bits with it.