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.