Dave Russell - Back to Blue

[fiveSixteenths]

Not much happening at the moment... The rear rim went banana at the join (the pin had cracked) under the smallest amount of tension, so have ordered a couple of Kinlin T10s as replacement. They look virtually identical to the Starals and I'd rather have peace of mind knowing they weren't going to disappear from under me.

The Japanese Hatta Swan headset came up nicely though. What is people's preference when it comes to balls... caged or free? Or is it like asking what your favourite type of grease is? I'd always assumed caged balls were more a convenience factor, but it was preferable to install them loose if you had the option.

View attachment 801138

Have just acquired a bike with one, looks original and has caged balls (oo-er missus etc.) but mines waaaay worse condition than this

 

[RetroDavy]

Not much happening at the moment... The rear rim went banana at the join (the pin had cracked) under the smallest amount of tension, so have ordered a couple of Kinlin T10s as replacement. They look virtually identical to the Starals and I'd rather have peace of mind knowing they weren't going to disappear from under me.

The Japanese Hatta Swan headset came up nicely though. What is people's preference when it comes to balls... caged or free? Or is it like asking what your favourite type of grease is? I'd always assumed caged balls were more a convenience factor, but it was preferable to install them loose if you had the option.

View attachment 801138

I think you've summed it up well. Caged for convenience, loose for more balls to share the load. Not sure how much difference it makes in the real world. Hatta Swan headsets are nice.

 

[rmwesley]

Haven't managed to get a lot done recently due to work shenanigans, but here are a couple more updates...

Fork sorted.

 

[rmwesley]

Also given the frame a buffing and a good coating of wax. It has a *lot* of character and the patina looks pretty cool just as it is. It would do more harm than good to try and touch up the paintwork.

 

[rmwesley]

Ready to go back in with new ball bearings...

 

[fiveSixteenths]

Also given the frame a buffing and a good coating of wax. It has a *lot* of character and the patina looks pretty cool just as it is. It would do more harm than good to try and touch up the paintwork.

View attachment 812719

View attachment 812720

View attachment 812721

Very nice
I should gift my garage a heater
It’s 3 below in there at the moment

 

[Nob]

I’ve just picked up one also

 

[Nob]

Also given the frame a buffing and a good coating of wax. It has a *lot* of character and the patina looks pretty cool just as it is. It would do more harm than good to try and touch up the paintwork.

View attachment 812719

View attachment 812720

View attachment 812721

Nice workshop you have

 

[rmwesley]

Very nice
I should gift my garage a heater
It’s 3 below in there at the moment

Hahaha, was the same in mine about an hour ago. Toasty warm now, although I think those bar heaters are equivalent to burning £50 notes

 

[rmwesley]

Nice workshop you have

Thanks mate, it is my pride and joy. Just had to start sub-letting a corner of it to my 14yo daughter who has become pretty proficient at silversmithing. Was a bit concerned about losing my safe space, but it is actually nice to have a bit of company out there.

Absolutely love your Dave Russell frame. Paint looks in better nick than mine. Where did you pick it up?

Mine doesn't look like it ever had a Reynolds sticker on it, so I'm in the dark about what the tubes are. Feels fairly lightweight though and assume it is something half-decent to complement the fairly nice components. Is that 631 on yours?