Sand_Dune
Devout Dirtbag
Hi guys,
I am looking for some help in identifying my “Ugly Duckling” bicycle… and maybe it’s previous owner who, judging by the size of the original front ring, knew how to ride a bike!
Thanking you all for your time and patience in advance...
Sand_Dune.
Some background and details….
It was provided to me, by a local charity. I have been using it daily and I’d like to return the favour by giving it some love, now I have some employment. Perhaps someone might offer some advice in terms of renovation options?
The bicycle had been stored in a rusty ISO container for quite some time. The charity offered me the opportunity to select a frame among the tangle of frames in the container. An old, unfashionable and very dirty, faded bicycle without wheels caught my eye. It was one of the few road bikes in there and also looked right for my size. On closer inspection my eye was drawn to the exquisite workmanship. It was quite stunning.
From what I understand from the charity, the bicycle was donated by a lady whose husband had passed some time ago. What little was known is that the former owner was an accomplished cyclist who had competed successfully in his youth.
The bicycle was serviced for me by the charity plus the following changes:
1. Replaced front gear rings and crank arm; the old rings had a 56 teeth large gear ring which was way too big for me.
2. Replacement wheels.
3. Removed the badge that was hanging off at the front of the bike (It had a motif on it and reference to Southampton, but that, alas went in the bin).
4. Replacement handlebars and brake levers.
5. Mudguards and pannier rack added.
6. Down-tube derailleur cable guide tube.
My helmet and lock eventually ended up costing as much as I paid for the bicycle and service.
I found a bloke looking at my bike whilst locked up and he commented on the craftsmanship so… I guess this has prompted me to look into the bike a little further…
From what I have identified so far:
Bottom Bracket stamped
607 OL10 2QM. (An address? #607 Heywood Old Road, Middleton/Bury/Rochdale I think?)
543623. (Serial Number? Is this a 1954 Gillott Frame?)
Stamped on the rear stay tubes: REG0D DE?? (I think this says Reg’d design. Not sure)
Stamped on the rear stay tubes: CYCLO (It’s faint but I think it says this)
Gerry Shields Sticker: (The shop where the bike was bought from or the dealer?)
Photographs:
I am looking for some help in identifying my “Ugly Duckling” bicycle… and maybe it’s previous owner who, judging by the size of the original front ring, knew how to ride a bike!
Thanking you all for your time and patience in advance...
Sand_Dune.
Some background and details….
It was provided to me, by a local charity. I have been using it daily and I’d like to return the favour by giving it some love, now I have some employment. Perhaps someone might offer some advice in terms of renovation options?
The bicycle had been stored in a rusty ISO container for quite some time. The charity offered me the opportunity to select a frame among the tangle of frames in the container. An old, unfashionable and very dirty, faded bicycle without wheels caught my eye. It was one of the few road bikes in there and also looked right for my size. On closer inspection my eye was drawn to the exquisite workmanship. It was quite stunning.
From what I understand from the charity, the bicycle was donated by a lady whose husband had passed some time ago. What little was known is that the former owner was an accomplished cyclist who had competed successfully in his youth.
The bicycle was serviced for me by the charity plus the following changes:
1. Replaced front gear rings and crank arm; the old rings had a 56 teeth large gear ring which was way too big for me.
2. Replacement wheels.
3. Removed the badge that was hanging off at the front of the bike (It had a motif on it and reference to Southampton, but that, alas went in the bin).
4. Replacement handlebars and brake levers.
5. Mudguards and pannier rack added.
6. Down-tube derailleur cable guide tube.
My helmet and lock eventually ended up costing as much as I paid for the bicycle and service.
I found a bloke looking at my bike whilst locked up and he commented on the craftsmanship so… I guess this has prompted me to look into the bike a little further…
From what I have identified so far:
Bottom Bracket stamped
607 OL10 2QM. (An address? #607 Heywood Old Road, Middleton/Bury/Rochdale I think?)
543623. (Serial Number? Is this a 1954 Gillott Frame?)
Stamped on the rear stay tubes: REG0D DE?? (I think this says Reg’d design. Not sure)
Stamped on the rear stay tubes: CYCLO (It’s faint but I think it says this)
Gerry Shields Sticker: (The shop where the bike was bought from or the dealer?)
Photographs:
