Holdsworth CX Cafe Racer Project

[mrkawasaki]

I was tempted into picking up this frame, sold as a Holdsworth, but I'm sceptical as I cannot find anything of substance about Holdsworth cyclocross frames in the usual places - has anyone here any thoughts?

Serial is 860592 with Campagnolo drop outs and metal cable guides on the bb shell.

 

[Johnsqual]

Re:

Could it not just be a touring frame with cantilever brake mounts?

If it's a cyclocross frame it might have tighter geometry and a higher bottom bracket (more like a criterium bike). From the picture, the head tube does look a bit slack.

Nothing to say they didn't make a one-off cross bike as a special order, though.

Johnny

 

[mrkawasaki]

Re: Holdsworth Cyclocross?

Could be - but there are no typical braze ons for mudguards or racks. The headtube lugs are very 'Mistral' but with cyclocross-style cable guides brazed on.

 

[mrkawasaki]

Re: Holdsworth Cyclocross?

Anyways - it's now at the painters... frame is going a RAL 4003 (aka Stumpjumper Pink) and the Surly fork a RAL 5012 (a Porsche colour). Very much in the modern CX cafe racer vernacular, methinks.

Probz going with VentureMax bars and bar end shifters; a dual ring front set up with an M950 rear mech and 9 speed rear. Brakes TBC - maybe something neon?? Stem might be a VO Cigne too.

 

[mrkawasaki]

We're up to painted stage and about to assemble with an LD stem...

 

[mrkawasaki]

Now in a rolling state - some important detailing to attend to including decals and seating position. First impressions are surprisingly positive - gears and brakes are good; hand position is excellent; Surly front end feels planted... Not sure what to call it yet - 'Wunderbar' springs to mind.

 

[CTK]