Is this a classic bike or just a trusty boneshaker?

[Squiggle]

Hi

I found this site while trying to find out if it's worth spending money on my bicycle. I'm getting various opinions from elsewhere.

So I'm going to the experts!

I'm looking forward to being on board and finding a 'local' group to get fit with. MK46 4HQ

I have a ladies Falcon Black Diamond with a rear wheel that has a rusty rim.

Some folk say it's a vintage bike and to pay to keep the original hub and others say just go to the local shop and just pick up a wheel.

I have a 1952 Series MM Morris Minor so I understand how poor one can be while trying to keep everything original!

I am a mature sentimentalist. Chrome and bakelite.........swoon

I appreciate any advice.

Many thanks.

Chrissie

 

[bowser]

hi chrissie
i try to keep my bikes as original as possible but sometimes availability
issues or as you say cost becomes prohibitive
some people insist on everything to the last detail
but i dont mind "making do" as long as its not glaringly stand out
obvious.
i usually consult velobase (link on this site) to find year era of parts etc
then take it from there

 

[Squiggle]

Many thanks.

 

[hamster]

Personally I'd ditch any wheel with a steel rim - the bike will handle much more sprightly and you'll get decent braking in the wet with an aluminium one.

Beware though that your bike will doubtless have 27" rims not 700c, the modern size.

27" rims and tyres are available, but most bike shops don't carry them, they are a bit specialist.

 

[Squiggle]

Personally I'd ditch any wheel with a steel rim - the bike will handle much more sprightly and you'll get decent braking in the wet with an aluminium one.

Beware though that your bike will doubtless have 27" rims not 700c, the modern size.

27" rims and tyres are available, but most bike shops don't carry them, they are a bit specialist.

Thanks for the info and warning about sizes. I'm still trying to identify when it was made. Hunting around the internet and only found one reference to chrome forks. Should be cleaning the engine bay ready for the Moggy Minor engine to go back.....

 

[The_Don]

CAR???

doh

 

[Squiggle]

Re: CAR???

doh

OK...... not bike related but the 1952 Morris Minor engine is on the kitchen table, nearly rebuilt and ready to refit......

So I though I'd move on and see if my bike deserved such attention.

Did that answer your 'Doh'?

 

[Spokesmann]

Chrome and bakelite gets my vote!

 

[hamster]

Here's a link for 27" rims:
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/rims-27-%286 ... pt170_pg1/

If your hub is in nice condition, it might be worth rebuilding them, however I'd only do so with a hub with a Quick Release axle. A bolt-through axle is typically a sign of a cheapish hub, not to mention being a pain. If you are going through the expense of building up wheels specially, do it with a decent hub.

 

[Squiggle]

Many thanks for all the replies.

Here's a link for 27" rims:
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/rims-27-%286 ... pt170_pg1/

If your hub is in nice condition, it might be worth rebuilding them, however I'd only do so with a hub with a Quick Release axle. A bolt-through axle is typically a sign of a cheapish hub, not to mention being a pain. If you are going through the expense of building up wheels specially, do it with a decent hub.