New guy, old bike

[Tobias Rodriguez]

Hello,

I’m a new member and this is my first post/thread. I purchased a bike on eBay listed as a 60’s Rory O’Brien DB Special Tourer. You might have seen it yourselves. I’m yet to collect the bike and see what’s what. The seller couldn’t tell me which dropouts the frame has and from my limited research the lugs look more like Claud Butler rather than O’Brien. I know it’s not a fancy lugged model but I like the look of the bike as a starting point. I guess I’ll get schooled by you guys regarding my purchase. This is supposed to be a way of me easing myself back onto a road bike in the Spring.

The plan over time is to replace the safety levers and rear derailleur. I’ll probably add a front derailleur at some point.I’m not too keen on the brakes either so they might get swapped out too. The dynamo light set might be removed.

I have a Shimano 660 Arabesque crankset and was thinking of running the rest of the group set on the bike. Opinions on the proposed changes or other ideas of the direction I could be going in will be gladly received. Im trying to do everything on a budget.

Here’s the listing pics.

Thanks for reading

 

[Frankenorange]

Welcome to the forum and very nice purchase

 

[Tobias Rodriguez]

Thank you. It’s just the right size and should be a fun project

 

[BOBU]

Nice, I like 'em like that... very pristine looking as a starting point. Good luck with your project!

 

[Tobias Rodriguez]

Thank you. It is supposed to be original paint and decals. I wouldn’t be surprised if it has had a previous restoration in the past. The seller said it has been hanging on a wall for quite some time. A family friend in the know seems to think that late 60’s early 70’s looks about right for this. Let’s hope it checks out.

 

[fiveSixteenths]

Thank you. It is supposed to be original paint and decals. I wouldn’t be surprised if it has had a previous restoration in the past. The seller said it has been hanging on a wall for quite some time. A family friend in the know seems to think that late 60’s early 70’s looks about right for this. Let’s hope it checks out.

As everyone has said, lovely machine.
Agree that the only thing I’d likely do (other than just ride it as is) is swap in a period drivetrain to give the gearing a bit more range (but only because I’m old lol)
Matching guards are a great look as well.

 

[grantoury]

Welcome, I love the look of that. If it were mine, I would change the levers and the derailleur, maybe add a chainring, but leave the dynamo and lights. I love them.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Welcome, Rory O'Brein was local to me. He used to use a few different builders, Les Ephgrave, Vic Edwards, Wally Green. Yours is the one below the top model. His Bikes were always well regarded. A very nice find. Plus one for @grantoury comments.

 

[Tobias Rodriguez]

Thanks for the welcome and comments. It’s good to know that it is a decent machine and well regarded. I might have bought wisely for once!

I agree, it doesn’t need too much to get it where it should be spec wise.

I too have a connection to the area. I was born and lived in Leytonstone until about 9 years ago. I now live in Romford and I work in Manor Park, so as you know, both of the shop locations.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

I was born in Ilford lived there for 22 years. All my late Fathers family come from Walthamstow, they didn't move far.