Newbie

J

johnnyv

Dirt Disciple
Hi all,
I am new to the classic bike scene.
But seeing as I am just about to leave the armed forces after to many years to mention.
I am going to ( hopefully) restore a vintage bike. I have completed a Cytech course, and have ridden bikes on and off all my life.

1. So I was wondering if anyone has a ideas on what sort of frame ( hand made) I should look out for?

2. What is a typical ball park figure I will be looking to pay for a restoration project?

3. Is there and books out there I can read for research.

I did read a article in the telegraph about a vintage frame builder. I think they a Yorkshire company who are trying to make a come back. I not one hundred percent on the name but I thought it was "howarth"? Does anyone have any thoughts or idea if the name is correct?


Thanks in advanced

John
 
Re:

While not answering your queries directly, I think that I can provide some general advice from what I have found over the past few years rebuilding lightweight bikes.

Regarding costs, bikes are almost always worth more as their component parts that as a complete machine. This is good in that people are always breaking bikes and components can always be found for sale. But this means that if you build up a complete machine from parts you can easily spend a grand building up a bike that is worth £250. Generally speaking this is not a cheap way to get on the road. My advice would be to look out for a complete machine, there are always a few nice ones in the classifieds here, strip it down, service and rebuild it; ride it and then upgrade components over time, putting the old components aside for future projects; or trade them. But don't throw anything away! And buy a British one; no one is very keen on Italian bikes here.

Regarding sources for parts. EBay is a bit of a minefield and can be expensive, forum classifieds (here and elsewhere) are a good source of parts but some of the more fashionable parts can be a bit spendy (but if you need that one part…), bike jumbles are great, google bike jumbles to find a site dedicated to these with a list of venues and look out for one in your area. There are a few dealers; in my experience they are fair and the stuff they sell is generally well described, I try to avoid these because…that’s just shopping! But again, if you need that one part.

As for research, this site is very good and you can use the search function to find old threads about certain subjects or marques. Classic Lightweights is a mine of information and has advice on technical issues; it has some great pictures of readers’ machines which will inspire (or perhaps depress) you. Velobase.com is a good source on information about a wide range of components. If your interest is in pre-1970 machines then the Vintage Cycle Club (V-CC) is worth a look. Membership is inexpensive, the mags are interesting, they have an on-line library and there are local groups that organise rides.

That’s how I do it anyway. It is certainly a really satisfying thing to do. You will find yourself hurtling downhill at 45 mph on a 60 year old bike with wheels that you have built yourself, and aesthetically pleasing brakes thinking: ‘did I put that bifurcated sprocket flange in the right way round?’. Should you survive, let us know how you get on, we are always interested to hear about members’ projects, even the Italian ones.
 
Re:

Oh, and the frame builder that you mentioned. Planet X have taken over the Holdsworth name and are manufacturing frames (or perhaps having them manufactured) and marketing them as Holdsworth frames. Which is good!
 
Re:

Take a look at the Classic Builders section of Classic Lightweights. You might find a builder from your home town, or some other area that you have an association with. But there are no rules: everyone has their favourites and as well as these ‘specialist’ builders, volume builders such as Raleigh and Carlton made quality lightweight machines and have their followers. But as a general rule if you can buy a machine made from Reynolds 531 Double Butted tubing it should be a quality bit of kit and given that it is straight and true, it should give a nice ride. Other quality frames may be made of different tubing such as Columbus say…but it is difficult to give specific advice. I suggest that you carry on with the research and keep an eye on the classifieds here when you have a more definite idea of what you want. You might start with the age of the machine that would most interest you…something from the ‘60s? The ‘70s or ‘80s…later? I have found that the earlier the machine, then the more expensive the components and that might be a consideration for you.
 
Well,
I am now the proud owner of a 12-speed Dawes Atlantis, Just have to hide and work on it without the misses knowing lol
 
some specs

Weinmann 605 brakes and levers
Suntour Power Shift shifters
Dawes Chainset
Suntour VX gears
Atomic hubs
Rigida 700C rims with Michelin Lithion tyres
KKT Top-Run pedals
SR Laprade seat post with Biologic saddle
SR Custom stem
 
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