Rescuing a rare SBDU Team Cyclo Cross Frame SB5084 531SL

[originalshinkicker]

I was contacted recently about this rather strange looking bike. It was being stored in a shed suffering from salty sea air on the Isles of Scilly. Used as a bit of a hack bike for getting around the island. Fitted with mudguards, pannier rack, high rise stem and flat bars, big padded saddle, solid rubber tyres and dynamo.

But underneath all of that is a hidden gem. An SBDU Cyclo Cross frame made of Reynolds 531SL tubing in early 1982.

I think I've got it just in time to stop the rot!






The bike was ordered but the original customer couldn't use it as they injured their back. The bike was bought in the early 90s and they changed the bars, stem, saddle etc

It has a strange mix of parts. The original Record headset, Deore rear mech, DeerHead front mech, Dia-Compe brakes and Stronglight chainset - even through the frame was specifically built for a single chain ring. There is also no chain stay bridge so they have used a combination of clips and guides to add a front mech cable and mount for mudguards.

Everything came off ok, even the end adjusters. The seat pin needed some help. There was 1.5" of pin out of the frame and 10.5" inside the frame!





The original red colour on the fork column hidden away for years is in contrast to the faded and orange paint



It needs a good clean and a check of the rust around the BB and chain stays but I'm happy with it!

 

[NeilM]

Re:

At least it is in a safe pair of hands now.

 

[Midlife]

Can't ever remember seeing an SBDU cyclocross frame, rare beast indeed . Does it have a chainstay bridge?

 

[originalshinkicker]

Nope, no chain stay bridge. The chain stays are rough but I've had a look and there is good solid metal under that rust.

 

[The History Man]

Gorgeously gorgeous. Patina or too far gone?

 

[Midlife]

I wonder if it was missed off because of getting clogged with mud and fouling the rear tyre?, common practice on TT bikes and kept frame repairers in business as the chainstay broke lol

 

[originalshinkicker]

I wonder if it was missed off because of getting clogged with mud and fouling the rear tyre?, common practice on TT bikes and kept frame repairers in business as the chainstay broke lol

Yep, the other 4 frames I've seen have no bridge either - I was worried about the stays but they look fine.

Raleigh did a 653 frame in the late 80s or early 90s without a bridge and I've seen several of them with cracked stays!

 

[originalshinkicker]

Gorgeously gorgeous. Patina or too far gone?

I'm toying with the idea of preserving this one. I had to take that bit of paint off the chain stay just to make sure I wasn't wasting my time, but I reckon I can make this look much better while keeping it original.

 

[xxnick1975]

That's class. Let me know if you ever think about selling it!

 

[kingbling]

Gorgeously gorgeous. Patina or too far gone?

Its got more rust than a sunken wreck from WW2