Retro TT build

[Simon Masterson]

Re:

Ok, I see it now, they are too high. I’ll get some more housing. And will get Mercian to add the HT transfer when I get this resprayed...

 

[Nob]

Re: Re:

Ok, I see it now, they are too high. I’ll get some more housing. And will get Mercian to add the HT transfer when I get this resprayed...

Good Man

This is one of mine - Roger Queen Replica build

 

[Little Al]

Hi all, thought it might be fun to document my new project here; I know there are other tester types around here that appreciate this sort of thing. I race TTs on modern (ish!) kit but also love retro steel bikes, and for some time have had a bit of a hankering for something to ride when I wish I was Alf...

All builds start with a frame. This little gem gave me the idea to do this, and it arrived on Friday.

It's (thought to be) an Alec Bird built frame, apparently in 531. Paint's a bit tatty, but that's easily fixed. I was shocked by how light it is - <1700g for the frame; the fork is more typical at 750g. The only thing I don't like is the bottle bosses!

This is a very, very low budget project, at least in the short term. I'm also going for 'sympathetic' rather than '100% authentic' - I will be riding this in anger, and I plan to take it to the E2 or F11 some time next year to see what it's capable of.

Not sure if the Bird will take all the "Drillieum" like alfs Shorter Birdie used to produce a tidy testing frame

 

[Nob]

It’s better to take the route of a white bird similar to that of the CC Orpington Saba team used to ride like the photo of Mick Ballard posted earlier in the thread.

 

[roadking]

Re:

I think I've mentioned before but white is Ken's signature colour, what Birds there are on the web bear this out. My current Bird build, a TT frame is being re-painted in its original porcelain white.

Rk.

 

[Little Al]

I have a 12 up 7 speed narrow Regina America dural block I would part with if of any use to any one

 

[Simon Masterson]

Re:

Good info, thanks, I'd like to paint it an appropriate colour. Guessing that would be a plain white enamel rather than any metallic finishes?

Also, @Al, thanks, but assuming that even if narrow, a 7 speed would be 126 OLN rather than 120? This frame is the latter and I do not intend to increase the spacing.

 

[roadking]

Re: Re:

Good info, thanks, I'd like to paint it an appropriate colour. Guessing that would be a plain white enamel rather than any metallic finishes?

Enamel yes.

If you pm me I'll advise you RAL codes to ensure authenticity - if that's what you're going for.

J.