Ribble 1987 531c

[Carbonmtb]

Hi again,
I got mine shotblasted and single colour powdercoated for £60. That was cash in hand!!! Job is very good, but I think that you can only have one colour and any other colours need to be applied afterwards probably by some form of painting method. Only problem is the guy is up in the long forgotten North of England; midway between Ormskirk and Southport.
I've no doubt he will do another; he is a non too serious triathlete so has some bike sympathies.
If you want to get in touch direct he is
https://www.apowdercoating.co.uk/
I've no idea what he will charge for a more "legit" transaction but until you ask you won't find out.
If you want I'm happy to act as a go between. Send the frame to me and I'll take it round to him. Might be cheaper that way. Shipping will have to be sorted out in any event. Happy to help if you want me to.

My Ribble came set up for 7 speed, but I found the shifters were actually 8 speed. I bought an 8 speed block from a well known retailer where I could easily return it, but it went on perfectly and works a treat. Back in the 1990s when I was racing these frames there was no 8 speed. 7 speed was cutting edge and worked well.

That’s great thanks ! I’m up north InCumbria ! That’s very kind of you , I will see which way I go , I actually think these 105 shifters are 8 speed as there is an extra click on the lever ! ?

 

[Sir Neil d'Menture]

I’m up north InCumbria !
Really whereabouts? I know a guy in Wetherall just outside Carlisle.

 

[Carbonmtb]

I’m up north InCumbria !
Really whereabouts? I know a guy in Wetherall just outside Carlisle.

I’m in Kendal , just south of Carlisle .

I’m wondering what solid colour I would go for but I really do like the 80s faded paint schemes , I missed out on a ellis Briggs in white and pink , it was immaculate but was on to cheap and sold quick .

 

[Sir Neil d'Menture]

Small world. My mate used to live in Kendal, and some of my family still do. At one time we never seemed to be away from the place. A good place to live.
I'm no expert, but think the paint jobs come in more pricey. It's worth asking the powdercoater if he can do two colours, but from my (limited) knowledge of the process it might be possible with a lot of masking but I don't think fading will be an option. There is a full RAL chart on his website.
If this weather ever picks up I'm going to the powdercoaters on my purple Ribble just to show off and can ask him. Alternatively give him a ring and talk it through. You can mention me - he knows me as the purple bike man!!!

 

[Carbonmtb]

Small world. My mate used to live in Kendal, and some of my family still do. At one time we never seemed to be away from the place. A good place to live.
I'm no expert, but think the paint jobs come in more pricey. It's worth asking the powdercoater if he can do two colours, but from my (limited) knowledge of the process it might be possible with a lot of masking but I don't think fading will be an option. There is a full RAL chart on his website.
If this weather ever picks up I'm going to the powdercoaters on my purple Ribble just to show off and can ask him. Alternatively give him a ring and talk it through. You can mention me - he knows me as the purple bike man!!!

It is a small world ! It’s good cycling around here ! I will take a look at the chart , think I was quoted 300 for and old frame to me enamelled so if I go one colour powder coat could be the job , pretty tough finish too ?

 

[Sir Neil d'Menture]

Tough? You bet. AFAIK the process involves electrostatically charging the frame and charging the particles the opposite polarity. They attract each other. Then they are baked on in an oven.
The coating on mine is approx 0.5mm thick. There is so much on that I had to get the Dremel out to clear away the coating round the downtube bosses. It is essential to cover all the threads with sacrificial bolts before you start (I can lend you mech hanger and bottom bracket dummies). The finished job is far tougher than paint.

£300. Wow. That's a lot of money.

 

[Sir Neil d'Menture]

Anyway, I'm off out on the bike now.
Not out into this wind. Out on the Ribble on the turbo in the garage.
Think I'll ride up and down the Italian coast in nice warm sunshine!

 

[Carbonmtb]

Anyway, I'm off out on the bike now.
Not out into this wind. Out on the Ribble on the turbo in the garage.
Think I'll ride up and down the Italian coast in nice warm sunshine!

Nice enjoy !

Thanks for the tips and advice and offer of help , I’ve cleaned up the seat and bar tap with acetone then soap, should the gears be one click and change .... I have to move it half to get it to change then back to the click , it’s had new cables but maybe the cassette is worn

 

[Sir Neil d'Menture]

OK. I'm back from sunny climes.
If it is seven speed and a freehub rather than a cassette I've got a couple of them sitting in the garage in nearly new condition, looking for a new home.

 

[Carbonmtb]

Re:

Thank you very much that’s very kind , what size block are they ? I will take a look abs see what it is , how much are you after for them ? I think it’s the block worn that’s slowing the change down !