Feature Bike Richard Thackray Original Team Pace F1 - Restoration Thread - Completed

R0012394-1.jpg Completed May 2021

Setting The Scene
: Its fair to say I'm a huge Pace fan taking inspiration from Jerky, Gil M ,Rich Matthews, Bollox64 as well as many others

Through the years I've seen some epic Pace builds. DR s (pretty sure he sprayed his RC100 six times until he was happy with the colour) , Neil Millard's, Rich's Pink Pace (Mavic Groupset) and the perfection that Bollox64 goes to with his builds. I can't write about amazing Paces and not mention Bibbsey's original RC100 with a Campy groupset which is outstanding

In the late 90's a friend turned up on a Red F7 to go for a bike ride and id honestly never seen anything as stunning. I made him give me first refusal and when he later wanted to buy an Orange I jumped at the chance of owning it.

At the time of buying my F7 I genuinely wasn't aware that there were 6 previous iterations of this model, let alone that the RC100 existed. I made obtaining a RC100 and then an RC300 a goal and thanks to Jerky and the Caramba kid I got one of each. Since then I've added a stunning F1 finished in Champagne from Bollox64 and an F2 to my collection

I have previously mentioned there being 4 Pace's around that I would love to add to my collection, but that in reality I only stood a slim chance of buying one of them .

The Bike:

After a few ups and downs but definitely finishing on an up I've managed to buy Richard Thackray’s iconic ex team Pace F1 from around the 92 era (It definitely was the era of Purple or 3DV) . Although this bike was one of the four id love to own, I didn't think I stood a chance of buying it

The bad news however is that its been ridden over the years. Not normally a bad point but regrettably its been ridden to a point where damage has occurred. Its my aim with the help of some very talented people to restore this to as original a condition as I can. Thanks to Adam Bentham and Rich Matthews I have an idea of how the bike looked in its heyday and the component spec and what I aspire to return it to

For me its about keeping this as original as possible and showcasing the work of the talented people who without their help it would not be possible to see this return to becoming a rider.

This actually featured on an episode of the GMBN tech show. If interested follow the link at its at 7mins in (Thanks John Paddock aka Spud):

The talented people I will be engaging will hopefully add to this thread to showcase their specialisms as they undertake the work. This thread may go quiet given the current climate but will be added to as and when I can

The first order of business is to get it stripped down. The frame will be going off to the Leg End that is Dan Chambers, the Forks to Tim at Fork English. GIL M is kindly going to build the wheels and Retrodecals are working on producing a set of decals to match the bike in its sponsored race livery

I do need the following parts to help with this special build:

1) Rear 32H Pace Alloy Hub
2) Early Renthal (Shimmed Bars) sorted
3) M735 Shortcage Rear Mech (must be v.good + condition)
4) Silver or Purple X-Lite Crank Caps
5) X-Lite Cam Lock Seatpost Pin
6) Purple American Classic Bottle Cage (Fingers crossed that is in hand) Now sorted

Thanks already to SI33 for the pedals, its really appreciated and I will hopefully be receiving some special parts to make this build truly authentic. More on that as it happens

Pics:

Pic 1 - Damage to downtube
Pic 2 - Crack to Headtube Weld
Pic 3 - Miss-matched brake levers
Pic 4- In my kitchen strip down commenced
Pic 5 - Ready for collection
Pic 6 - Parked up looking good
Pic 7 - The Bike in its heyday being ridden by Rich
 

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  • Head Tube Crack In Weld.jpeg
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Last edited by a moderator:
Amazing job Dave! Great to see all the areas of expertise being utilised in this hobby of ours - so many skilled areas coming together. I love the Bowie backdrop photos - great stuff 😎
 
Really glad you like it mate, it really means a lot


Dude that's absolutely outstanding, I've just looked through the pictures again and it still astounds me, that is just flippin awesome, you want to send the pics in to Doddy at gmbn and show him it now you've lovingly restored it to, likely better than original condition!!
 
Epic build and outstanding result, looking forward to reading in more detail later. Keen to feature this on the front page and social media, drop me a conversation.
 
Very cool buddy, cant wait to see it in the metal and a testament to the retrobike and bike community. Youve gone way above the rest in terms of details and attention to detail and patience. One dips thy hat dude
 
Dude that's absolutely outstanding, I've just looked through the pictures again and it still astounds me, that is just flippin awesome, you want to send the pics in to Doddy at gmbn and show him it now you've lovingly restored it to, likely better than original condition!!
And to think I thought the chances of me buying it were over until you directed me to Doddy’s GMBN tech episode. You’re a legend mate
 
Epic build and outstanding result, looking forward to reading in more detail later. Keen to feature this on the front page and social media, drop me a conversation.
John many thanks for the post and great to hear you like how it’s turned out. Fantastic that you want to feature it and I’ll message you to have a conversation
 
Very cool buddy, cant wait to see it in the metal and a testament to the retrobike and bike community. Youve gone way above the rest in terms of details and attention to detail and patience. One dips thy hat dude
Chris it really means a lot to hear that people like how it’s turned out and I really do value your opinion. I’m just as pleased to showcase the talents of those who have helped me. Looking forward to showing you it in the summer
 
Amazing job Dave! Great to see all the areas of expertise being utilised in this hobby of ours - so many skilled areas coming together. I love the Bowie backdrop photos - great stuff 😎

Thanks for not only helping with the pedals Si, but for following the thread over the past year. I couldn’t resist putting the two idols together ha ha
 
And to think I thought the chances of me buying it were over until you directed me to Doddy’s GMBN tech episode. You’re a legend mate

I didn't really do anything that others wouldn't have, I just happened to click what it was when I saw it, and point you in the right direction dude, it's you that's put the time and effort into sourcing the right parts, and the right people, to make this an absolute masterpiece!!

As for your BOTM comment, I'd easily back this for BOTY in fairness and I'm sure others will happily agree 👌
 

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