Roberts #120 Cyclocross - Restoration

Lovely work @PhillB . Looks like you’ve done another cracking paint job. Colourways look great. Look forward to seeing more pics and progress when you get time and start sourcing components. A different kind of shopping list for this one!
 
Thanks :). I think I am going to build it up with what I have for the moment while I look at/for old Cyclocross components, I'm quite keen to ride the frame :D.

When I got it, it had early 90's bits on it, Shimano 600 headset, Middleburn crank, XT brakes, so it appears to have been a frankenbike before too :LOL:
 
It’s great that it lives on and gets used. Nice to see bikes with random components on because that’s what happens as components wear and become obsolete.

I’d save a few eBay searches for more period/original components and keep an eye on what pops up, but in the mean time enjoy what bikes are meant for which is riding! And at the moment the weather is crazy mild and dare I say it, dry(ish) even in Wales!!! 😜🤣
 
Made some progress yesterday in building this one up ...well some progress and also a couple of issues :)

Much of this is from parts that I had left over from other builds, the Campy Wheels are nothing too exotic but are solid and in good condition. I bought some new Gravel King 35c tyres. These have to be the most difficult tyres I have ever fitted, and that's saying something. The rear wheel took me almost an hour. I had to check twice that I had not bought 650B sized tyres... anyway eventually got them on...If I get a puncture... I'm walking as roadside repairs would be v.difficult (and include lots of swearing!).

Cinelli stem and some Nitto bars.I am not a fan of drop bars (at all) so it is going to be a flat bar. I also had some Velo Orange brake levers and DiaComp thumbies that I got for Christmas last year 🙂.

The grips won't be staying I don't think, As I will get some dark brown ones.

The biggest problem I thought I was going to have wasn't one. The threads in the bottom bracket looked, well a bit old and worn...and I was worried about whether the new BB would engage OK... but after a clean up and lube the 60/113 BB went in just fine - we'll see how it lasts.

I need some shorter bolts for the Cantis as the one I have are too long.... and I need to change the headset...

Although I measured the stack height before assembly and knew it was going to be close...well, it is too close (over close??) and although it works like this, I can't get a cantilever cable holder in there 😟.

Why did I measure it and fit it anyway? I like to think it was optimism.... but it was probably stupidity 😁 - still IMHO it is better to be an optimist and occasionally look stupid... than a pessimist and always be right.

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Getting tyres on…

Lubrication will help enormously. Will stop the rubber gripping/binding against the rim. Very soapy water is all you need.

Plus getting the section of bead that is already inside the rim to be in. the middle of rim (lowest point) to create more slack for the section of bead you’re trying to get located. Not sure that makes any sense?! 🤪

Once you have both sections/sides of bead located ensure those are both pushed towards the middle of the rim, again creating more tyre to play with where you’re trying to hook it over the rim.

Also do it indoors in the warmth to keep the rubber more pliable, plus your hands hurt less!

I’m sure you tried all this and some combos of tyres/rims are just hard work…
 
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