Stolen dream bike found 26 years later? Fat Chance (TC)!
- Thread starter shamobius
- Start date
michael franks
Retrobike Rider
- Feedback
- View
Re:
shamobius wrote:
It's almost as if ii was pre-ordained that you would be re-united with your dream bike
A brilliant story with an even more brilliant ending to come when you've finally restored it. I look forward to it
shamobius wrote:
It's almost as if ii was pre-ordained that you would be re-united with your dream bike
A brilliant story with an even more brilliant ending to come when you've finally restored it. I look forward to it 
spacehopper
Senior Retro Guru
- Feedback
- View
Re:
Wonderful story! cant wait to see the restoration..!
Wonderful story! cant wait to see the restoration..!
dirttorpedo
Senior Retro Guru
Re:
Wow, that is quite the story. I'm glad you found the bike - I wish it was in better condition for you. Unfortunately it looks like its seen a lot of hard use since it was pinched. I'm looking forward to the restoration.
Wow, that is quite the story. I'm glad you found the bike - I wish it was in better condition for you. Unfortunately it looks like its seen a lot of hard use since it was pinched. I'm looking forward to the restoration.
Coquitlam Geoff
Retro Guru
Re: Fat chance team comp
great story Shamus, keep us filled in with details etc
great story Shamus, keep us filled in with details etc
shamobius
BoTM Winner
Re: Dream Bike Stolen - Found 26 Years Later? Fat Chance (TC)!!!
I got an email from the post office today; my Fat had arrived... :shock:
20170307_144700 by shamalama88, on Flickr
That grin has been plastered on my face ever since! Driving home Bill Haley's 'Rock Around the Clock' came on my playlist, a fitting time machine song indeed...
I got an email from the post office today; my Fat had arrived... :shock:
20170307_144700 by shamalama88, on FlickrThat grin has been plastered on my face ever since! Driving home Bill Haley's 'Rock Around the Clock' came on my playlist, a fitting time machine song indeed...
shamobius
BoTM Winner
Re: Dream Bike Stolen - Found 26 Years Later? Fat Chance (TC)!!!
I poured a scotch and took my time opening the box.
17198042_10155027662169400_2127376632_n by shamalama88, on Flickr
The first thing I saw were the wheels, and I was instantly taken back in time when I saw the red cloth tape I had used as rim tape 28 years ago! When I tested the bearings I could feel they were a little rough, but I rummaged through my tool box and pulled out this little kit, which I have held on to all these years...
17160161_10155027671664400_933649285_n by shamalama88, on Flickr
Then I pulled out the stem that Phil had bought the frame for in the first place; a beautiful first generation Syncros cattleprod. I remember ordering that stem direct from Syncros. At the time they were just getting started, and the stems were hugely popular, and they struggled to keep up with demand. For the first few months I had the bike it had a Tioga T-bone stem as I waited for the cattleprod. Mine only ever had the Syncros badge on the front of the stem, no 'syncros' decals on the sides. At any rate a previous owner had managed to mash a riser bar into the stem. I opened up the gap by reversing the bolts with a shim in the space, but it was deforming the stem more than I was comfortable with, so I just got out the hacksaw and handled business...
20170307_152358 by shamalama88, on Flickr
20170307_151324 by shamalama88, on Flickr
And here is a picture of the frame and fork, out of the box:
20170307_160348 by shamalama88, on Flickr
I poured a scotch and took my time opening the box.
17198042_10155027662169400_2127376632_n by shamalama88, on FlickrThe first thing I saw were the wheels, and I was instantly taken back in time when I saw the red cloth tape I had used as rim tape 28 years ago! When I tested the bearings I could feel they were a little rough, but I rummaged through my tool box and pulled out this little kit, which I have held on to all these years...
17160161_10155027671664400_933649285_n by shamalama88, on FlickrThen I pulled out the stem that Phil had bought the frame for in the first place; a beautiful first generation Syncros cattleprod. I remember ordering that stem direct from Syncros. At the time they were just getting started, and the stems were hugely popular, and they struggled to keep up with demand. For the first few months I had the bike it had a Tioga T-bone stem as I waited for the cattleprod. Mine only ever had the Syncros badge on the front of the stem, no 'syncros' decals on the sides. At any rate a previous owner had managed to mash a riser bar into the stem. I opened up the gap by reversing the bolts with a shim in the space, but it was deforming the stem more than I was comfortable with, so I just got out the hacksaw and handled business...
20170307_152358 by shamalama88, on Flickr20170307_151324 by shamalama88, on FlickrAnd here is a picture of the frame and fork, out of the box:
20170307_160348 by shamalama88, on Flickr
shamobius
BoTM Winner
Re: Dream Bike Stolen - Found 26 Years Later? Fat Chance (TC)!!!
Once I had the bike out, I started looking it over carefully. First I was hoping to find some of the original paint. I couldn't find any of the blue (maybe once I pull the headset), but inside the fork's steerer tube I could plainly see the original green paint. 100% confirmed, my Team Comp!
20170307_155121 by shamalama88, on Flickr
A few more detail pics:
20170307_155404 by shamalama88, on Flickr
20170307_155544 by shamalama88, on Flickr
20170307_155446 by shamalama88, on Flickr
I know that the frame looks rough, but I was floored; after a close head to tail inspection I could not find a single dent, ding, or gouge. And though the paint is in rough shape, and of course there are lots of rusty spots, it really appears to be superficial damage. Even the inside of the seat tube looks decent. It appears that all I need at this point is a relatively straightforward strip, rust treatment, and re-paint. Unbelievable!
Once I had the bike out, I started looking it over carefully. First I was hoping to find some of the original paint. I couldn't find any of the blue (maybe once I pull the headset), but inside the fork's steerer tube I could plainly see the original green paint. 100% confirmed, my Team Comp!
20170307_155121 by shamalama88, on FlickrA few more detail pics:
20170307_155404 by shamalama88, on Flickr20170307_155544 by shamalama88, on Flickr20170307_155446 by shamalama88, on FlickrI know that the frame looks rough, but I was floored; after a close head to tail inspection I could not find a single dent, ding, or gouge. And though the paint is in rough shape, and of course there are lots of rusty spots, it really appears to be superficial damage. Even the inside of the seat tube looks decent. It appears that all I need at this point is a relatively straightforward strip, rust treatment, and re-paint. Unbelievable!
Similar threads
