Totally Stoked - Stokes of London

[droppedout]

Try brake fluid on the hoods, it works on crumbly tyres by replacing the plasticisers. Plasticisers are added to brake fluid to keep rubber brake hoses supple, but as the hoods are probably just latex, it may not work. Makes you glad you kept that half a jar of old brake fluid for ten years.

 

[fiveSixteenths]

Try brake fluid on the hoods, it works on crumbly tyres by replacing the plasticisers. Plasticisers are added to brake fluid to keep rubber brake hoses supple, but as the hoods are probably just latex, it may not work. Makes you glad you kept that half a jar of old brake fluid for ten years.

Ah, they’re beyond saving unfortunately, so am going to try and source something new but in keeping.
In other news, wheels are built, will pop them round to the LBS just to check and fix one I simply cannot get to true

 

[fiveSixteenths]

Well it’s been a while, but progress…
First thing, the 5 speed block doesn’t fit. I noticed when the wheel came out it the frame when ‘springggg’ and having tried, it’s definitely a no.
So, not sure what to do now. Would a three speed work? The clearance is vey narrow to the chainstay, will try and measure it in a bit.
However, everything else is coming along splendidly and if I’d been a bit more organised I could have been pottering about on a sunny test ride, but there we are. More news hopefully soon…
also, how the hell do I fit the Benelux mech? The big spring means it’s right into the wheel and - short of fitting and cabling it so as I can pull it in, I cannot fathom how to manage this.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

 

[dan73uk]

Well it’s been a while, but progress…
First thing, the 5 speed block doesn’t fit. I noticed when the wheel came out it the frame when ‘springggg’ and having tried, it’s definitely a no.
So, not sure what to do now. Would a three speed work? The clearance is vey narrow to the chainstay, will try and measure it in a bit.
However, everything else is coming along splendidly and if I’d been a bit more organised I could have been pottering about on a sunny test ride, but there we are. More news hopefully soon…
also, how the hell do I fit the Benelux mech? The big spring means it’s right into the wheel and - short of fitting and cabling it so as I can pull it in, I cannot fathom how to manage this.

This article may help https://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/restoration/adjusting-benelux-gears/

Do you know the model name of the derailleur? The model name might assist in finding fitting instructions on line

 

[fiveSixteenths]

View attachment 924586

The arm(?) on your’s is curly, which looks like that helps. I need to have another head-scratch on this

 

[fiveSixteenths]

This article may help https://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/restoration/adjusting-benelux-gears/

Do you know the model name of the derailleur? The model name might assist in finding fitting instructions on line

“Maybe you really don’t need five gears anyway.”
This looks like it might be good advice lol

 

[Foreigner]

The arm(?) on your’s is curly, which looks like that helps. I need to have another head-scratch on this

Different model. First edition (I have it on sale currently) has less or no 'curve'

 

[fiveSixteenths]

I spent the best part of yesterday trying to get the flaming Benelux mech working. Actually, not even working, just fitted.
What a Gordian Knot of impossible complexity and idiosyncratic nonsense.
Just gave in the end, didn’t want to damage the spokes or risk smashing everything up in a fury.
Hence putting out the ask for a Gran Sport instead. I know
There’s now a really lovely 3speed block in (thanks Tom!) with proper clearance and a 28t big cog - which with the 46 front means I might just about get up the first hill).
But the brakes are cabled and seem to work well. Really nice metal coil outers from Velo Duo, will take some pictures later, was too dark at the end of yesterday.
Also decided to use a pair of CB levers instead of the Lee Chi ones, they look much better.
Also managed to get hold of a saddle (thanks Brane for the offer of the Mansfield) for £20 which should be fine. I hope.
In annoying news, I broke one of the rear mudguard stay tabs on the seat stay ffs.

 

[bikeworkshop]

...and the frame looks like it’s had rear rack mounts cut off at some point - you can just make out the marks on the seat stays

Those rack stays break off easily, a few years, a bit of luggage... at least yours didn't take a section of the stay with them - plenty do. And repair ruins the paint