Viking Vision late 80's any info appreciated

[Entobiker]

Hi All
I have just picked up a Viking Vision road bike off Gumtree. Thought it looked pretty cool (from the one bad photo) and took a bit of a punt on it. Turns out its quite a nice build: 531 tubing, Campagnolo drive chain, Cinelli stem, 'Criterium' bar, Mavic rims ('built by W. Evans' whoever he is).

I have done a little research on the brand and I guess this must be one of the last Viking's made in Northern Ireland before the whole company finally died and the brand disappeared. Can anyone confirm this hunch? It would be great to hear from someone who had one of these when new. I can't find many examples of this bike anywhere on the net. Were they any good?

I am now debating whether this is worth restoring to its original state (polished up, re-decalled etc.) or whether its better resprayed black with vintage style Viking decals and leather seat/tape to make a kind of faux vintage commuter/tourer. Any thoughts?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/105313779 ... 569375918/

 

[Diamant_Don]

Personally, I'd keep the colour scheme and stand out!

That'll be a proper nice bike when it's done. Bargain!

 

[Entobiker]

Got it up to riding condition and unfortunately it is miles too big for me.

So the plan will be a breaking: the parts are so nice I want to keep them to hang on a smaller frame.

So now the search for a mid/late 80's frame in a 54(ish)cm!

If anyone is interested in the frame and forks of this bike let me know (soon to be hitting the classifieds).