Wester Ross light tourer No. 449 FGF

[Spokesmann]

A recent purchase of mine, and a marque I have been after for about 5-6 years now. This is my 'new' Wester Ross. 56cm frame, 531ST tubing which had been tastefully retro-modded by its former owner back in 2020 at considerable expense (I have the bills), dates from about 82/83 Id say as its a pretty late machine, some 477 being built since about 1975. This one was most probably built when the company moved to just outside Whitby. I've spent a week or so getting the machine just how I like it and also swapping out some of the bits. I've added new GP 5000 tyres, saddle and saddle bag. I run toe clips and strap across my collection so I took off the Dura Ace SPDs which it came with. The wheels are 700c and were originally 27". Plenty of room for guards if I do fit them, also it has braze ons for a rear rack if need be. Running a full Campag group set, apart from the brakes, it currently has a 3 x 10 drive train. Ive had a couple of test rides and it handle superbly, Im looking forward to longer runs when the weather gets better. Bars are Cinelli with Ergo shifters.

 

[The Bat]

The perfect all-rounder which can cover commuting (mudguard fittings), light touring/ Audax or shopping (rear rack) and yet can still provide a turn of speed for a fast day out. It also looks 'just right' and refined with the steel tubes, proportions and the colour.

This is exactly the sort of thing that I am after (my size, too!) although I may be going for a Dawes Galaxy, which I realise is not quite the same - in terms of both design and class - but will do the job sufficiently.

Enjoy riding it.

Kevin.

Edited to add: do you actually ride it with the saddle up at the angle it is in the photos?

 

[Spokesmann]

Yes

 

[Jamiedyer]

Absolutely beautiful Mike.
You have struck gold there with that being such a great condition example. There are a few floating about in certain circles within the classic groups up here but the two I see often are well used from new and look like they have lived a good touring life.
Yours looks like such a good set up and I am sure will give you many happy miles for sure. By all accounts they are fantastic handling tourers. I have always kept my eye open for a small tourer but you just don't seem to see them anymore, and certainly not like this one.
I love my tourers/randonneurs and within my short wish list this sits right up there with my Jack Taylor, and one day an Alves, Tony Oliver, and a Bob Jackson World Tour.
Look forward to seeing and hearing about your rides.

Jamie

 

[Nob]

Hope you adjusted the saddle before your ride

 

[Spokesmann]

Hope you adjusted the saddle before your ride

My normal angle developed after 1000s of miles riding

 

[otherself]

Thats very un-Spokesmann like to not buy a Carlton. Do you intend to tour on it?

 

[Spokesmann]

Thats very un-Spokesmann like to not buy a Carlton. Do you intend to tour on it?

Possibly. One of these has been on my wish list for a long time.

 

[Spokesmann]

A few miles around the seafront this morning before we get rain...

 

[Spokesmann]

Absolutely beautiful Mike.
You have struck gold there with that being such a great condition example. There are a few floating about in certain circles within the classic groups up here but the two I see often are well used from new and look like they have lived a good touring life.
Yours looks like such a good set up and I am sure will give you many happy miles for sure. By all accounts they are fantastic handling tourers. I have always kept my eye open for a small tourer but you just don't seem to see them anymore, and certainly not like this one.
I love my tourers/randonneurs and within my short wish list this sits right up there with my Jack Taylor, and one day an Alves, Tony Oliver, and a Bob Jackson World Tour.
Look forward to seeing and hearing about your rides.

Jamie

Thanks Jamie, very light and responsive. Got a few miles in this monring, but roads a bit damp and slippy in palces as Im essentially running on slicks...

Everything feels nice, postion, brakes and gears are very crisp.

Looking forward to better weather and some longer rides.