What do I have here? (Old Holdsworth)

[Mike1983]

Hi all

This is my first post here and I come to ask for advice please.

My father was an avid cyclist in his younger years (I suspect around the early 1970's) and he unfortunately passed away a few years back. Some of the items he left behind which I'm looking to seek advice on what to do with are as listed below;

> A fully assembled Holdsworth road bike in poor condition / signs of flaky paint and rust
> A bare Holdsworth frame in seemingly quite good condition
> Some folders of cycling mags from 1970 / 1971 era

Having looked around, I can see Holdsworth bikes are quite collectable with some being sold for £££ which is why I suspect he may have been holding on to them other than for his own sentimental reasons. The time has come for me to pass these on in the best way possible, ideally selling to a private buyer / collector / restorer or similar. They are currently taking up space in the garage where I could otherwise do with the room and funds for my new startup business which I'd like to think would be a good fitting end for them.

I've included some photos. It would be greatly appreciated if someone in the know could advise if these have any notable collectors value etc?

Thank you for your time.

 

[Mike1983]

Mags

 

[Mike1983]

I believe from a search of http://www.nkilgariff.com/Professional.htm
It's this model described in these attachments.

 

[chickendrumsticks]

Welcome. That Pro Sprint is a peach. At the right price I can imagine a lengthy queue on here lining up to snatch it away from you. No idea of value - there are plenty real Holdsworth afficionados here who'll be able to advise on that front. Just a thought, as it'll be the first question anybody asks: are the stem and seat pin both free to move?

 

[sjcprojects]

I'm also wary of putting a price on either, as others on here will know more, but the Professional Sprint is worth some very decent money without a doubt. The Road is obviously a restoration candidate due to the rust, but it should still get plenty of interest – it's an iconic bike of the era. Hopefully someone can give a good indication of prices and then you can post them in the 'Road For Sale - Complete Bikes' forum here (it's not possible to post bikes up there without putting a price on them first, though of course prices are always negotiable).

 

[chickendrumsticks]

I'm guessing the rear brake bridge isn't drilled on the sprint - being a track bike?

 

[Mike1983]

Hi all

Thanks you for your replies, it's great to see this would be of interest to people and a good home could be found!

Further to Chickendrumsticks query about the stem and seat pin. Do you mean 'can the silver seat post sticking out from the orange frame be removed from the main frame'? Assuming so, I'm pleased to report yes it can, I've just removed it this morning, didn't take much effort at all.

I believe Ive also found the frame number at the bottom of the frame near the pedal mechanism. My eyes arent the greatest and the paint covers it over but it appears to be 35453. I'll get my wife (better eyes) to have a look over today.

If anyone wants any more photos / suggested areas of explanation then please advise.

Thanks

 

[Mike1983]

Just realised you also asked about the stem. I can confirm it is not siezed / rotates fine. Not as smooth as a brand new bike but I suspect a remove / lube / rebuild cures that.

My wife concurs that the frame number appears to be 35453. Photo attached.

Quick question - Should I break the chain off to protect the paint as best as possible? I presume there is no value in the chain!??

 

[torqueless]

If you are sellling to someone who actually wishes to ride the bike/frame, then it's customary to measure the seat tube, either centre-to-centre or centre-to-top, and specify which you are using: e.g:
"22 inches C-T"
:
Without going into detail, I'd guess you could have around half a grand's worth all told.

 

[chickendrumsticks]

If you are sellling to someone who actually wishes to ride the bike/frame, then it's customary to measure the seat tube, either centre-to-centre or centre-to-top, and specify which you are using: e.g:
"22 inches C-T"
View attachment 648405:
Without going into detail, I'd guess you could have around half a grand's worth all told.

Chain - no, no, no! I think you'd have a job anyway. If you don't have the right tool leave it there for a potential new owner to deal with.