My 70's/80's J&M Cycles Track Project

Thought I would stick up a little build thread for my new project as I will forget things I find out on the way, unless I keep it logged somewhere.

Had a Fuji Track for a good few years but wanted to play with something older. Almost built a full NJS project with Durace track group 2 years ago but the arrival of a baby and the requirement of a house meant i parted it out.

So starting out on a budget project as a bit of summer fun, with whatever bargains I find along the way.

So here is the bike as it was advertised on ebay.

The only stamping on the frame is prefixed JM andf the decals are for J&M Cycles in Rugeley, Staffs.

I found a number but they have ceased trading. However the man I spoke to said that in the 70's/80's they had frames built for them by a Wolverhampton company called Knight Cycles.

Found this article about Knight on the interwebs and the frame has the wrapover seat cluster like in the picture so I guess it is a Knight frame.

http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/builders/knight-cycles-builders.html

I have stripped the bike down and will see what I have in the garage left over from other projects and decide what I need to replace.

First to go is the Sugino crankset and I would like to run clinchers on the daily so will look to get another wheelset at somepoint.

The bloke that painted my VW also restores old BMX's so I hope he can help in getting this up to standard.

Anyone know anymore about Knight cycles or where i could some reproduction graphics?

Momentum has gathered slightly on this as i have finally finished work for 6 weeks so I aim to get this up and running quickly. Got a couple of pictures before i fully stripped it last week.

Its 531 tubed and in really good shape, tempted to keep it red but a respray is still on the cards.

Ordering rims, tyres and headset on Monday. Also going to order up a Knight Cycles/531 sticker set from H Lloyd too.

Decided to go a full Campagnolo Pista build up and things have quickly spiraled out of control.

Picking up my polished parts Tuesday from forum legend lasmo999 who offers the parts on an exchange basis. Blown away when he sent this photo of my parts yesterday.

what size is your frame? it looks really good. it's great that you r keeping it classic, i would be tempted to add modern touches with components.

looks good! ild be tempted to go tb23 for modern wide rim kraze and retro touch.. charcoal would be nice.. you keeping the front brake? (as i would anyway..)

^^^ thank you both. The frame is 53cm c to c. It fits me perfectly so should be a nice ride when done.

I will be adding a front brake (with a different wheel, so i dont damage the NOS rims sourced) for a little bit until I get used to the bike, then it will come off.

Found a few hours this week and got a few bits done.

Firstly spent some time with this

To clean these up ready for a rebuild.

While apart I will be giving the pedal bodys a rub down and try to polish out some of the marks and scratches. Will also repaint the cages in black so everythings fresh.

One cone is damaged as the dust cover was broken and has been run exposed so have found a replacement NOS cone and replacement dust covers.

Ordered new grade 10 precision bearings for the pedals and the hubs, so will start on stripping and rebuilding the hubs over the weekend.

Ordered headset, tyres and grease from Ribble and the lady is liberating some syringes from work so i can apply the grease neatly.

Rims arrived this morning so can get the wheels in for building next week, kept with the Campagnolo theme.

Another boring update.

Stripped the hubs down ready for a service. The cones and cups are perfect and the bodys polished up quite well. Will give them another going over with Belgom polish and then seal them with Renaissance wax before they get built up.

Found the rear axle thread is damaged on the drive side so looking to source a replacement, can hopefully remove the cone without damaging its internal thread.

shiny !! why not cut the axle after the damaged area so you can safely take out the cone :)

Finally got some time to update.

All parts are collected and ready for assembly. I dont have a bearing press so the headset will be left to the professionals.

Frame was painted by Jon Aston at http://www.chickensframeemporium.co.uk/ really happy with the outcome.

Opted for a metallic burgundy which is hard to pick out unless in direct sunlight, Jon did a great job as did H Lloyd in creating custom colour decals to suit the frame.

Wheels are also finished, fully serviced by me and laced by Anthony and Richard at True Wheels using stainless butted spokes. I fitted Vittoria Open Corsa tyes to finish off.

Waiting on a BB cup which went missing and then i can assemble the final bike.