First build, Largely to be put together from scrap - Jocelyn

So I want a bike suitable for the Eroica Brittania later in the year, the langster fixie won't cut it.

Conveniently my mate found a thing hanging around in his shed and after some housemate negotiation I managed to pick the bso up for free.

The first task was returning it to my flat to start work, this involved a 5 mile ride through North London, due to the bottom bracket looking like:

and both sets of spokes being incredibly loose it felt a lot like riding a clown bike...

Having got the bike home it was time to investigate the state of affairs.

And the frame looks in good shape, the paint work is a bodge job and probably adds 500 grams on its own. The cranks weigh a ton but gave away the manufacturer as Sakai, which is something.

The brakes are fairly standard weinmanns but once cleaned and greased are good working order as was the chain set, the one thing that worked properly was the rear mech, this changed nicely and I'll see about keeping that in place.

So next step is to remove headset and other BB cup once I have a big enough spanner and send her to the resprayers.

Here is Jocelyn in her current state after some minor cleaning work:

All offers of 'vintage' spare parts are welcome!

I've cycled around the Peak District via many of the towns that L'Eroica Brittania passes through and I certainly wouldn't have fancied doing some of those climbs on a low end steel frame, nor would I like to be descending with those brakes! If you're planning on investing money with a respray and stuff you're probably better off looking for something a bit more suitable.

I've cycled around the Peak District via many of the towns that Eroica Brittania passes through and I certainly wouldn't have fancied doing some of those climbs on a low end steel frame, nor would I like to be descending with those brakes! If you're planning on investing money with a respray and stuff you're probably better off looking for something a bit more suitable.

Pah, I coped with northern Spain fixed, northern UK is no worries, I'll just go slow...

More time to take in the lovely views then!

Exactly! I won't be anywhere near race pace, that is good at cycling people race pace, I'll just potter around enjoying the ride...

You might struggle removing the fixed cup with a spanner.
If so, I've a 'special tool' for BSA cups if you need help.

You might struggle removing the fixed cup with a spanner.
If so, I've a 'special tool' for BSA cups if you need help.

This could be really useful, I'll try and and bodge it with an industrial spanner tomorrow and if that doesn't shift it I'll try a proper tool!

Nice project: ugly ducklings need loving too!

What spares are you after?

Nice project: ugly ducklings need loving too!

What spares are you after?

Cheers!

After meeting a very generous MrGumby, (I totally owe you a pint next time we're in a pub.) I'm down to wheels, cables and tyres, and maybe a quill stem. I can get a deal on cabling from a couple of places and probably have a decent pair of wheels.

So basically I think I'm mostly sorted, only waiting on BB cup removal and then it's down to Armourtex to get a respray...

There aren't many 30% inclines in Northern Spain...

I've got a mis-matched mini shimano group that would fit this, mixture of golden arrow and arabesque, front and rear mech, shifters and cranks with a NOS bb... Brakes as well without levers but not sure they would reach. I've probably spent about £60 accumulating it all.

Ah just seen you're sorted, nvm, good luck! (although i agree with above sentiments, the cost of the BB removal and a respray, you could buy something considerably better... the brake bridge and fittings suggest this was a low spec BITD)

So the frame has been stripped and powder coated a fetching green, it's actually nickel under a green lacquer. Though being the berk I am I neglected to get the forks sprayed at the same time so they're a fetching grey still, nevermind.

Time now to start assembling now, the wheels are in good knick except for the spokes being lose as spaghetti. Should be to tune them at cycletastic, the bike charity up in Kilburn, though I may just work on the headset and bb for now.

update required...

Quick update to show new wheels and handlebars
Better photos coming

Pic update

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Not the prettiest bird out there but not bad for a first build out of scrap and freebies. Total cost c.£150

Indeed, not a bad price for a rebuild! A quick question- are those shifters as far down the downtube as they look, or is the bike bigger than I think it is?

They might be a bit low but wasn't sure where to put them as there is a braze on just above where they are. I know now that the levels should have gone above!

Still works fine after getting used to them. She stood up nicely to the eroica brittania

If they work, and it's not uncomfortable, why worry! If it's nice to ride then it's fine! Seems everyone but me did the Eroica Britannia!

Good work! Can't argue with £150, especially first time around.

The pip on the DT is to stop the band being pulled down the tube, trashing your paint.

A little work on the cabling needed: the outer into the RD needs to be longer, so the inner enters the derailleur at a less acute angle. The brakes are a little too long and normally routed over, rather than under, the bars.

The front tyre looks a bit knobbly; PM me your address and I'll send you a road tyre: only cheap but better than that!

Those brake levers would be top of my list to replace: those extensions are deadly and only ever found on the very cheapest bikes.

Mark ii. With new cables, rack and bartape.
Since eroica she also been over the Scottish hills. . Frame is very bendy but it's a comfy ride and good learning experience, and I think she looks pretty.

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yep, she is pretty dude. nice work