Geoffrey Butler Track

Acquired this from an old pal, who used it at HH in the 1970s.
I think it's deserving of a bit of maldod.
Will update the thread as progress is made.

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Sub'd. Interested to see what you do.
I just got one too (think mines 50s?)

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Beauty. Sub'd

@DHD Good stuff.What's the serial number on that? I have a very similar looking GB track frame. From the photo it looks like the eyes on top of the seat stays may be slightly different. I've been told by someone, can't remember who, that mine was probably made when Cliff Shrubb built frames for them.

Does the fork have a double plate crown?

@mjw1988 I'm not sure but I think yes yours is a probably a 50s frame (looking at the details of the frame like the ends and the seatstay cluster), but the decals are way younger, so that may mean GB just repainted it, often shops would put their decals on when repainting other builders' frames. I don't think they were in business in the 50s. Not sure when the shop started though.

That is interesting thanks @Skülly
I'm going to start a thread of my own soon about this bike. The BB is stamped 'RGF' if that rings any bells?
The downtube GB is handpainted which I quite like, as is the blue and gold (lugs were gold lined originally too), but you're right about the GB crests which seem to be later decals

EDIT: Raccord Gargette Freres ? French BBs but this is definitely English threaded

Ah, research is saying RGF would just be the BB, so frame still GB but ties it into the 1950s

Yes, double plate crown on this one. Quite nice that the crown and seat stay bridge haven't been drilled for brakes

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Can just about see the frame number here.

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The seat post clamp had been given a bit of a rough time

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So a nice replacement was in order.

This was done today.

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Lovely simple bike that. Trying not to be biased because I grew up round the corner!

I'll refinish the frame in an off-white colour, similar to what the original has now become and fit new decals in the same design as the originals, but I'll leave the top tube plain.

No radical component changes planned. Will keep the original hubs, rims, cranks, seatpost, stem & BB.

Wheels will be stripped, hubs and rims polished, then rebuilt with new stainless 14/16g spokes.
New tubs
Different headset - the one fitted is a bit naff.
Different saddle - the Concor has a small rip at the nose and the standard wear at the back from leaning against rough walls.
Swap the 1980s Cinelli 64-40 bars for something a bit wider - ideally 64-44.
New 50T chainring, chain & 15T rear sprocket (all 1/8")
New pedals - Shimano R540 in silver (to suit my shoes!)
Handlebar tape colour to be decided - I quite like the red colour on there, but the new saddle would need to compliment the tape, which it doesn't at present. Need to give this some further thought.

Wheels stripped, cleaned & lightly polished. Every spoke came loose easily!

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Still fond of the old Campag Record Pista hubs.

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Spokes are here - wheels being rebuilt.
Frame & fork gone for re-finishing.
Cranks & seatpost cleaned & lightly polished.
New chainring fitted.
One tub here - another on the way.
Headset, chain & sprocket ordered.
Handlebar dilemma - got a new pair of black Deda Piega compacts in the drawer - I may de-anodise & polish these, or go for new Deda Speciale 26.0 instead.
Decided to go with a white saddle and bar tape, as it will now be an indoor bike.

Wheels done.

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Frame & forks done.

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That was quick! Did you do the repaint or did you get somewhere to do it for you?

Decals look great.

Nice job on the paint.. Where did you get it done?

Also - could we/I get some detail views of the new paint job? Cheers

It's a powder coat finish, done by AWP Engineering, Narberth, Pembs. A really good small business - quick, reliable and good quality work.

Decals by H Lloyd cycles - another very reliable & helpful small business.

New seatpost lug was done by Jose at Paulus Quiros Cycles, Swansea. Excellent work by a real craftsman.

Wheels were re-laced by Gareth at Bespoke Wheels, Dunvant, Swansea. He's done a lot of work for me and is absolutely spot on in all respects - good prices, quick, reliable and 100% accurate.

Decided it needs some traditional Cinelli handlebars. Unfortunately, the originals (64-40) are much too narrow for me. Does anyone have some 64-44 or 66-44 bars they want to move on?

If your interested in selling - can I grab those bars off you?

If I don't end up 'recycling' them onto a bike for Ms DHD, then yes.