My beloved Roberts 531 frame

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  • Rubbed this beauty down 2 years ago and just recently started to get it all back together.
    Ups and downs along the way, accidentally snapped off a downtube boss, so decided to take the other off also, putting a set of Campagnolo band levers on instead (it covers the damage).

    Trying to date it also, bought it back in late 70's or very early 80's but cannot remember the exact year.
    It was originally in a dark blue with the Golden 'Roberts' lettering.
    The only Frame Number I can find is stamped on the Bottom Bracket, looks like 9680 or 0896, no other numbers anywhere on this frame or on the forks that are the chromed ones with the 'R' in black.
    This also comes before the standard 'R' was put on the brake bridges.
    The number points me in the direction of Charlie Roberts but he also put the number on the Forks, but nothing there.
    If anyone can possible help and pin point the exact year and perhaps the frame builder, as Roberts employed a few others, it would be appreciated.
    Would like to think that there are some Roberts experts around here.
    I would have liked to contact Chas Roberts himself for help, but the recent closure of the business and contact points have vanished. so, i'll be happy if anyone in the know can help on accurately dating this for me, I've looked up some web sites in the past but its still confusing with all the frame numbering systems.
    Later in 80's it was changed to year/month etc, so much easier to date a frame.

    Anyways.....
    I've used Hammerite Green Hammered for this project, and varnished with Yacht varnish, looks much better than I could photograph it actually.
    Frame decals come from H Lloyds.
    Campagnolo running gear will be added in due course, the Super Record Headset will be replaced with a cleaner looking unit, this one is a bit bashed up.
    Might be mad, but I'm dropping the drop handlebars and going for flat ones.

    Andy...


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  • Few pics of it progressing.....


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  • Gear Levers going on...


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  • Rear and Front Derailleurs......


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  • and now.... Crankshaft..


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  • V nice. Not keen on the red outers and Colnago chainset personally, i'd keep it all silver or black.

  • I went with the Colnago as it compliments the white lettering, chainrings are 39/34 looks so tiny.

    Never been a fan of green, but I quite like the hammered effect that Hammerite gives and wanted something that was tough on paintwork.

    Not too bad for a paint me own with brush job.

    Really deserves a professional job these Roberts.
    If only I could win the Lottery.

  • Stop until it's too late... Before you spend more money making your bike anti...

    Go silver.

  • Yeah! Another Roberts!
    You could talk to Mario Vaz, basic paint could be well under £100, if no "specials" (I.e. no lug lining, no panel, no metallic paint, you provide transfers, etc...)

    Saying that, if you did this with a brush yourself, the result is surprisingly good!

    Agree with above comments, white cranks doesn't feel it belongs here...

  • I'll see how this home paint job goes first, its a tough paint this Hammerite, with a coating of Yacht Varnish - actually 3 coats.

    I tried some aerosol Lacquer first off, but it never wanted to marry with the paint and simple flaked off.

    Anyways, this Hammered effect works well to hide brush marks, it dried in the appearance of tiny small flakes, also has kind of a ripple effect going on, so it doesn't really show the brush marks. I've tried taking pictures with various cameras and none really show the paintwork as I see it in the flesh. Does look much better.

    Most of the parts going back on are over 30 years old now, perhaps I'm on my own with the white cranks, kinda like it.
    170 length but they still overlap the front wheel, always got to remember where my pedals are before turning otherwise i'm over the handlebars.

    Onwards we go......


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  • Front forks...


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  • Please remove the nago crank... Jesus.

  • Been shopping and picked up a nice Rohloff chain

    Don't make chains like this any more, its superb quality and lasts forever


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  • Also adding a nice chromed metal chainstay protector .....


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My beloved Roberts 531 frame

Posted by Avatar for S2NCobra @S2NCobra

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