• Not yet - I have picked it up a week ago, spent a good part of Saturday evening / night to get it ready for the ride. Came with gear(5-speed)/fixed BW hubs on special lightweight rims, non original derailleur, non original rear brake. It was the geared version of the Typhoon in the 50's - lower range Holdsworth, but still butted 531. Removed the rear caliper, 5-speed block and RD to use it as a fixed for now... Good fun.
    Picture: the original owner from new, who ordered it as a 16-year old chap in 1953 from 132 Putney.

  • it's that stuff that makes the vintage bikes for me

    Absolutely - I started this recently, but now every time I find/buy a bike I try to make a picture with the previous owner. And try to find out when/where they got it, etc... Still amazed John had that bike for 63 years. He referred to it as "his baby, owned from new" :)

    When he saw how happy I was with it, he went into the garage and returned with an old shoebox. "Some old tubes and rear axles. Maybe you can use it?"

    Back home I found the original Cyclo Benelux 3-speed RD in an oily rag on the bottom of the box, some Villiers fixed sprockets, Renold and Coventry 1/8" chain for running it fixed, Brooks saddle rack, etc... Quite a useful box of bits and bobs :)

  • I have recently completed a 1982 bike designed by its former owner and with which he won an Australian Veteran Road Championship. Bob's Vinco
    Another 'Ace Special' was given to me recently by a friend, who has owned it since 1970. This 1950s Adelaide (Australia) built frame shows the artistry in the box-lining, scrolls and feathers rarely seen outside of Australia.
    The third, is a 1952 EA Boult which has been ridden continuously since it was purchased by Dave in 1952. Dave is documenting the bike in his life, in England and tours in Europe, then out to Australia. He is also my consultant on the restoration of the frame.
    I am still collecting parts for the Ace Special and the EA Boult.

    And I need to document the bike that started it for me, my fathers 1948 Spearman.

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