Pre 1950s rides of LFGSS: old bikes, vintage rats, classic lightweights

Pps found out that the rear cog of the trike is actually part of the axle so no easy fix. To actually open the Abingdon Works diff, you need to completely remove the axle from the bike then twist the two halves (via seat stays) to open it up then a new sprocket needs to be braised on. Meh, don't have the energy energy to fix this at the moment. But can't just scrap an 85 year old bike.

not sure we can promise this

Wow nice.
Any chance of selling it at some point?

Sure, yours whenever you want it.

I picked this up a couple of months ago from Ebay thinking it might be an A.S Gillott
Its not pre 1950's i know but this thread is my new go to thread and a favourite of mine, so here it is,
First impressions
Crappy paintwork and as usual nothing hidden under the cheap car spray like original transfers or paint, the rust is just superficial and came of with the paint.

it looked promising, Nervex Pro lugs,
Nice Nitor saddle, Campag pedals and steel Campag stem.

Rounded rear brake bridge,

Albeit Gillott's would normally have a sleeved brake bridge for strength, this didn't.
My first impressions were that maybe the frame had been originally built as a path frame with horizontal drop outs and the hole for the brake bolt had been drilled out at a later date.
The forks added to my suspicions as they were of the rounded type normally associated with path/track frames.
Note the detailing in the crown. A.S Gillott used this design in a lot of their frames. The crown itself is a Davis crown used on Holdsworth and other builders around in the 50's, the Accles and Pollock fork steerer is also something A.S Gillott used as according to M. Stevens they preferred.



Agrati rear drops outs, the front drop outs are Simplex!
Im starting to think now that the forks are not a match for the frame.
It turns out that the frame is very low (centre of gravity) if thats the term, i didn't really notice this until my pedal had started crashing into the ground when riding and turning so definitely built as a road bike and not a path frame.
The frame number "252" unfortunately was not anything like a A.S Gillott but surprisingly the fork was stamped with the same number, so a match at least.

So not a Gillott then but i have bought some Continental tubs and fitted them to the Fiamme/Campag wheels and it makes for a good road bike, though I'm not sure about the Campag handlebar levers they take some getting used to.

I remember that one @falconvitesse - was sorely tempted :) Coventry area if I remember correctly mid May...

I asked Mark back then as well if he could confirm it as a Gillott, same issues came up like the frame number and the sleeved brake bridge. I was also under the impression the top tube had a slight bend in it, but I guess that was lens distortion.
Nice quality frame though, congrats and enjoy.

I picked this Blue Riband up yesterday (and some classic parts), not sure what to do with it yet (besides keeping it)...
Rear derailleur needs to go though!

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Yer thats the one, i have been meaning to post it for ages but not had the chance, as he nips out to the garage to check the top tube!
Lovely Hobbs, nice sweep to the handle bars too, what age is it, I'm guessing 49,50?

I hope the TT is fine :) sorry for the consternation, lol

The Hobbs not too sure yet, I have contacted the VCC ME to see what he thinks. I seem to read J7xxxx on the n/s dropout, if I'm correct that would make it a 1947 - that would be a bit earlier than I (and you) was expecting it to be, so time will tell. I guess I have to pull the forks to be sure

No bother, the top tube looks to be fine.
1947 is early for a Blue Riband, none the less it has "Superbe" lug work so it must have been the top of the line model.
Its a great colour! a good polish, change the derailleur and your good to go.

Ladies and gents, I've started a thread for a ride to Cambridge on the 22nd of Oct as this seems to be the day that works for most. Would be great for anyone who even has a vague interest in old bikes to join. Great fitness not imperative as we'll be stopping fairly frequently to fix broken stuff.

https://www.lfgss.com/events/3376/#comment13859985

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/4087168

@falconvitesse
@anidel
@hefty
@velo6
@Skülly
@jeff80
@ElGato
@stedlocks
@veLLo
@Jonny69

Shit is coming.

Not sure I trust those wheels and tyres for 100k.... Mmm

What will you guys bring?

All 4 of my vintage bikes are not able to be ridden at the moment! Looks like I'll bring whatever is the cheapest to fix i.e probably the Hobbs with Osgear or the fixed Blue Riband.
This will definitely be a reliability trial!

Just checked my rota and I'm off! Woohoo!

Knees say 'no' to fixed though, so will either be on the hetchins or the Mercian. Both need a bit of fettling before then though :0)

As I live in bishops Stortford, I'll probably meet you on the way, then ride home after Cambridge....probably in the Catherine wheel in Albury, just before the Pelhams...a lovely pub, great landlord, and a spot on fettling/pit area whilst sampling some ales ;0)

Nice this is getting nice already. Cool stuff.

Nice one! Both of your bikes sound great! Will be great to see you there.

I still can't ride, so I'm out :(

This sounds nice but a bit too far for me, thanks for letting me know though.
I look forward to seeing the after ride pictures anyway!

I'm in. On this.

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Wow, thought that was my old BSA for a second!

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I really hope I can join in on the 22nd of October - I would have to start from the Cambridge side though ;)
2 minor issues: that's my wife's bday and we are moving that particular week... but I'll do my best!

I stumbled on this 1950s bling bling - recognized it from one of Peter's builds.
NOS GB brake cable lubricator :)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-GB-brake-cable-lubricator-Classic-1950s-bling-Rocking-horse-manure/272832265841?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

Nice one, can hand deliver those brakes to you.

Maybe, I can not guarantee I will make it - but would love to.
Thanks again @7ven Peter

Tandem project anyone?