New old bike Rotrax Shirley 1953

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  • I think what I have is a 1953 Rotrax Shirley.
    There are a couple of anomalies currently. The Simplex rear mech seems to be from the 80's and the Weinman brakes seem too new as well.
    I've sent the frame number off to Rotrax in Southampton and hope to get confirmation soon as to the year and model.
    It has been resprayed. I suspect the original colour is a metallic green judging by flaking areas of the respray.
    Plans -
    respray - red with white head tube and part of the seat tube.
    Retain - Brooks b17. Great condition but needs new rivets. Bars, stem, seat post, cranks, gears, brakes and levers.
    Replace - chain, cables and wheels.
    I hope to get leather 'sew on' bar tape.


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  • Seems I posted this without a name...
    Work almost complete. Here are a couple of images, I’m just awaiting the refurbished original headset...
    I picked up some different levers and callipers and new bars.


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  • I missed this first time round. New paint job looks stunning!

  • Lovely. I think it'd benefit from less 'modern' shifters (see also front mech)

  • Agreed, although they are the upgrade the previous owner applied in the late 70’s early 80’s. originally this was 5 speed.
    I’m keeping my eyes open...

  • @Alan_tbt Did Tim write to you?? Also how much did they charge for the respray?? Many thanks!

  • I must admit I haven’t heard from Tim for some time. I did get him to check the frame, sort a small ding in the top tube and fit a cable guide for the front mech cable. I know people are still sending in messages via the Wordpress site occasionally but no idea if they get a reply.
    The spray I arranged myself with Argos. It was £360. But they refunded the lug work charge due to a small amount of the gold lug paint being left on the top tube before the lacquer was applied.

  • Oh right, was just curious if he had someone do it but Argos got it covered! Thats for the swift response.

  • He sends his frames to Argos so this is the same scheme he uses

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New old bike Rotrax Shirley 1953

Posted by Avatar for user68637 @user68637

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