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

Not ever seen them referenced anywhere however thought it may be worth a punt.

Fair enough.

Rotrax - Needs some TLC.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F362623640713

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Have you checked whether the chain rings you have (the Williams and the 5 pin for the Durax) are 1/8" or 3/32"? If they're 1/8" they won't work with the 5 speed block.

I should mention here, metric and imperial. I am definitely not a brexiteer, but I generally prefer imperial measures. This is especially the case when the subject to be measured was made to imperial measure. So if an English frame was made as, say, 21" I find it irritating to see it described as a metric size. Chains are a case in point since they are virtually all still 1/2" pitch because the standard was set in England. As to width, while 1/8" translates as 3 mm which is , at least, a round number, 3/32" translates as 2.38 mm, which seems completely random to me.

BTW I've been away for the past few days, and I'm off the internet (intentionally) when I'm at my other place. That's one reason why I go silent from time to time.

As to width, while 1/8" translates as 3 mm which is, at least, a round number, 3/32" translates as 2.38 mm, which seems completely random to me.

except that 1/8" equates to 3.17mm.
I know that well from looking for a specific Simplex TdF rear derailleur. They were often stamped with the number of gears and the chain width each version was designed for.

the Williams and the 5 pin for the Durax) are 1/8" or 3/32"?

Ah. Haven't checked. I don't have the chainset yet (hoping it'll be posted this weekend.)
Really appreciate the help, will try and see what the dimensions are keep fingers' crossed.

I bow to your superior knowledge. So that makes the example better, since 1/8" was the original dimension and apparently it converts to a daft number that no one would have started off with.

I took the figure as '3' because that is the number stamped on TA 1/8" rings, but I expect your Simplex figure is more accurate. This shows how easily errors can get into a system.

I understand ( although this only hearsay ) that the reason for the inconsistent sizes of conventional head set races has arisen because of inaccuracy in converting from imperial to metric. That's to say, they were originally imperial, but when these parts were made in other countries the dimensions were metricated, but not in a good way!

If it turns out you haven't got a 3/32" ring, send me a pm (with a phone no. preferably) and I will go down to my chain ring mine and see what I can dig up for you.

Perfect, thanks again!

CNC Special 57cm which is rather nice.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F254214139376

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I needed some kind of water bottle holder for the Staines ride. I have been looking for some time on the old Ebay but the prices are incredible. A Colorel double holder went yesterday for 90 quid... ?
So anyways I thought I would try the Heath Robinson approach, I'm not normally a fan but anyway here it is.
It's solid and didn't cost a penny. The holder itself is a cheap alloy thing I had in the shed.

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there are these
https://www.3mcaverni.com/categoria-prodotto/ciclismo-vintage/page/17
some with patina to match the bike

I've got loads of nicer old ones you'd be welcome to. Come for a look or can drop one over.

Wow that sounds like an offer I can't refuse thanks @7ven. I can pick up and I will of course pay for the cage.

When you say loads...

10 or so unused. Quite a few in my work pedestal too.

Any of the older wire-y type, as per the ones big_block sent in that link a few post up?
After falconvitesse, obviously (no queue jumping.)

I've inherited a Cyclo Benelux Mk7 3-4 speed derailleur in grubby but functional condition and a 3-speed 1/8" freewheel. Is it worth splashing out on a shifter or not worth bothering with?

I'm pretty sure the answer is yes, but thought I'd check.

Most of a very nice Holdsworth Zephyr with original paint, coronet lugs and chrome fork ends.

That’s nice.

If your Benelux will do 4 speed eighth, it will probably work over 5 speed 3/32", which would be a lot more useful, since 5 speed bocks are common whereas 4 speed are not.

I expect you already know this, but all those plunger type Benelux rear mechs were fragile and didn't work that well even before they got bent. It's amazing how much effort was put into promoting a product which was so puny - not that Simplex or Huret were any better!

I'm not sure you really need to worry about bottle cages for the 'Staines' ride - it's not intended to be a training run. There should be at least one cafe stop.

I will definitely need water, it will be hot and sunny for one thing .
funny.! I'm starting to get the feeling that nobody likes my home made bottle cage.
@7ven I could swing past yours next week Thursday on my way back from Crystal Palace if that's all right.?

Sounds good. We're still in the same place.

I've absolutely nothing against your homemade cage - I always admire a bit of improvisation.

I just don't want the ride to develop into some kind of endurance test.

As to the weather, it may be sunny or it may not - I'll try to be prepared for either possibility.