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The hanger looks as though it's welded on, rather than brazed, which suggests it wasn't done by Gillotts. On the other hand, the undersized mudguard eyes do look Gillott.
Given that this could only have been intended for use with a derailleur, and a bolt on hanger wouldn't work very well (you couldn't drop the wheel out without removing the hanger), I wonder if this originally had a Simplex hanger and has been converted to Campag.
However you look at it, it's an interesting early version of a vertical drop out.
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I came to the thread this evening because I wanted to show you these BSA Light Roadster pics (below).
I'm sure I've mentioned this bike before. It's a Veteran-Cycle Club machine which I've had in my possession for a long time and which I'm now passing on to a new custodian. This machine originally belonged to Marcel Planes, the winner of the 1911 Century Competition (mentioned elsewhere on here). This was not the bike he used for the competition - it dates from 1913 - but it seems to have been his main bike for the rest of his life.
'Light Roadster' is not a genre which many people have any interest in nowadays, at least in part because roadsters generally became so debased by cheapening that no one thinks them worthy of attention. But this machine is different - it was clearly a top of the range item when new. It is also surprisingly good to ride and I have done a number of 100 mile days on it myself.
The photos show it as I was using it, which was slightly different from the original spec. - my pedals and saddle alone save about a couple of pounds compared with the originals, but as you see it the weight is about 28 lbs - so the description 'light' is not ridiculous, even by modern standards for touring bikes.
Anyway, have a look at the photos - I can give more info if anyone's interested.
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I always loved and longed to have one of these light roadsters.
I know it not comparable in quality perhaps, but I'm regularly perusing the Raleigh Lenton group.There's something to these bikes, possibly the riding position (dictated by the handlebars) that makes me dream using one one day.
This one in particular is indeed the type of bikes I'm raving about.
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I had a Lenton Tourist for a bit, fitted with ' Reynolds Comfort' moustache type bars. and a three speed fm hub. It was indeed a joy to ride, especially if you were just going to the pub/park etc and wanted to be able to cycle comfortably in normal clothes, but at a decent speed etc. I should have kept it really. I think I'd like to retire into a 'light Roadster' one day..
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Well spotted, Pathracer!
Yes it is a TCW Sturmey. You may wonder how it is that a BSA machine would have a Sturmey hub when, at the time this bike was made, BSA were making their own three speed hubs.
I think Marcel had a penchant for coaster brakes, and it is known that he used one for his 1911 rides. I have a feeling that Mr. Planes retired from work in 1955 (his dates 1890-1966) and did his bike up at that time to do some riding in his retirement. I think the hub dates from then*.
So this bike has three brakes - quite a good idea when none of them work all that well. The coaster does stop fairly well, but I find it awkward to use, especially in traffic.Yes, it is in pretty good condition, in spite of having had quite a lot of use.
- I've just checked - the hub is stamped '53'.
- I've just checked - the hub is stamped '53'.
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I always loved and longed to have one of these light roadsters.
I know it not comparable in quality perhaps, but I'm regularly perusing the Raleigh Lenton group.'Light Roadster' is probably an obsolete expression. By 'roadster' I mean a bike with rod brakes and Westwood rims. It would probably also have seat stays that are bolted up rather than brazed, and rearward opening fork ends (you can't really use the word 'track' in this context) By 'light' I think the trade just meant no chaincase, although as I said, this bike is fairly light. So Raleigh Lentons would not fit this description - they would probably have been described as 'sports'.
There is often an assumption that the riding position on these bikes is very upright, and most of them have the saddle very low, almost on the top tube, and the handlebar stem very high. You can see from the photos, that I reversed this arrangement. As we know this spreads the rider's weight more evenly and makes it possible to ride into the wind. I believe this wasn't an uncommon practice back in the day.
Anyway, I'm not saying anything against Lentons here, and I can certainly say there is a benefit in not having a super lightweight as one gets older - these bikes are only slightly slower, but give you a good excuse for not riding fast!
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If anyone is looking for a project......
This is a 1948 BSA 28" wheels, 3 speed SA .
Extremely worn all over. Did manage to get it vaguely rideable, but now in pieces . No saddle.
Few brake parts missing/damaged plenty of surface rust......
Swap for some Raleigh pedal rubbers or beer !
Collection only KT4
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+1 for the Raleigh lenton sports as an all rounder. I use mine daily all over the place (but not in the water)
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That Hetchins
Normally 'six days' refers to a track event, but in this case I think it refers to the BLRC six day which was a forerunner of the Tour of Britain. All those who have read Chas Messenger's 'Ride and be Danmed ' (see review in Cycling Books thread) will know about this race.
So this Hetchins is not a 'track' frame as the advertiser claims.
That doesn't mean it's not worth having. However, have you noticed that the brake blocks are set right at the bottom of those deep hidumium brake calipers? I think this is a 27" wheel frame and therefore not super desirable.
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The "ends" have a very short wheelbase setting (not sure how you'd set the chain tension) and the back of the seat tube is concave. Given that and the steep head tube angle I'd say track racing was maybe part of it's design. Brian is very knowledgeable and says it has 26" wheels fitted. He sells hundreds of bikes a year and his warehouse is an enthisiasts wet dream.
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interesting bike for sure, Clubman is right though the wheels don't fit the frame. even with 700c rims, it would be far to gappy between the tyre and frame. Saying that though the rear dropouts look as though they are designed for both fixed and geared riding.?
Concave seat tube, tight geometry and some very tasty components, however.
midlife
anidel
clubman
Pathracer
SideshowBob
LWaB
jeff80
BobbyBriggs
falconvitesse
The.Gren-
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Pre 1950s rides of LFGSS: old bikes, vintage rats, classic lightweights
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@luckyskull
Yes ,the rear ones don't look original or have been altered over time ?