The Roberts Cycles Handbuilt Bicycle Owners Club

Here’s my Chas Roberts, custom built for me in 2000. After my Dad passed away, I thought I’d get a reminder of him, so treated myself! I was measured up and the bike took about 6 weeks to complete. I had 105 kit fitted and originally, it was in Celeste, a bit like Bianchi and the frame is made from Reynolds 725.

I had to have a cable guide replaced, so I decided to change the colour scheme, plus I had carbon forks and an A Head conversion. In 2014, I upgraded the group set to 10 speed 105 and sent from a 53/40 to 52/36 chain rings (old age and knackered knees!)

This is a superb bike, a really good investment. The most comfortable bike I’ve ever ridden. It’s a shame that Chas has hung up his welding torch because this marks the end of an era.

6 Attachments

the bread/bird pics are the bonus pics we didnt ask for but glad you shared :) Lovely bike.

Edited to remove the photo of my home made bread!

Nice :), love the green colour, not many green bikes around when I was a kid in Hull as it was very unlucky!

I try and switch the sensor the other way so if it gets pushed into the spokes it just clatters and not get trashed.

Greetings, thanks for the reply. Since this photo was taken, I’ve upgraded my Garmin and the sensor has been removed, but thanks for your advice anyway.

Regarding the sensor, I always thought they were a bit of a weak link as they look to be easily damaged. However, the Garmin Edge 530 has a Bluetooth link for the wheel and crank arm. Much better.

This was made to measure from 531c for my dad by Charlie Roberts My dad had it as his race/best bike and had mudguard clearance and eyes so he’d be able to use it as a winter bike down the line. Originally red and he had it re-finished in black where I remember they (Bob Donnington in Penge I think?) refused to fit 531 stickers since they couldn’t verify its authenticity as Roberts had only sketchy records of any frames built and by then the business was run by Chas and Geoff Roberts. At this time it was converted to fixed wheel (44x18) with a front brake only. When my dad died I kept this as it was his favourite bike and used it off and on until the last year where I have used it a lot in wet weather.

3 Attachments

^Priceless.

Love it : )

lovely bike and provenance

Anyone looking for a really beautiful example of a Roberts Clubman, size 56cm in a 953/Nivacrom combo, built up with Campag and other loveliness, well - the original owner, who bought the bike during the Roberts closing down sale, has decided it's a bit too big for him. (based S. London)
I hope to get around to posting full details in the LFGSS classifieds soon, but there are some pics and basic details on the @RobertsCycles twitter account.. Spread the word!

Colour me interested! Got a link to the Twitter pics?

https://twitter.com/RobertsCycles/status/1468513095265959940?s=20

https://twitter.com/RobertsCycles/status/1468513897909043202?s=20

Just stumbled on this - https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/charles-roberts-lightweight-tourer/1421500879
Is too small for me but looks good?

Great deal, I’d say.

Seen at the Madison Wisconsin USA bicycle swap meet. (not mine)
23" Roberts #1581 with Galli components. Asking $2250 USD. I can provide a phone number.

1 Attachment

Is there still a way to search Roberts frame numbers, to know what was used in for the frame build (8451)?
Thanks,
William

A slightly niche, well a stayer bike is probably exceptionally niche, Roberts on eBay

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334418148551?hash=item4ddcdffcc7:g:B1UAAOSwYNpeq~jm

18th june 2022. Afternoon Roberts Centenary ride to all Roberts workshops. Starting in Croydon ending in Hither Green. Sign up for details - we need an idea of numbers. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/roberts-centenary-cycle-ride-to-historical-roberts-related-locations-tickets-328218840387

Ps. Centenary ride is a free guided ride.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/roberts-cen­tenary-cycle-ride-to-historical-roberts-­related-locations-tickets-328218840387

Sounds good.
Will it end up at Winston's workshop in Hither Green?

I was about to sell my Roberts but I reckon I could be lazy enough to put it off until after this : )

Hi, here’s my bike.
Bought the frame last year and put some shiny parts on it.
It’s the first bike I've put together, and I like it a lot.
Replaced everything but the headset & front wheel.

2 Attachments

Nice!

18th June Roberts Centenary ride ( see above for link and details) to all the Roberts workshops will end up at Winston's Varonha workshop in Hither Green. Probably at about 4pm. Please register on eventbrite if you plan to come on the ride.

Just requested an invite on the event site, would love to join, parenting duties permitting (should be ok on that day...)
Missed the last Roberts ride couple years back.

New bar tape on the Roberts ahead of Saturday's ride... Really hope I can make it.
After being faithful to Velox all my life when using cotton tape, discovering Newbaum was very satisfying. Will use again.
I think I'll shellac this when I have a minute, will darken the brown tonality which I think will be welcome.

1 Attachment