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

Hi!
Do you know if there is an online archive of 1930s-1950s of "Cycling"?

Best,
Nora

Possibly the VCC library would have some- https://v-cc.org.uk/
My membership has lapsed and can't check though

They are indeed in there, in PDF form.

Edit: at least 1878—1900 and 1946—1949. The naming scheme is questionable, and it’s a Google drive so not super easy to navigate on a phone…

Lovely, thank you!

27.1.1/4 dunlop rims, sturmey rear hub and fromt dynamo hub.
Described as in good condition ball for £20.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275477730732?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=TDnOZHeZRcW&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=zb3kpnpgQlG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

I don't know anything of its history.
Williams Cranks. V.E.W hubs. Cinelli bars.
Possibly 50s?

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My first ever experience of bike racing was a Herne Hill Good Friday meeting in the late '50's - my grandfather took me.

My most vivid memory from that day ws the noise of the inch pitch block chains which nearly every rider seemed to be using - this 'Betteride' is still in the grip of that fashion.

I'm not really sure what the reason for using it was. Possible ideas were that it was somehow more 'positive', that it gave a better, more immediate response or that it was stronger (it's 3/16" wide). I've only ever heard of it being used on the track.

Since it's not possible to break a normal chain with pedal pressure, I don't think the strength argument is valid and I can't really see that the other suggestions have anything in them.

Even as a boy, it struck me that all the noise they made, exciting though it might have been, implied inefficiency.

I don't think block chains lasted much into the '60's - probably others thought the same way I did.

This is an interesting machine and it would be a shame to modernise it, but unless someone organises events for vintage track bikes, the only real use it has is to be admired as a collector's item.

Lovely bike. Looks really nice and original. Definitely 50s in my opinion.

Inch pitch is an interesting one. As I understand it, early chain-drive bikes used block chain because roller chains hadn’t yet been invented. By the 50s that wouldn’t have been the case. Perhaps it was simply tradition, coupled with the claims of stiffness and improved power transmission.

Article on the inch pitch block chain in track racing on Classic Lightweights:
https://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/lightweight_extras/the-inch-pitch-block-chain-in-20th-century-track-racing/

That's a great memory. I'll never hear this inch pitch set up used in anger. You're right it's a display item, but a potter round the park might be nice on occasion.

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Thanks.

What's the forum opinion on re spoking the wheels? Does it ruin the originality?

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Mercian sell Berg chrome spokes (I'm sure others are available) so it would be more of a "back to new" update.

Picked up this on Sunday, serial number 923 and the parts suggest 1959. Wheels are 700 MA2s on Normandy high flange, later addition.
Will change saddle, but the rest may stay, pending how they perform, especially brakes - GB Coureur Hiduminium at rear and Weinmann 730 at front - any suggestions on how to improve the braking? Levers are 50s Weinmann Patent . Want to keep it as single speed as fixed is not my cup of tea.
Wheels wise, I'd love to find a period pair of 27" to which I could put some 28mm or larger rubber on, or should I stick pair of fatter ones on existing rims and add period mudguards and if so what colour to go with the orange, black is little boring option.

Also, shall I clean and leave or get it resprayed (keeping the green/black sections as they are) - there are paint chips all over, especially on stays and there is much deeper orange where frame was taped under metal cable ties. Polish and wax best option if no for repaint?

Last question - cotter pins are stuck in, don't want to hammer them out if there is another, better method to remove them? Bottom bracket spins nicely, but I can hear it needs grease, headset was near dry, so rest must be same...

Thanks

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I would change as little as possible.
Love the saddle
It definitely doesnt need respraying. there is nothing wrong with a little patina it all adds to the integrity of the bike.
Hammering out the cotterpins is tried and tested but make sure you have something steadying the cranks umderneath.
I normally put the bottom of the cotter through a socket which has been set.on a solid surface.
I can send you a picture of the set up if your not sure.
Is there anything wrong with the wheels if not i would stick with them for the time being and see how you get on with them.
they suit the frame and the tyre clearance looks tight as it is. you might be better spending the money on a quality set of tyres like 25mm gatorskins.
I always replace brake pads with new modern ones. Old pads do not work.
Great bike though enjoy

Incidentally i know its short notice but im heading out next sunday 6th November with a small group of keen vintage bike owners on a ride into the north downs.
It will be vintage bike friendly and about 35/40 miles.
Starting in bexleyheath broadway at 9.30am. outside Gregg's

Well, that’s lovely
Don’t hammer the pins, it’ll be a disaster! Take it to Ricki as he’s got a proper pin press, unless you’ve got a vice (lol, no, the workshop kind) and can press them out?
I think @Scilly.Suffolk was selling a lovely period 27” wheelset a while back, was really tempted but have no funds :(
And don’t paint it
As someone on here once remarked, it’s only original once ;)

Cheers A.

Thanks. Will take it over to Ricky as I’m well overdue a visit 😀

Ohhh nice shame i'll be abroad.

:)

Came across this... Appropriate to this thread, happy birthday Eileen!

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Happy birthday Eileen! Amazing :)

Nothing wrong with the saddle - it is a bit tired, yes, but my behind does not like it at all and as I have couple of correct period ones, that are much nicer to look at and to ride on....
Wheels are fine, spin nicely and the (25mm) rubber on them although old , shows no cracking at all, which I find remarkable. May try how they feel and later swap for something of quality as you suggested. I kind of like Vittoria Paves, nice to ride on and at 27mm good match for the rims.
Thanks again for all suggestions - cotter pins - I'll leave these to Ricki, I'll just use some penetrating oil to start with.
Will update on progress 😃

i'd be interested in having that saddle off you if you're looking to move it on.

No problem - it is Cinelli Unicanitor Brevettata. I'm away till Tuesday 8th, do send me PM to remind me off this please.