For Sale: Plum Vainqueur 53-55cm columbus Track frame with forks, stem, post & headset

For sale is my much loved vintage Plum(e) Vainqueur Track racing frame. Plum is a very long established bike shop in Ghent, Belgium who had their own frames built (so I believe) by Torpado in Italy. Plum’s track frames were constructed with Columbus tubing and Campagnolo track-ends, though in this case I am unsure of the lugs, possibly a mix of cinelli and nervex but that’s just a guess. It’s a proper track frame, no braze-ons, brake mounts or bottle bolts etc though has enough clearance that you can get a 28c tyre in the back if desired. With the right chain length you can get the rear wheel right into the seat-tube if you’re after that look.

Sizing is quite unusual. It is a 53CM centre-top but the top-tube is 55cm centre-centre. As a result it is a little longer than an average 53cm frame so would accommodate a larger rider. Sadly I’m a short-arse and just got a great deal on a 52 which is basically what I needed all along so this is for sale.

I had the frame powder coated as the paint was quite tatty looking when I got it (see pics) and I felt that an enamel paint finish would chip too easily for a practical bike. This was carried out by ESP coatings in Glasgow in a Black “sparkle” finish. In truth the sparkle is quite subdued and not that noticeable unless it is sunny. The frame has had about 2 years use since being coated so does have the numerous small marks and scuffs from being locked up etc which are seen close up but no major scratches and no dents. In farness having asked the coater to ensure the frame was ovened at the lowest possible temperature (to avoid melting the braze) and also to put on as thick a coat as possible (for durability) there is some slight unevenness in the coating on the undersides of the top and down tubes, though not visible unless the frame is being inspected closely.

The only minor problem is that the seat binder bolt had been overtightened by someone in the past, presumably to fit a smaller than ideal seatpost, resulting in minor damage to the seat-lug-split area. This is not something you can see unless you are really looking and is only a very minor aesthetic issue as the seat-binder clamps the seat post absolutely fine. I’ve only mentioned these issues as I want to be completely clear on everything to avoid misleading anyone.

Unfortunately the original chrome flat crown track fork that the bike came with was in my old car when it was stolen, the frame was in the Powder Coaters at the time and the fork was going to go and be re-chromed...a piece of bad luck that still gives me that “kicked up the arse” feeling to this day. As a result this frame comes with a Time Millennium threadless 1” carbon fork instead. Though the frame is vintage I ended up going with a pretty modern build and running a front brake.

Also included in the price is a very smooth Cane Creek S-2 cartridge bearing headset RRP£40, Bontrager Select stem £15 (Quite short with steep drop) and a brand-new Alpina aluminium seatpost £15. The frame will come with a seat binder bolt although none is pictured. I have some chrome tange threaded forks I’ll chuck in for an extra £10 if desired as they will take a mud-guard.

I’m looking for £185 plus postage (can be collected in Glasgow) for this lot. The last Plum track frame went on ebay for £330 though I appreciate it was in original trim with decals and original fork I think my price reflects a pretty good deal given the parts included http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=170344652875

If you need any other bits and bobs like a saddle I can probably throw something in. Any questions, or after more detailed pics at all just PM or email me – doogyscoot at hot mail dot com

When I got it originally

Built a while ago

Frame as it is now, and as you will get it!

Sorry for the long ad...

Why can i see any info??????????????

Can't?

:)

Wanna see pix... :S

For some reason the whole contents of this thread have gone missing and I am now totally unable to post responses with pics, PM me and I'll send you the contents of the ad that should be here... including pics.

Quit editing it velonair.

You're a new user, so the first X posts you make get run through a spam filter.

Because of the quantity of images in the post, it keeps being flagged as spam.

If you leave it alone after I approve it... it will be fine.

You definitely shouldn't have powdercoated that. :(

Puppies have been killed! Its hurting my eyes! Shame looked nice before in my own opinion!

You definitely shouldn't have powdercoated that. :(

I know what you're saying, but I was in the same boat as you when I saw the pics of it originally it looked passable as it does in these pics. I planned to keep it original but the picture really doesn't give an accurate indication of how bad the paint actually was. It was really haggard, well beyond normal patina. I seriously considered getting it rechromed and enamelled but the reality of the situation was that the bike would be used daily and there was no way I could justify the cost of rechroming and stove-enamelling when it would just get scratched and chipped to hell. It would be a lovely frame to have restored if you have the money.

P.S. I only edited the original post once to fix an image, will leave it as is now.

loved that original paint job - shame. still a lovely frame though. i have a soft spot for plums. good luck with the sale dude

I should have searched before posting my thread... lucky they are different sizes.

I thought these frames were quite rare? anyway, good luck selling yours!

Thanks guys, I saw the one you bought yossarian, lovely bike!
I love the original paint too Jonny but it really wasn't in a condition that could just be clear coated over or touched up. I got it powdercoated black with the intention of adding the red details and relining the lugs in gold as was original. I sometimes work for a signmaking company who do decal printing so was going to get some new decals like original made up too, however when the forks went it just wasn't looking like I could do a proper vintage build so I left it just black. If wanted I could probably arrange to get decals made up for this.

I thought these frames were quite rare? anyway, good luck selling yours!

You don't see many of them about but I know of two forumengers with them.

Liking this.

This is still for sale but now on ebay, just thought I'd give it a final bump to offer the chance to any forum members before it goes as there are quite a few people watching it. Have more pics available of lugs etc if further shots are desirable.

i have a soft spot for plums.

so i have heard

I'd go for it, but not @ £190.

Fair enough dude, your call. As I've said to one of the other enquirers, if it doesn't go for the buy it now on ebay I'll lower the price. I'm in no huge rush to sell so I can wait. If you want to make an offer you know how to PM me.

**now sold**