Vintage BSA build - ladies

Hi All,

I have been lurking on the board for a while now but have just started a single speed bike build for the girlfriend. She is very keen on the Pashley style vintage bikes. I thought that instead of spending the £££ on a Pashley or equivalent I would try and build something up that would be a bit cheaper and more unique.

I managed to get hold of a pre-1950 BSA ladies hoop frame and forks (see pics below). I thought I would keep a log of the progress with the build and create a place where I could ask a few questions as it is my first frame up build.

My initial plans are to get the frame painted (armourtex) navy blue, brooks honey saddle, wooden mudguards, cabled brakes, white walled tyres.

So... the first set of questions.

1. The person I got the frame from said that it was originally fitted with 28" wheels - does this sound right?

2. I only have experience with more modern sealed bottom brackets - what should be used here?

3. How much will prepping and painting at armourtex cost?

4. Beyond ebay are there any good places to source parts for a vintage bike like this?

Cheers - feel free to post pics that might lend inspiration... any input much appreciated.

4 Attachments

can't help much with the questions (other than 28" wheels sounds right for the frame) but will be interested to see how it progresses

Lovely frame

1.700c wheels basically = 28" as long as you go for larger width rims.
(also 29" rims might work wonders).
[this is despite they are both smaller than 27" rims.

1. you MAY be able to fit a modern BB, buy a cheap shimano enlgish thread and check, other than that you are looking for axles and bearings, and for that I MAY be able to help you out.
   Are both cups there? if so, then check that you can remove both of them, and then that makes life easier.
   
   

3.I believe Armourtex is somewhere around the £60 mark, but there are several threads which have better info than me.

1. Bike jumbles and local bike stores, especially if they are not chain bike stores.
   
   

Good luck.

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o110/dylanji/untitled-1.jpg

Thanks for the responses... the build has been coming on fairly slowly but I have managed to get most of the parts (either new or used) and I am starting to think of building after the frame goes to be painted next week.

Before and after pics of painting process as well as pics of parts are all coming.

One thing that continues to prove difficult is sourcing 28 x 1 1/2 wheels. I want to find a set with a 3 speed sturmey archer hub in the rear but all searches of the internet/ebay/gumtree have proved useless thus far - does anyone have any ideas?

I haven't come across these guys before, however, they sell 28x1 1/2 rims, maybe get them built onto a Sturmey archer hub?

http://www.theoldbicycleshowroom.co.uk/28-x-112-vintage-westwood-rim-51-p.asp

Hey are you still working on that BSA?
curious...
I have the same bike...
and building it out for my wife.

did you get anywhere with it?
I was going to powdercoat the frame and rims...
but need to find a 28 inch rim with 40 holes...
and apparently they are as rare as hens teeth.

let me know how you are getting on...
would like to see pictures.

r

I may be able to help with the 40 spoke wheels.
A neighbour recently passed away & his daughter is disposing of his entire (well used) collection of bikes. Many are vintage machines in need of a service / restoration.
There are 1 or 2 with 40 spoke SA hubbed rear wheels along with all sorts of spares ... even found some unused & still in their original wrapper Chater Lea chainrings!
Let me know if you are interested & I'll put you in touch with the seller

Any progress on this bike? Would love to see any new photos; the frame looks sweet.

The project has been put on standby as my girlfriend decided that a bike with gears might be a better introduction to cycling - more versatile for commuting etc.

Might put the unfinished project in the classifieds as there is a near complete set of components to complete the project...frame has been powder coated a deep blue, 28in wheels with 3 speed hub handlebars, cranks, mudguards, chain guard etc.

Parts now for sale here:

http://www.lfgss.com/thread52616.html