For Sale: Testing Water: Classic British Tourer, project

I have had possesion of a fairly special bike from a small Coventry frame builder called Tom Bromwich.

Its about 58cm I think.

Ive had it for over a year, actually more like two years. I thought Id get round to restoring it, but it doesnt seem to be happening. So I thought Id test the water for a sale.

Its built up with fairly average parts like steel rims. Simplex gears etc.. But has got some nice stuff like the original chrome, dynohub light set. And a fab colourway.

The bike seems to have been ridden once, had a small incident where the rear mudguard cracked. Then was stored for 40 years. The frame is great looking and immaculate.( I am told that it is 531, but it has no sticker) But the wheels/odd n ends have some rust.

Im sure the existing parts coould be cleaned up to make it into a stunning classic british tourer. The stem & bars just need a little polish. And the steel rims would probably be the only thing I would change. The rear mudguard just needs a flap attached to make up for the small bit that cracked off.

I was told by a coventry based bike collector, that the frame is worth a minimum of £120. I dont know whether thats accurate. It needs quite a bit of elbow grease. But like I said, the frame itself is really nice and would make a great base for another bike.

Heres some intentionally unflattering pictures i took, they were going to be the "before" pictures for when I restored it! :

Ssssoooo...

Would anyone be keen on taking on this project as is?

What do we think its worth?

Do I have to clean it up/strip it down to the frame to make it presentable enough to sell?

Can I be first to say it this time?#

So, strip it, file it clean, armourtex for a pastel and spoks...noice.

if you were to strip it, and didn't want to keep them, i'd take the bell and headlamps...

You have a PM...

hey DFP, that's lovely and midlands too, don't sell it to a bloody londoner, could you double check the geometry, I may well be interested, guessing it's 27" wheels too, I do fancy the proj though. Mike

Please whoever buys this - don't touch that paint!
It is nice.

ill second that! leave that lovely patina alone (maybe just a gentle T-cut...)
what a peach, love the red bluemels guards....sorely tempted, yet skint :(

Un fortunately I have several projects on atm and no money to finish them so taking this one on would be silly.

It's fucking gorgeous though. I agree, a gentle T-Cut colour restorer is all the frame needs!

If you ARE going to split (which I don't think you should do) I'd also be interested in the mudguards.

Is that a dynohub on the front?

Is that a dynohub on the front?

Yes.

The paint is also intact, the overall condition of the bike looks worse than it really is because of the few silly rusty parts like the bell & rims etc.

The frame does not need t-cut. Just a wipe down with a cloth really!

That just needs a thorough clean. Do that and you've got a beauty.

Please respect the paintjob.

I'd snatch this up, but 58cm is a little too big sadly.

This bike is already perfect for a restoration, lots of elbow grease and polish with some part replaced (like tyres) and it should be nice and shiny in no time.

So very tempting, especially as it's a ready-made, preserved-in-aspic L'Eroica bike. Truly a lovely thing.

@chaliapin - my grandparents lived in Knowle and Solihull for some decades, if that helps.

I'd snatch this up, but 58cm is a little too big sadly.

This bike is already perfect for a restoration, lots of elbow grease and polish with some part replaced (like tyres) and it should be nice and shiny in no time.

I havent measured it properly, will check it tomorrow!

I still have this bike.

Anyone want it?

I must emphasise that the frame and paintwork is in perfect condition. Not a single blemish. I just left it as is as its too big for me to ride and would give someobody (not me) a nice project to work on.

do you have a price in mind?