For Sale: Unusual dutch bike

I bought this a couple years ago with the intention of building it up into a dutch bike/porteur for my girlfriend, much like it's owner before me (this frame was discussed at some length in the current projects thread but I can't find it in amongst the thousands of pages). However, after throwing a selection of parts on it, it's not been used all that much and has spent the best part of a couple years sitting redundantly in my flat.

It was badged as a "Melior" bike, which came with an Antwerp license plate from 1986 but the original owner believed that it was built in the 40/50's.

Measurements:
ST: 20.5" ctc
TT: 21.5" ctc
112mm rear spacing

The owner before me stripped back the tatty paint and treated it with rust remover/wire wool/rust inhibitor. I subsequently treated it with penetrating oil and it's been sat indoors since.

The good:
There's several really nice features on the frame. The twin top tube that runs into a pair of second chainstays, the integrated rear pannier, the nice (Oscar Egg?) lugs on the headtube and BB.

The bad:
There are patches of rust pitting, nothing that affects the structural integrity of the frame but I'm not sure if a powdercoat would completely hide them. The worst affected area is where the rear mudguard meets the inside bracket on the chainstays, but there isn't really any part of the frame that doesn't have a little pitting on it. The cottered cranks also need some attention on the non-drive side, with some slipping on the spindle of the BB. The rear has a slow puncture as well!

Bits that have been added:
27" wheels with Malliard hubs, which all run smoothly including the 5 speed group
SR quill seatpost, stem and bars from an old Raleigh
The mudguards are the originals
I also have a fancy French chainguard that I will add pictures of later
The Brooks saddle is not included as this is going on another bike, so you will have to source your own saddle
Other than that it can be ridden away

I haven't got the time or the space to finish this right now and it could be built up into something really special. So I'd like to just get back what I've spent on this...dropped to £sold.

4 Attachments

Price drop bump

That's really bloody lovely.

Thanks...this has got to be right up someones street!

I'll listen to offers on this btw

Ok I get the impression this may be a bit too dear, so a weekend price drop to £120.

I would also consider some sort of swap if someone has a delish little Raleigh Twenty/Shopper

beautiful bike.
have a Bump

Mrs Osh might be keen - where are you based?

She's away this weekend but might be able to drop by next week to have a closer look if that works?

You're welcome to...I'm in E2.

PM'd contact details.