1947 Hobbs of Barbican Clubweight Build and many other old builds

Just need to find someone now who is a wizard with Osgear to put it
all together.

The installation of the Osgear is straightforward. I have one on my Hobbs.
I will PM you with the details.
The original owner of mine said not to worry about the cable to the tension arm, as it didn't do much. When changing gears you need to overshift and then place the lever into the hole.

Thanks @Big_Block, that article is very comprehensive. Just realised that when I went to dry build the bike last night, I had made the school boy error of 27mm bars with a 25. 4mm stem dia and also the wrong sized seatpost (but I kind of knew this already). I've contacted Hillary Stone and should have a nice titan stem and reynolds r5 seatpost in the mail soon.

Right ordered some John Bull (type) rubber cable ties to keep the Osgear cable tidy on the down tube a la @ElGato. They're reproductions but cheap as chips and will swap out the moment I find the real deal.

Also won a Britannialloy pump. which looks nice but needs new seals. Anyone ever attempted this? It's also got a small dent in it. Does this mean that it's ruined?


Also won a very well priced Smith's Empire Pocket Watch.

Just playing the waiting game with hearing back from Hilary now re stem and post.

Right ordered some John Bull (type) rubber cable ties to keep the
Osgear cable tidy on the down tube a la @ElGato. They're reproductions
but cheap as chips and will swap out the moment I find the real deal.

like taking shortcuts don't you?
I made my own because the reproductions I bought did not stretch around the tube and the originals are starting to split.

Titan stem has arrived.
Still no suitable seatpost found yet.
Did pick up some Terry's type pump clips though. One of the frames pump pegs has broken off so these should keep the pump in place.

are you going to use some thin leather or similar with the pump clip to prevent it scratching the frame?
pity about the seat post. I was hoping you would be flooded with offers and I could pick up the second best. I need a seat post and a single Campagnolo Gran Sport (or Cyclo) bar end gear lever.

are you going to use some thin leather or similar with the pump clip to prevent it scratching the frame?>

Ummmmmm, not sure. Was going to use a small piece of inner tube. Is leather better?

I see you subscribe to the Dammit school of thought w/r/t photographing bike parts

Ha ha yeah, I get so excited finding 60 yo bike parts that I need to share once when the part is secured then multiple photos when it arrives!
Need to get out more!

Was referring to the bare toes :p
Parts photos are fine, esp in your own build thread !

leather or....
self adhesive green felt which is what I used.

A wrap of cloth bar tape?

That's a great call! I have plenty of that.

It's probably what would have been used back in 1947, that or insulating tape.
I have just thought: Cloth tape might hold water if it gets wet and might cause rust if your paint is none too clever. Maybe insulating tape then cloth over the top as a belt and braces approach, looking authentic but causing no harm.

Hi all

I'm on the hunt for a long steel quill stem for threaded forks, prefer dropped or sloping track style but 50s road would be fine as the angles are steep on the headtube so that would give a slight drop anyway. Pref 6" or so. The bars they're for have a funny old fashioned clamp diameter,something like 23.8-24mm, I guess I can shim up a 25.4 stem clamp.

Anyone? Looking to avoid Hilary Stone prices but hey ho.

It's not the R5 I was hoping for but got impatient and purchased this Titan post. At least the stem and post match!
I might have a lead on an R5 though through Retro Bike. I now truly have everything to build another bike. Hopefully built this weekend.

Love this build and the story behind it. Top work.

Hi, my father in law owns a Hobbs of Barbican AO1473 bicycle, it belong to his father before hand, who passed away many years ago. He has recently decided to part with it, but has no idea as to the value or rough value of a bike of this period.
If anyone could suggest what it may be worth or knows of anyone looking for a bike like this could you let me know.
Thanks, Rich

Rich
Depends on condition, age, originality etc. But Hobbs are well thought of and can command a good price. You will get more if you broke it for parts but PLEASE do not as you will be destroying a piece of history.

It has unfortunately been left unloved in an attic for the past 20 years at least so the body, handles and the wheels have rust on, its surface rust and not full penetrated rust but I cant find what the age is based on the serial number online, I thought maybe someone here would have an idea. The chain and cogs are still in perfect working order. I can post pics if people would like?

I have sent you a message.

You will get more if you broke it for parts but PLEASE do not as you will be destroying a piece of history.>

This. Could be interested in it myself depending on spec, size etc as my brother is coming over from NZ to ride Eroica with me and we'll, I could always use another!
Have you got any pics? Specs?

This is one of the full frame I will sort out more detailed in a second

1 Attachment

full frame

sorry having issues posting