Pre 1950s rides of LFGSS: old bikes, vintage rats, classic lightweights

@veloham That trike conversion sold very quickly and would have bought it myself but no chance without postage, I think it was cheap at the price too.

I'd been looking at this when you posted. It looked to me like it could be an oversized top-tube and the seat stay caps triggered a memory of a Criterium I'd looked at before http://stainlesssteelforks.org/hobbs_of_barbican_criterium_vintage_1946_frame_forks_lugless_fillet_brazed.htm.

I was going to reply to you "that looks worth a squirt" but thought why not have a go, so I asked seller circumference of top tube, she said 9cm and I went for it :)

1 1/8" top tube, March 1948 build date, so far so good. It's not original paint, I think refinished in the 60s or 70s, components are pretty much all a bunch of bollox. I guess next step will be to strip the paint and sell the Clubweight stashed in the attic!

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Glad you got it, What size is the Clubweight you have stashed?

I can't remember for sure but think it was 56cm ctc, possibly a touch smaller, maybe that was the top tube. I'll check over the weekend and let you know. It's pretty much exactly the same size and geometry as the ROH I still haven't finished!

It's also been repainted fairly heavily, but there is a chance the original green is underneath. I'll dig out a pic ...

Here's the pics, 1950 serial number, looks like a flam green original paint. I'm considering moving the badge to the Criterium though - I'll check if it was drilled for a headbadge originally.

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Looks rather good but too big for me I think.

Lovely Paris TDF - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203011650740

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Nice condition Claud Butler
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/233612463208

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FYI it is 56cm ctc seat tube and top tube.

Yeah unfortunately too big for me.

I have tried my own casting rather than have it done.
first up some proper Shockstop handlebar end plugs
freshly made by philip.knight, on Flickr
out of the mould last night.
These ones are made in Adelaide, Australia.
More detail here

That is amazing, well done. Extremely impressive. I’d love a pair if you ever make them for anyone else!

That worked well.

They look superb.

Wonderful! you're gonna sell them too? :)

I only made these to go on my (late) fathers bike, the Spearman. I have blue Velox plugs on it but they were from a later period. It has been a long journey but soon I can tick that box.
The originals were available in silver grey, black, red or beige. Well, soon there will be a set in blue. Because I can.
On the other bikes of the period, I have the Dare handlebar sleeves, so this project was for Dad's bike, because he always went that bit extra for us.

Postage from Australia is always expensive. I will make a few sets for my local collector friends, and if they work I will let you know. Packaging up a few sets from Australia is more cost effective.

Nice pic. Understandable and commendable journey to go on. Bike looks amazing too. If ever a care package of Shockstop plugs makes it to the UK count me in ...

Does anyone have a stash or know where to get period cable stop and pump peg braze-ons? Like in the pic?

Edit: These look pretty good, but bit of a pita to order https://www.renehersecycles.com/shop/components/framebuilding/cable-stop-braze-ons/

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Those look great I would definitely be interested in some as well. They would go well with the honking rubbers I already have from you! Please keep us updated if you decide its worthwhile making enough to send over here.

http://www.framebuilding.com/Bosses.htm
Bottom centre (pump peg) - Not exactly the same, any use?

That's handy, thank you.

@bigblock you did a super job there.

I have a slightly odd question for you knowledgeable people:

Does anyone have (or even just know if they exist?!) a stem with a smaller bottom section than for 1” steerer? Reason: A good friend, who welds a lot, is teaching himself how to braze frames ... he bought ‘practice’ tubes from Ceeway, I suppose what some call a ‘gaspipe’ frame tubeset, to start off. He’s already assembled his fork, then discovered the internal diameter of the steerer is 20.6mm, something like 13/16”... he seems to have gathered this may have been a common internal diameter at some distant point in the past, perhaps even pre-lightweight era, or kids’ bikes perhaps, who knows?

Does anyone have any knowledge of such a standard?

I guess Ceeway didn’t mention it as you might not expect someone to then want to actually assemble a bike and ride such a frame...

The frame is now back alive!

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The old size stem for head clip type headsets was closer to 22mm than 22.2mm (7/8”). French and Russian stems were 22mm back in the day iirc. Can’t think of anything smaller than that. Is it a 1” external steerer? If so, can he get an adjustable reamer and gently ream it out to 22.2mm?