1939 Holdsworth La Variable

Sorry for the quality of the pics.

So as it was ready as a fixed, I decided to give it quick spin. And quick it was!! So unused to the fixed way of riding!!
I wasn't even able to start for a minute or so!
Then I was able to ride, but only few meters as I was testing it indoor and couldn't even manage a proper stop.

Will have to try more tomorrow, but first will fit the front brake.

4 Attachments

Some pics of it "almost" finished (need to change brake pads and better calibrate brakes)

2 Attachments

I will also have to look into the pedals. As they are, the cages bump on the ground when at the lowest and I don't like that.

the cages bump on the ground when at the lowest and I don't like that.

I have the same problem with my 47 HOB but only when I'm trying to get my foot into the cage. I put it down to low BB, long cranks and extra long cages.

yeah but it makes my learning to ride fixed much more complicated as I still have to master foot-slipping-into-cage-whilst-the-cage-is-spinning-away-from-foot

Not sure what to do with handlebar tape though...what did they do at those times?

men, it has been a year already!

finally the first spins on it!! feels great and I think size is perfect. Comfy, but need to get used to fixed!

1 Attachment

Not sure if you every got a head clip stem, but this on ebay looks perfect for you and is lovely...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1930s-clip-type-handlebar-stem-vintage-bicycle-racing-bike-/262039290558?hash=item3d02c242be

gulp, expensive...

btw I got this stem I need to sell back as it doesn't fit with the handlebars:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261994577156?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

but would definitely benefit..
Looks good though

Yeah I know...damn...well if I get it I'll put back on sale the headclip non chromed one and the Il Primo I've got, so I can recoup the price...will put a bid

it is the same seller too.

I contacted him with an offer...let's see. Hilary sells them cheaper, but this one is indeed in good conditions.

yeah, he has some good stuff but is expensive- having said that I've bought quite a bit off him in the past, and sold to him too!

I'll sell him back his own stem :-)

Bit of a clean up today.

1 Attachment

Some pictures of the details

15 Attachments

I have put on Schwalbe tyres, the HS-130. Should last :)

I'm going to say it... I'm sure, having seen your projects before, that the rack it period correct, but it makes me nervous... I feel bad saying that, but I think I can because otherwise I believe the bike is fantastic... And I'm sure people, at the time, were using these racks, but it just looks weird to me... maybe I need more bike education to understand... (and sorry if this has been discussed already)

Whatever, ignore me... Great work!

First of all thank you!

This time, however, almost none of the components is period correct :(
Most of them are 40s-50s and the rack could be even more recent.
Most of them are, however, from Holdsworth, rack included.

The rack is bent :/ but it's very strong.

How is it to ride, have you taken out much?

Not much as after the first ride I had a flat :)
But rides wonderfully...still need to get used to it though, mainly I need to get used to the fixed gear.

Rode her today half-way (more or less) to work and left her in the basement. I will use her mainly for short rides around the office (lunches, meeting people etc).
No space at home unfortunately.

Anyway, it rode very very nice. Went slow as I still need to get used to the fixed gear riding, but loved it a lot :)

Picture of her on the platform.

1 Attachment

Such a nice pic.