1947 Hobbs of Barbican Superbe build

Re the discussion up-thread about the LH lamp bracket: I had a similar query when I bought a 1938 Hobbs Continental Superbe frame from Hilary Stone a couple of years ago. I made some enquiries about it to the VCC Hobbs Marque Enthusiast who advised that:

The lamp bracket on the nearside fork is not uncommon as some cyclists
preferred to light up the kerb as opposed to the road

I will follow this thread with interest as my own Hobbs project had stalled but is now back on (should probably start a CP thread of my own).

Hi @Walbrook. That is interesting and would certainly make sense. Lights in those days were very dull anyway so I can understand why they would want to have the light closer to the kerb.

A 1938 Hobbs Continental Superbe sounds like a great find. Yes you should definitely start a CP thread as there are plenty of people here that are interested in vintage bikes. What are you hoping to put on it parts wise?

I have finally fitted new tubs to the Fiamme/Airlite wheel combination I bought, but because they are track rims I have replaced the existing wheels on my 1948 Hobbs of Barbican Raceweight. The previous rims were 26 x 1 1/4 Weinmanns with Normandy Hubs. They looked nice but weren't really old enough. Plus I was struggling to find tyres that I liked.

I think the new wheels look great on the Raceweight. I have saved a lot of weight by switching (approximately 800g including leaving off the additional freewheel!). I think the bike looks better too!

1 Attachment

A few weeks ago I bought a job lot of alloy Fiamme, Mavic and other sprint rims. I now have lots of cleaning to do. The best Fiamme rims I will use for the Hobbs Superbe. Most of the others appear to be 40H rears.

1 Attachment

It's been a while since I updated this so I thought I would add some updated pictures. This bike isn't finished yet but it's working and usable.

I had new wheels built with Airlite small flange hubs and Fiamme rims and added a 4 speed Atom freewheel and a Campagnolo Gran Sport derailleur. I also fitted a Williams crankset.

I was going to get the frame repainted, but to be honest I'm enjoying riding it as it is and it does have the benefit of not looking nickable when parked outside the pub. So I'm in two minds whether to go ahead with the respray or not. I might do it in the future.

4 Attachments

I also added some nice GB handlebars with original grips and some Shockstop honking rubbers, curtesy of @Big_Block, which I can heartily recommend.

The bike rode really well at Eroica Britannia this year, although lower gears would have been nice!