Saturday 28 December 2013

It ain't no virgin anymore

Over the past few days I've finished the build of the new bike. As you know I had started with the project at my local bike shop and prepared it to the point that I could just slap the rest of the components/cables on and it would be ready. I decided to do it in my kitchen, and discovered that a gap in appliances make a wonderful bike stand.


Along the way, I learned that good cable cutters (preferably Shimano) are an essential for the (home) mechanic, so will have to try to get my hands on a pair soon. With inner and outer cables dangling off various places, I went to Finsbury Cycles to borrow theirs. After that, I was off to Mamachari, to work on the gears and chuck the front wheel into the truing stand. I'm rather proud to announce that my rear wheel is quite straight; the front wheel needed a little adjustment, but wasn't horribly out of true. Not bad for a first time wheel builder, eh?
I fiddled a long while with the gears, and had to bend the chain ring, too but, eventually, got everything sorted and let Noah take it for a quick test ride. I may be a mechanic myself, but I've not exactly worked on hundreds of bikes, and since I was going on a ride today, I wanted to be sure everything's fine. Luckily it was. 
Met with one of my cycling club members and off we went along the canal, through Hyde Park, stopped for a quick latte, and then went back. It was a joy. I must say that my heart beat a little faster knowing that I have build that bike. Anyway, here a few pictures of us (the bike and me!).

Viscount Aerospace Sport
Stella & the Viscount
Smiling despite the cold
Guess I have to work on that pose!




Wednesday 25 December 2013

Do I have bragging rights?

Probably not, but I'll do it anyway. What about? Well, my tools, obviously, doh! Ha, I'm just pulling your collective legs. Although I have to say I'm rather pleased with my bike tool collection and I'm not ashamed to say it. I'm a bike mechanic, after all, and what a sad sod of a bike mechanic would I be without tools to work on bikes?

Cyclo fourth hand tool
Weldtite grease gun
Four often-used tools

Park WAG4 wheel dishing tool

XLC 6mm hex key
Talking about bikes: last post was about my procrastinating of building up my new frame, which I call new, although it's technically an old frame which I'd had for a while now. New as in: restored; powder coated, decals and all. I'm pleased to announce that I stopped procrastinating and instead went ahead with the stripping of Shawn, using a few of my shiny new toys tools. Although I have to say that it's not pleasant without a work stand. Also, it turns out that my next 'important' purchase will be a big adjustable spanner. Perhaps not as huge as this--I actually am just posting the link because I find this photo hilarious, but I'm easy to amuse. Does this look right to you?

Space invasion at Micycle
Anyhow, back to my project. So I'd removed the cables, seat post, handlebars, shifters and what else could be stripped, but when I came to the cranks, I encountered a problem. The crank puller was screwed in, but I didn't have anything to turn it in order to get the cranks off, as my miniature adjustable spanner didn't do the trick. Frustrated, I took my frame with the stuck tool to my friends at Micycle and asked if I could use one of their stands. Luckily, it wasn't too busy and I could finally finish the job. Even better, I had the opportunity to get the headset out as well and clean all parts at their fancy washing station. Voila! Now I just had to go and swap the old frame with the new one in order to put all relevant parts onto it. When they closed for the holidays I'd got far enough to be able to finish it at home. That's what I'm going to do tomorrow. I really can't wait to ride my 22" Viscount Aerospace Sport and, as it happens, it'll be this Saturday with someone from my newly founded local Cycling Club which I've failed to tell you about. I'll report how it felt.
In the meantime I'd like to share pure beauty with you:

Viscount press-fit bottom bracket

Saturday 21 December 2013

The question is why?

Why I'm procrastinating, that is. I mean I have a perfectly ready frame--graphics and all, with the bottom bracket already fitted; I have Shawn, with the cracked seat tube, but am I doing what I wanted to do for ages? No! Drives me insane. It's not that I don't know how to do it; I even have most tools needed to make the job of stripping Shawn and putting the components onto the new frame easy. Yet, I'm procrastinating to do so. Okay, I don't have a work stand, but it's not necessarily a must, is it? Until the end of gear setting, but I can do that at the shop. I have a back garden and the weather's on my side, so what's holding me back? I haven't got a clue. Admittedly, because I was waiting for some important parcels I didn't really want to leave the house, but that didn't keep me from spending hours at Micycle, playing with wheels.
Maybe it's because I worry to damage the precious frame. It's all brand new (old) and doesn't have a mark
on it. Yet. On the other hand, it'll get some marks at some point as I plan to ride the bike. Perhaps I just need to kick myself in the backside and get things done. If the weather stays like this over Christmas, I'll be going for some rides. The good thing is: I'd planned the wheels I'd recently build for Shawn originally for the new Viscount, so maybe it was fate that had Shawn's seat tube cracking. I'll definitely keep that frame, get it repaired and resprayed. Oh, yes!
Talking about wheels: I'll be building wheels to order soon. Mainly because I love doing it, but also because I'm passionate about restoration projects. Anyone can slap on any ol' 700c wheels off the peg, but I'd like to offer hand-build Vintage wheels: with high flanges and 27 1 1/4. They look really nice and, from own experience, they also ride pretty nice.
Anyway, I'm waiting for the Park Tool WAG4 dishing tool, and am saving for a TS 2.2 wheel truing stand. After that nothing holds me back. :-)
And as for the Viscount: I think I'll get it done tomorrow, or Sunday, perhaps on Monday, or over Christmas ... definitely this year. I hope.

Sunday 1 December 2013

What's that noise?

So there was I, merrily cycling around London, enjoying my new wheels, with my backside becoming used
Clissold Park, London
to the rather hard Selle San Marco Regal, cool wind in my face and whistling in my ears, when I noticed a slight crackling noise, very low, and a bit like ice cubes in a drink, just very subtle. What the heck? I pulled out my headphones, grabbed the rattling right brake (I somehow don't get round to tighten that damn screw) and listened. Crackle, crackle. Right, brakes aren't the problem, maybe the cables snapping against the handlebar? Unlikely, but I tried to hold them in place, too. Silence for a few seconds, then again: crackle, crackle. I stopped, dismounted, and examined the handlebar closely for anything that could hint to it breaking. Something I do regularly, since old alloy parts are always more likely to sudden failure than steel. And if a handlebar snaps in the midst of London's busy traffic ... Well, I'm not in a rush to be the next one in the news. I found nothing on the handlebar. Weird. Perhaps it's the spokes, I thought, the wheels are new and maybe the tension still needed settling. After a nonchalant shrug I hopped on the bike and continued my journey.
Over the next week, it went on with its crackling and because it got on my nerves, I decided to give good ol' Shawn a once-over. It's an old bike with very thin-walled fillet-brazed frame, therefore it's necessary to check the joints, which prone to breakage, regularly. I checked the front, the bottom bracket, the seat- and chain stays and finally worked my way up to the seat tube, where horror was awaiting me with a wide grin.
Cracked seat tube
There! I found a crack about 1cm long. It's exactly where I had suspected one ages ago, when Noah and I removed the stuck seat post. Read the full blog here. Someone before us had tried that already and must have damaged the seat tube in the process. We hadn't been sure if it was a crack, as it could well have been just a scratch, and we'd decided to wait what would show up.
As the old seat post had been scrapped, I'd got another one, 26.8mm, a size quite standard for all Aerospace Sport frames. Somehow, though, I felt it was a bit too big. I believe that it caused the crack to finally open up and become bigger. Not really what I had wanted. This means for now, I'll have to leave Shawn in the shed and ride either the blue one or the Lococo. I was playing with the thought of stripping the bike and transfer all the components onto the restored red frame, with Viscount graphics, which I have sitting in my bedroom. Given that I have new wheels, NOS Weinmann centre pull brakes and a cable guide knocking about, too, it would make sense, but I'll wait a bit longer to make up my mind. I mean, it would be great to get this frame onto the road, and it would give me the opportunity to get Shawn re-painted as the frame isn't exactly in mint condition and the graphics are all faded or peeled off. Maybe it's a great way of honouring Shawn, by giving him a complete overhaul and restore him to his former beauty, while riding the other Sport frame which has been patiently waiting to be completed. Oh, so much to do, so little time and even less money ...
Micycle Ferme Park Rd.
I went to report my bad news to the boys from Micycle. A latte and laugh later, I was back to my cheery self, riding away on my Japanese city bike.
Note to self: check your bike regularly from top to bottom; don't ignore any weird noises, search for the cause until you find it.
Safe cycling, everyone.

Friday 22 November 2013

Proud as

I've been cycling around on Shawn and his new wheels and am happy to announce they've not fallen apart yet. Okay, it's not been that many miles, but still ... I built the wheels and so far, they're still running true. See how pretty Shawn now looks? A proper Viscount.

Viscount Aerospace Sport with 27" wheels
Funny thing is that Noah initially assumed that I'd hate building wheels as it takes concentration and patience, both of which I have a clear shortage on--particularly when tired. Contrary to his assumption I'm actually quite loving it. Admittedly, I still haven't done spoke measuring, but it's really not that difficult--be it by hand or with the aid of one of the many websites. I'll probably use Wheel Pro, which is by Roger Musson, who has published an easy to follow wheel-building guide. Caution: do not calculate when under the influence.
Back then, I had the help of Arup; he showed me how to measure the ERD (effective rim diameter). He said that even when one orders the rims online, he'd rather measure himself than take a manufacturer's word for granted, and rightly so. My rims weren't what they were supposed to be. Phew, seeking his advice certainly saved me money. In general, building wheels yourself costs less and they're also stronger.
I bought Ridiga rims--27" 1 1/4 polished alloy from eBay for £25 the pair. And I had the high flange Viscount hubs for about £25 from a jumble. The spokes (DT Swiss Champion and Competition), plus nipples and postage (Rose bikes) were about £35. That's the wheels done for £85. A decent pair of wheels would start at about £120 (so I was told). Since I didn't want any ol' rims or hubs, but particular ones, I would've paid £40 for Arup to build them. In the end, I've saved exactly that amount and got the pleasure of producing something I can be proud of myself. 
Three-cross on Viscount hub
It is a labour of love if you're just beginning; it takes me about ten to fifteen minutes to lace a wheel (36 holes, 3-cross), but anything from an hour to three to make it round and true. I remember my first try of just truing a wheel of a mamachari, and hell, did I make a pretzel out of it. I had no idea what to do, about spoke tension, or which way to turn the spoke key. Luckily, I had Noah, who had enough calmness to deal with my tantrums. I found it really difficult to 'get' which direction I had to turn the spoke key to loosen or tighten the nipples. Drove me insane. I struggle with nuts and bolts anyway--no idea why I can't get it into my head, but in the world of bicycles with its left-threaded where it should be right is screwing with my head. Excuse the bad pun. After hot tears of fury, I eventually found a way to remember and simply learned it by heart. That's wheels sorted--pedals, however, remain a source of confusion. I'll get there ... one day.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my thoughts on wheel-building and that it's a very good skill to have, particularly if you are a keen rider with more than one or two bikes. I'd like to encourage you to do a course, don't be scared. It's fun, it's wonderful, and it's given you a great sense of achievement.
Safe riding.

Saturday 9 November 2013

A girl's guide to bike tools and it doesn't stop here

One thing I've learned while working on bikes is that nothing's straight forward, particularly not on Viscounts. They're quite something. Try getting those sealed bearings out of a hub without damaging either. Or even worse: the bottom bracket. Equally challenging is putting everything back together.
Or maybe that old skip-tooth freewheel I have on my blue Sport. Yeah, if you don't have the right remover tool, you're basically fucked. Or, if you choose to use brute force, then most likely your freewheel or/and hub won't come out of it that pretty. Personally, I try to treat my bikes with kids' gloves; it's possible to do that even with a hammer, trust me, but I always keep in mind that Viscounts are rare.

My hammer and mullet are still hiding in the kitchen
Now, I know where to go when I need my freewheel off the hub, but I'd rather have that freewheel remover tool in my big bicycle tool box. Or better: the one I'm going to get myself in the near future. At the moment my tools live in a cardboard box, together with grease, parts, and lubricants; possibly not the best place as my ever growing collection needs more space. And I need more storage for parts, too. Let alone for the bikes, but that's a different matter. (If you know a place with a garage or large shed in Hackney area or N4, please get in touch. I'm looking for a quiet place with a decent landlord.)

Bursting tool and parts box
Anyway, back to tools. I think I've got the basics for a tune up service for Viscounts or other bikes, but I'm still far from having all the tools I want. I'm soon getting a--drum roll, please-- a Profikurbelschraubenschluessel/Ratsche. Yep, that's quite a mouthful and I'd like you to try pronouncing it after four pints. In short it's a socket ratchet wrench 14/15mm. Not that I necessarily need it for my Viscounts as they're all quick release, but my mamachari has 14mm front and 15mm rear nuts, just as most other bikes have. I do have the Icetoolz (see pic.) non-ratchet version, but I'd like to go more 'profi' and since the Hozan, which would be my favourite, is far too expensive to get here, I looked around for an alternative. The Unior doesn't look too bad either, but it's still too expensive. I expect the VAR to be of excellent quality; after all, I want to work on bikes all day and if I can make life easier for me, then I'll do it. I have a list of tools I'm planning on getting, but since money's a bit tight right now, I'll have to collect them bit by bit. Quality costs, unfortunately for me, but it's well worth spending the money. On my list are:
Handy all round tools:
T-handle allen key, this one is particularly useful for adjusting front derailleurs as it gives good leverage and, since it hasn't got a ball end, it's a great all-rounder. Good quality, too; I've worked with it for months. There are cheaper alternatives, which may work equally well, but I have an emotional attachment to this particular brand as it's the one I borrowed from the shop for my last assignment of my level 2 bike mechanic course--I believe it brought me luck. I'm getting this one very soon.
Park Tool hex wrench tool again, another all-rounder of superb quality. I want this in the sizes 6, 8, and 10mm. The first is great for adjusting headsets, and/or seat posts (clamps) and the latter is useful for crank arm bolts. Due to the angle, it comes in handy whenever you need more leverage working with other tools. Again, I've worked with it in the past month and it's a must for my collection.
Hozan cable puller (or otherwise known as forth hand) another amazing work of quality from Japan. Great to work with. I've tried Pedros, but here's where splashing out makes all the difference. I've failed finding anything that compares to the Hozan.
Cone wrench set Mainly for cap & cone hub adjusting. The Park Tool ones are great, but every time I look at the price I faint.
Shimano cable cutters In this case I'm trusting Noah, who said he'd tried plenty, but nothing seems to work as well. They have this little blue pin attached, which serves the purpose of widening either end of the cable Very practical. We also used it for digging out objects from tyres when repairing punctures.
Large adjustable spanner Okay, here I'll try to go with a no-name product. In the shop we had Park Tool's, but I'm willing to try something else. A very important and handy tool to do all sorts of bending on a bike, particularly centre pull brake arms to toe in the pads or when tending to bent chain rings.
File set A necessity for any workshop. There's always something to file, be it bolts, drop outs or brake pads. Not sure if these are any good. By the time I'm getting a file set, there's probably another offer. I'll report.
Bike chain rivet extractor There are different ones on the market, I'll have to look closely and see. Preferably something with a bigger handle. VAR has one, for two sizes of chains, but it's not quite as perfect.
All common freewheel tools I only need Shimano ones, but I'd like to collect all of them.
Park tool CC-3 chain wear indicator If you click this link and read the review, you know why I want it. I've worked with it in the shop and it's a great device. Unfortunately, Park Tool has discontinued this model and all avenues I've tried were unsuccessful. Even Park Tool said they don't have one knocking about anymore. Truly sad news.
Park tool offset brake centering tool A must for anyone with caliper brakes. And that goes together with this one. I never used the latter, to be honest, but it's a thin wrench, so while holding the brake in centre position with one tool, you can tighten the nut with the other.
And most wanted: the bearing puller tool that will hopefully be made for me at some point. 
Okay, I'll stop here. There are more tools I desire, but just thinking about the costs makes my head explode.
I already have a power drill/screwdriver and angle grinder. However, I will need a work stand, a bench with swivel vice, a wheel truing jig and dishing tool for all the work. And how about the bottom bracket facing tools and headset press? Let alone my wishes for a bench grinder and polishing wheel, and I think if I get to that stage I may as well look for a workshop to stick up a sign saying 'Stella & the Viscounts'.

Wednesday 6 November 2013

Pictures that don't need explaining

I took this one recently to put on my Twitter profile.(@viscountstella) Since it's rare to get your hands on original Viscount-branded brakes, I thought this would make for a really nice picture. 

Unbelievable as it is, I think the rain compliments the shot. At first I wanted to use this one, for I love the colours of the head badge so much:

But, somehow, the Mafac brake, even though a great brand, disturbed the picture. This is Shawn, by the way, the bike that now has a pair of brand-spanking new, shiny wheels, built by my very own hands. 27" 1 1/4, of course. Now he looks like a proper Viscount Aerospace Sport (1976). Although not 100%. I'll probably replace the brakes for some NOS Weinmann ones, as I couldn't get the front one to shut up. It's screaming and squeaking like hell, announcing me from afar. No idea why, as it only started with the new pads. It was all fine with the old ones. But I thought it may be better to get the right pads for alloy, as they're better for the rims. Anyway, I couldn't tighten the arms as the threads seems to be worn. Can't blame them, they've probably done their duty and saved Shawn's previous rider from many crashes.
Unfortunately, the weather didn't permit for some nice pictures of the bike in its full beauty, but I'll deliver them as soon as possible. (You hear that, weather? Tomorrow calls for sunshine, right?)

Thursday 31 October 2013

Even I don't know what's hit me

Yesterday, I spotted another Viscount--a lugged white frame with black graphics--and had to stop, of course. I circled the bike like predator its prey, only to raise the awareness of the bike's owner. After I clarified that I had no intention of stealing it, he came over and I revealed my extreme Viscount nerdiness. I checked the bike's 'vitals' and concluded it needed a major overhaul; the bottom bracket had play, the pedals were falling apart, the tires were brittle and rather flat, and my guess is that the hubs' bearings were properly worn, too. Nevertheless, I believe the bike would be good to go for another decade or two if it received some TLC. The owner said he'd been riding it for the past eleven years and is very much attached to it. Understandably, given that he knows how rare they are nowadays. Which doesn't explain the state his bike is in. But he shall be excused as I reckon he basically is where I had been until April this year: riding around as a keen urban cyclist, who's got no knowledge about the mechanics. Bless him.
I, too, have been cycling for all my life, and, although I loved every bike I had, so much so, that I named them, I didn't really do much else than ride them, sometimes clean the frame and the rims (when they were new), and, if something bothered me too much, I popped down the next local bike shop and got it fixed.
How quickly things can change ...
Up until April this year, I'd never heard of the name Viscount. Now, in October, I'm the proud owner of not only one, but three Viscounts, which are all ridden, and two frames, waiting to become fully-fledged bikes. I also own a Mamachari, a rather sexy Japanese city bike, which I love dearly. That means I have a silver/black, a red, a blue, and a green bike in my shed--this girl has a bike for every outfit or occasion.
As you know I've been learning how to fix my bikes myself. Firstly, because I'm very particular about my Viscounts and won't let anyone, who has no experience with them, go near them, and secondly, because it's way more fun than just handing over your bike (and money).
There's more where that came from
For the past four months, I've been working (volunteering in exchange for experience and getting my bikes fixed) at Mamachari bikes in Dalston and it was a bit like hitting the ground running. It's a new, but very busy shop and I had to get my hands dirty. Not that I mind. Tools are my kryptonite, and learning new skills my passion; and believe you me, in the world of bike mechanics, there's always something new to learn. Probably one of the reasons I love it so much, it never gets boring. And because I do see a proper second career in this, I've enrolled in a bike mechanic level 2 course (and passed it, too, in case you're wondering). Admittedly, I'm loving the reactions of people when I tell them that I'm a bike mechanic, a certified one, even. Ha! Luckily, eyes are held in place by tendons and muscles.

A door stopper
Yes, I've still got a lot to learn, and I'm nowhere near as capable as I'd like to be, but that's part of the fun: learning by doing it. I've even got a full time job lined up with a newish bike shop in London, so if everything goes well, I'll start in December. Proof that I've finally lost it is that I'm currently reading Engineering
Workshop Practice, which seems like an interesting read.
I've also been in touch with another place who were interested in my wheel-building skills. Shawn, my red one, as you can see in the picture, has the wrong wheels on him. I bought him that way, but since it's just not right to ride a Viscount on 700c wheels, I've built him a pair of shiny new 27" 1 1/4 wheels, Polished alloy rims on Viscount hubs. And they'll get amber wall tires. Beautiful! Tomorrow, I'll swap them over and hope they'll not fall apart under me, now that would be embarrassing. I doubt it, though.
So in the period between end of April, when I bought Shawn, to now, end of October; I turned from an urban rider into a bike mechanic with a vision. And it won't end here. Be afraid, be very afraid; Stella & the Viscounts has only just started.

Sunday 6 October 2013

Viscount Aerospace Pro--a dream

Life is hectic at the moment, but nothing will keep me from riding, particularly not if it's as smooth as my newest bike. In August, I acquired a 100% original Viscount Aerospace Pro (I think it's a 1977/78) which I intended to do up for my friend. Unfortunately, Noah and I got really excited about the idea of restoring it and, every time we looked at the bike, there, hanging on the shop's wall, we nodded at each other with a sigh, until he said: 'You really should keep this, it's so rare to find something this original.'
I pondered, then decided he's right. Luckily, my friend later said she'd rather have a bike being build by me, than get something I bought and just handed over to her. Phew! So, that means I'm on the hunt for another small Viscount frame (19/20 inches), but there's worse situations to be in. The best of all: I have a new Viscount for my collection. And what a stunner it is. Okay, there's quite a bit of rust, where the chrome has gone, I didn't even clean it, since it's going to be restored soon, but I took it out for a proper spin today and was blown away. Such an easy ride. I mean I shouldn't be surprised, it's an Aerospace, after all, and since I've sat on more than a few, I can safely say, you cannot go wrong with those bicycles. Ever!
And so you can also drool over this wonderful find, here are some pictures of it.













By the way: bumped into another Viscount on my way to the shop; of course I had to stop the guy and tell him that he's riding on a piece of history. He said he's been riding it every day for the past three years and is loving it. Long live the Viscount!

Saturday 7 September 2013

The happy and the sad moments of a Viscount bicycle owner

I realise that's been over a month since I last posted; it doesn't mean that I've lost interest or haven't got anything to write about--quite the contrary, to be honest. In the past month, I've met up with two other Viscount enthusiasts, was able to touch the golden Lambert again, and rode a red 1978 Aerospace Sport; I acquired a new bike, a frame and fork, and I've been protected by my brave Viscount Sprint.
Lambert/Viscount love
On the 3rd of August was the Prudential Ride in London, to which I was looking forward to. Cycling through the City without cars left, right, and centre is something you rarely experience here, not during the daytime anyway, and it gave me a good opportunity to meet up with John, who has the golden Lambert and Danny, who'd answered my call for Sakae crank dust caps. He didn't just bring those, but the whole TA Apex crank set, plus an extra dust cap. You can probably imagine how fast my heart went, right? Danny wanted for them to go to a good home, and he knew me from the forum. (Thank you, Danny, much appreciated.) And I
Plus Gas poured down from the BB shell
know which bike I'll fit this crank set: it's a special winter project, to go with the frame and fork I've been given, another Aerospace Sport frame, fillet brazed and most possibly made in 1978, judging by the forks being half paint, half chrome. It'll be another project altogether, since the seat post is not only stuck, but also badly mangled. Nothing Noah and I can't manage; we love a challenge and I'm just glad to be able to give this frame a new lease of life.
In the meantime, John had made me aware of a wonderfully original--and by that I mean 100% original, as confirmed by our forum thread's resident expert Steve, Viscount Aerospace Pro being sold on eBay. Oh, the joy when I 'won' it for 60 pounds (plus delivery)--both paid by Noah as a thank you for my hard work in the shop. When it arrived I couldn't get the wrapping off fast enough and was delighted when I took it for a very brief spin. It's in quite good condition, considering that it's 40 years old, and just needs some TLC. Looking a bit closer at the bottom bracket, it seems as if this isn't the original one, but probably a Phil Wood. Unless the spindle was polished up to the tapered ends. The bearings sit perfectly in the shell and both circlips are there. The hubs' bearings are smooth, too. You can see the pictures of the bike here. Go on, I know you want to. It's beautiful; I promise. My guess is that someone bought it back then and hasn't ridding it often, but looked after it well. The chain doesn't show many signs of wear either. Not sure if it was changed. Lucky me, eh? (Thank you, John!)
Okay, now to the sad news: on Thursday, I was a tad too tired and my brain didn't seem to connect with my body. At just before 9am, I turned into Ashwin Street in Dalston and crashed straight into a bollard. I swear it took the piss and jumped in my way. My brain registered that I had to go right or left past it, but my body didn't follow that suggestion; I was stopped dead, bounced back a little, fell of my bike and landed on my chin, then scrambled back to my feet and cycled the few metres to the shop. In the afternoon I was overcome by nausea and felt sick, which was a clear sign to me that it's not just a sprain that had my hand hurting like hell. A bus trip (oh did I curse public transport) to the A&E confirmed my suspicion and I now have to run around with a splinted bandage, useless as a mechanic. But that's not the sad news; I'll be fine in two weeks' time, but my brave Sprint isn't. In fact the impact was enough to bend the frame and I'll have to bid farewell to my beloved bike.

Properly bent crossbar, just behind the fork and lugs

a clearly visible bulge


I remember the day I bought it: on a Sunday on Shoreditch market, for Shawn had been without a bottom bracket, leaving me without a ride. Of course, when I saw a Viscount, I went for it. The plan was to keep it until Shawn was ready to go again, but I really loved the smooth Sprint, so I kept it. It's a Viscount, after all. And what a hero it is: had I ridden a modern carbon fibre frame into that bollard, I would've most probably injured myself seriously; thankfully, I was on a steel Viscount, that protected me. I know exactly why I love those bikes so much: 40 years old, and they still have got what it takes. It'll be a very, very sad day when I'm stripping down the frame. The only bit that consoles me is that its legacy will live on on another Viscount bike. I'll be on the lookout for a suitable frame. A Sprint, of course, would be ideal.

Thursday 1 August 2013

Finally! I can change my bikes with my outfit.

The original picture on e-Bay
What a girlie thing to say, eh? And it's an overstatement, too. All I'm trying to announce is that I've finally been able to ride the blue Viscount Aerospace Sport, and damn it's a fine ride. I've also learned that 22" is the perfect size for me (I'm 1.72m); it feels comfortable and ... well, just right. Unfortunately it took a little longer than planned; I noticed that I had high hopes to ride on it two weeks back, but it was impossible since the wheels needed some serious work, meaning the tension needed to be released and basically go back to square one. Lucky me, since I'm working in a bike shop (voluntarily in exchange of
Yep, that's me, adjusting the brakes
getting my bikes fixed under supervision and learning heaps along the way), and Noah has a tendency to do things perfect, so the 40-year-old wheels are now round and true, have new tubes and tires (fitted by me), and are dutifully carrying me around London.
We replaced all cables (the outer ones are temporary as I'm replacing them with white ones), front and rear brake pads and adjusted/bent the derailleurs back in place. Admittedly, I threw a temper tantrum because I couldn't set the front brakes--even with the third hand tool, I struggled and Noah had to take over. I did it wrongly, but that won't happen again. It's  not rocket science, just showing my lack of experience. Funny enough, I can service most of his bikes almost by myself, but struggle with an old centre pull brake. It doesn't have a quick  release Shawn has, which confused me. Now I know how to do it, and next time will be a doddle.
I then added (and tore! How the heck did I manage that?) the white handle bar tape with blue finish and the result looks smashing.
The bike's now road safe
On Saturday, I'll be taking part in the Prudential ride, mainly to enjoy the lovely weather, cycle through London without cars, and I'll also meet up with another Viscount enthusiast as he's heard my slightly desperate call for some Sakae/SR dust caps for Shawn's and the blue bike's cranks. I'll be taking along the blue beauty to show the people of London what they're missing out by not riding a Viscount. I don't know, every single Viscount I've been riding (it's only been three since April) has been smooth and wonderful. To me they're the perfect bike and I love the fact that there aren't many around London--at least I hardly see anyone riding on one. All I see is Peugeot or Raleigh and you know what? It's makes me proud to be different!

Wednesday 17 July 2013

Seat post (un)stuck!

Unfortunately also going to bike heaven. For the past few days, I've been carefully wiggling the seat post in Shawn's tube to pour some Plus Gas into it. The seat post was heavily stuck and didn't want to move one bit, the bugger. Luckily, Noah has plenty of experiences with stubborn seat posts and has given me a hand. I rode to his shop without tightening the pin, hoping that it would give way under my weight. It didn't. But I had faith in Noah's abilities and knowledge.
When I took off the seat, it became apparent that someone with no experience--or patience--really had butchered the seat post. Since it's alloy it's prone to scratch and deform easily if you use brute force. And  that's what had happened. It was torn in two places; I was riding around, unaware that it could break any moment. Scary thought, that.

Torn in two places!
 Noah cut the top off with a hacksaw, then put a socket inside to make it stronger. Then off into the vice and turning back and forth. That was the easiest part. I turned and Noah slowly pulled it up. A few minutes of doing so and voila, the seat post was freed.
Finally free!
Rusty ol' seat post (and my dirty hand)
In pieces to get access.
The Plus Gas had worked its magic, and I was more than relieved. It was time to inspect the tubing as I'd discovered a crack in it. I was hoping it was only the paint, but unfortunately, the crack is in the tube, too. It appears that it's not terribly dangerous, but I'll probably get it sorted at some point. For gentle urban riding it's okay, but I wouldn't go on longer trips with the bike.
Because I knew the seat post was for the bin, I've nicked the one of the blue Viscount Aerospace Sport. It's the same make and it fit neatly. I can't tell you how nice it is to cycle with straight knees, rather than hitting your chin while pedaling. People kept reciprocating my big smile on my way back.
Tomorrow, I'll put on the Brooks Professional saddle I bought on the bike jumble--better give it another rub with olive oil. Next are the wheels that need to be build. I have everything here, just need to kick my arse into gear to sit down and do it.

Tuesday 16 July 2013

It's just a wheel, or is it? Part 1

27" 1 1/4 wheels on LF Viscount hubs
I'm making slow progress on the blue bike, but have a good feeling that I'll be riding it this coming weekend. As you know I've cleaned it up and stored the frame for the time being while I'm taking care of the wheels. I took them off to give them a good once-over, replace the bearings, and clean the hubs and rims before truing them and putting new rim tape and tyres on. I'm still undecided if I'm going to change the tubes, as I'm not a waster. May put in new ones and keep the old for emergencies when on a ride. Better safe than sorry, eh? The old tyres were knackered--amber walls honey-coloured and brittle--they'll go to bicycle heaven.
New bearings 6000RS
However, I'm glad to have the bearings out and, using Noah's very handy vice, I was able to repair the minor damaged I had made to the threads since I had to hammer the axle in and out, and then in and out again. It's the only way to get the bearings out if you don't have a puller tool. And I've learned from last time's mistake and kept the nut on.
At least it's all sorted now, and I've spent two wonderful evenings amusing myself cleaning up the wheels and hubs, intoxicated by the fumes of GT 85 and cheap furniture polish. I can't be arsed to buy alloy polish, to be honest. The bike is old; I'm not going to get it repainted, so I'm fine with the bike being as clean as it gets. Let it show its history and age. It's fine. The only thing I want to be done is to get the fork rechromed as it's chipping badly. That's two forks I have to take care of.
I've then sat down and tightened the spokes which were rather loose. Will take the wheels to the lbs
Nail polish came in handy

tomorrow and see what damage I've done. Tightening spokes isn't truing, and since I've no idea what I'm doing, I may have done everything wrong. At least none of the spokes broke, that's good news, right?
No name, but pretty.
Regarding tyres: I've got some no-name ones I'd like to give a go. They aren't Schwalbe or Panaracer, but they were cheap and cheerful. Hopefully no punctures will take the cheer off the 'ful'. Sorry for the bad joke; it's hot, you see?
The bike will get new bar tape and a new saddle, oh, and it needs the brake and gear cables replaced, but I'm sure I can sort this out before this weekend.
Then I'll urgently return to Shawn's stuck seat post. I'm praying (not literally) for the Plus Gas to do the magic and it'll come out without any further resistance. Then I'll have to pester Graham from the Vintage Bike Cave to find me one of his Birmalux alloy seat posts so I can start riding Shawn, too. It's summer, after all. And I'd like to be prepared with at least one working bike for the Prudential Ride in August.
Fingers crossed!

Saturday 13 July 2013

Dating a Viscount

The new Viscount frame
I know for sure that I'm dreaming about stuck hub bearings, bottom bracket replacements and cold-welded seat posts. Since I've started with the whole Viscount business, I've learned that when it comes to those wonderful bikes, nothing really is straight forward. It can be a tad frustrating but, on the other hand, I think that this trait makes them so special. Viscounts bicycles have their quirks; they are stubborn, resistant, and sometimes I even think they have a sense of humour. My Shawn refuses to hand over his seat post, as if he won't give up without a fight. Well, tough, my dear bike, I have Plus Gas and access to a vice; you may lose the battle here. A normal person would probably be put off Viscounts after encountering that many problems and difficulties after buying their first one--I believe Shawn's former owner did exactly that and threw him on a scrapyard--but I'm not normal, or better: on the verge of having lost my marbles, because instead I went to acquire some more. How's that for crazy?
You probably remember that I was gifted a Bilston-factory made Aerospace Sport frame in need of CPR; it's now arrived in London, freshly powder coated in Ruby Red, complete with newly fitted bottom bracket and surprise decals on it. On my way to pick it up, my heart was beating  a little faster, as if I were going on a blind date. Just that I knew what I was in for.
Olympic alloy pedals
John, who's recently been to the first ever Death Fork Rally, was kind enough to bring the frame (and other goodies) back to London, and I was rather excited to see his collection of bikes, particularly the golden Lambert. Yes, it's real-gold! And it's beautiful! So are his other Viscount bikes. He's got at least seven, I think, and has been a Viscount fan since the 80s. Gee, I'm such a rookie, but a rookie with now some more components, as John had a few things spare, he's given me. (Thank you both, Steve and John. It's much appreciated.) Anyway, if you'd like to see how a pack of Viscounts/Lamberts look like, take a look at these and those from the Death Fork Rally. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it this year, but next year, I'll definitely join--on the bike that's currently a frame only.
Port hole chain ring
The donor, Steve, the man I refer to as Mr. Viscount, an expert in all things Viscount and Lambert, has given me a pair of NOS (new old stock) cranks and my beloved port hole chain ring. The plan with that restoration project is to use only NOS or components that are in very good condition, plus I'll build the wheels myself. It's going to be red/white and I've given myself to 2014's rally.
In the meantime, I've got two other bikes to get road ready: Shawn, with his stuck seat post and the blue one. Re the seat post: I've removed the bolt and wiggled the seat a bit, then poured Plus Gas into the gap. Will repeat this for a few days and keep my fingers crossed. Then I'll bring him to Noah, who's offered me to help me get this seat post out. He's got a vice and plenty of
experiences with stuck seat posts, saying he's never been defeated. I hope this is not going to be the first time.Once that's done, I only need to build the new wheels, get a new seat post, change the cables, and everything should be fine.
The blue one isn't in bad shape either. I've taken the wheels off to change the bearings and for truing, and cleaned the whole bike to see what lies underneath the dust and dirt, and rust. I probably just replace the cables and the hubs' bearings. Oh, and have the fork rechromed. 
For now, it's the fight with the bearings. I needed to get the freewheel off, but it's an old Shimano skiptooth freewheel, so the standard tool won't fit. The diametre of the freewheel, where the tool slides in, is smaller than the standard ones. So where to get such a tool from? I thought if any shop has something like this lying around it's probably Vintage Bike Cave. Graham's been around for for what feels like decades and has stocked his cave from floor to ceiling with old bicycle parts. I love that place!

Shimao 'skiptooth' freewheel

Together we removed the freewheel and the axle, which, on retrospect, was silly on my part, because now I can't get the bearings out. One bearing being stuck is easy, but when both are stuck it's tricky. Guess I need to get myself a bearing puller. Or, perhaps knock the axle back in and out on the other side, which normally will result in the bearing being stuck on the axle. Will have to think about it. I'll keep you posted on this one, too.