Quite amusing, really.

Lambert head badge

I'm keeping an eye on eBay to see what's happening in the Viscount & Lambert world and, every so often, I see listings with the addition 'quite the following', or 'huge fan base', which makes me snigger. Our 'club' of Viscount owners and enthusiasts currently has 38 members--okay a few have admitted to just lurk and not signing up (yes, Andy, I'm talking about you, mate; join up already to share your stories!) but even if you add, say ten more people, then we're still a small bunch of Viscount nerds with an appreciation of those great bicycles. I think it's because although cycling is becoming more popular now, it's mainly amongst cyclists from late teens to mid thirties; all of whom are too young to remember Lamberts or Viscounts which were only produced between 1971 and 1983. As a result people don't recognise the name and rather go for a Peugeot or Raleigh or anything else their mates ride, or they've seen on the roads. I'm a bit of an exception as I'm not English or American, and the company didn't particularly market to Germany, so when I stumbled over Shawn last year it was pure fate. Not that I'd remember any popular German bike names, I hasten to add, despite my life-long wish of owning a racer, I never paid attention.
I could imagine that those looking for a second hand bike, finding Viscounts or Lamberts, do some research, read about the death fork, which seems off-putting enough, but if that doesn't do the trick then it's probably that unique bottom bracket that will make potential buyers pass on the bikes.
Yes, those bikes will only speak to a certain kind of person:

• Up for a real challenge
• Determined
• Willing to learn and that fast
• Patient
• Perfectionist
• Proud to stand out

If you're the type of person who listens to a bike shop telling you to scrap the old bike you've just bought for 125 (or more) pounds, because they haven't got a clue how to deal with that bottom bracket, or think that the time and effort of freeing the seized seat post is a waste, then you're better off to buy something more standard. If you combine more or less all the six points made above, you're a good candidate to become the next Viscount lover.

People always ask me what's so special about them and the only thing I can offer is to hand them one of my bikes and let them ride it. But, to be honest, a short spin around the block won't give you an insight; you'd need to ride it for at least 30 minutes to an hour to really appreciate the smoothness of the bb, the lightness of the frame, the way the bike feels. To me, it's magic.

The most recent member to join our forum started out with a Sprint, and has recently picked up a G.P, which was one of the high-end bikes Viscount made, and he said the same: you can't really explain what's special about riding Viscounts or Lamberts; you need to ride them and will, inevitably, fall in love. 

Covered in dust

The Viscountess and me, that is. I've taken her on another ride along the River Lea and Regent's Canal again. To be honest, I simply can't help it. There's nothing--really nothing--that compares riding a bike you put together yourself; you know exactly what the bike can withstand and, trust me, I'm not mollycoddling any of my bikes. They're there to be ridden, full stop. So my bikes have to go over bumps and down kerbs--okay, the latter with a bit more care on those single-walled alloy rims--let alone the many potholes you encounter in London. 

My pink girl has done me proud so far. And not only that: she's flying! After a day's break from her, I actually was glad to have her under my arse as she's a rather comfortable ride--as all Viscounts are: super tight rear triangle, but relaxed at the front. Perhaps one reason I love them so much. I don't enjoy having my head lower than my backside, but then I'm not road racing; I quite like to look left and right, take in the landscape I'm riding through. Deep inside me lurks a tourer, I'm sure of it. And I will start doing that at some point. Either on my own or with someone else. I can see myself easily covering quite a few miles, merrily pedalling away in the sunshine, or even in the winter if it's like last year. 

This peddler's perspective

Possibly sleeping in youth hostels, occasionally in B&Bs, which makes for a lighter load. Yep, I think I'd like that a lot. Exploring the UK via bike? How exciting is that? 

Anyway, for the time being, I'll have to make do with my day trips and they're rather nice, too, but see for yourself:

You wouldn't think it's in the middle of London, would you?

River Lea

Regent's Canal lock, just outside Victoria Park

They're jealous!

At least that's what I think. No, I'm talking about my several (non-existing) boyfriends, or people in general--noo, I'm talking about my bikes. Yes, I've possibly lost the plot now, but I always talk to my bikes and I could have sworn to have seen long faces on my red flash and the blue Sport. The reason being is the Viscountess, for I've given her all my attention. Poor little ones were patiently waiting to be freed and taken for a ride. So today, I thought it's time for the red flash to see some sunlight. One of my favourite routes is along the river Lea, all the way up to the Limehouse, then back on the other side. It's amazing what you find when you're out cycling and this time I stumbled over a new 'outdoor' bike workshop. In fact I almost whizzed past it as it's tucked away next to a little cafe, fenced off. I stopped--mainly because I spotted a loo, which I urgently needed--and then saw the bikes. They've told me they've been there for five weeks, doing repairs as well as selling second-hand bikes. Nice bunch of guys. Of course they had to admire my Viscount and I showed it off with lots of pride, just before grabbing a random person to take a picture of us.

I've made some new friends

If you got a puncture or need other repairs, no problem

Soon after, I went ahead with my ride; the sun was shining and it was still early afternoon, which meant I had more or less a free way. It's far too crowded when it's getting later, as commuters will race (!) along the towpath. Once I arrived at the Limehouse I had to nip into a shop for some snack and drink; the towpath was rather dusty and so was the bike. But it's always a nice picturesque spot to sit down and relax for a moment or two before heading back. Here are some more impressions, including the dust-covered Viscount Aerospace Sport.

East end flash

WTF? A German flag?

Dusty flash

And because I'm a narcissist ...