Monday 19 January 2015

Only two weeks ...

and I'll be going to Brighton. Not forever, mind, just for a day. My friend Mabs and I had spoken about this for a year or so, but we never got around doing it. He's normally busy as hell, travelling the world due to his work, and then it was me who was busy. But we finally agreed on a date and tickets are booked, so I'm looking very much forward to the day we're going.
Up to now I wasn't really sure which bike I should ride. For a day trip it needs to be comfortable (saddle, mainly) and in good working condition. Okay, I know that, as a mechanic, all my bikes should be--and they are--although the Viscountess has a headset problem I need to fix, and the red flash's left crank arm had suddenly come loose one day. The blue bike has a bit of a ticking sound around the handlebar and I cannot really figure out what's going on with it. (I have an idea, but need to investigate.) All of those little problems need to be taken care of, but I'm also quite keen on riding the newest addition to my collection. So today I took the G.P. for a little spin in the sunny cold and you would not believe the big smile on my face--I just couldn't help it. After adjusting the Wrights saddle a tiny bit, it felt as if it were made for my arse and I've decided that this one will be the bike I'll take to Brighton. My friend said I should put on some puncture-proof tyres, but I believe I'll be fine with the NOS Raleigh gumwall tyres I recently acquired. They were absolutely fine on the bit of gravel path along the canal.

Markfield Cafe London
Viscount G.P. looking pretty
Best date I ever had!
When your company looks happy ...
Does my arse look fat on this?
Who took the picture?
The bike is a bit on the bigger side, but I have no difficulties riding it. In fact it feels rather comfortable. In general Viscounts have a relaxed geometry, ideal for racing, touring, or commuting. They are all-round talents, those bicycle. I will, however, change the wheel bearings beforehand as, at the moment, I feel they're a little stiff, which takes a bit more effort. New cartridge bearings make all the difference. I've changed the brake blocks to Continental Kool Stop ones, as the original pads didn't do anything in the wet, as I had to learn, and I've got those pads on three other bikes and am rather happy with them.
Anyway, I believe the alloy forks are contributing to the comfort as they have a bit of bounce in them, and the frame itself feels as if it's not as stiff as the smaller ones I have. In fact, riding the G.P. reminds me a lot of my Sprint, which was basically the same size (24" seat tube and 22.5" top tube). Those of you who remember that bike will know that it was one of my most favourite bikes, even though on the low end of the Viscount production line. Talking of the Sprint, after crashing it into a bollard back then, and then being stored in a container, it's now gone to a good cause: helping my friend Ben from BikeBox in Dalston.

Slightly transformed.
My beloved Sprint!
Keeping the Viscount pride alive!
The bike's duty is to draw some attention. Every time I pass it my heart sobs a little, but I'm also proud that it's visible, representing Viscounts.