*** Update ***
Shawn has become the red flash as his seat tube has cracked. I'll get him repaired at some point and re-build him. Can't have my collection without the very first bike that inspired me in so many ways, can I?
*** End of update ***
Yes, I named him. I'm sorry, but although I'm normally not a girlie girl, I name my vehicles. So, meet Shawn. 1976 Aerospace Sport with 21" fillet brazed frame and mostly original features. Weinmann brakes and levers, SR Apex crankset, SR stem, original handlebar and seat post. And: the most lovely and annoying feature ever: the press-fit bottom bracket. He's got a new pair of shoes: polished Rigida alloy rims 27 1 1/4 on HF Viscount hubs. A new freewheel and chain, as well as a Selle San Marco Regal saddle and black handlebar tape. The newest challenge is the stuck seat post, but he'll be fine when I'm done with him. I've decided against restoring the frame as it's the bike I'll use to cycle around London, and leaving a shiny new bike somewhere is a bit risky.
Here's the transformation from April 2013 to November 2013:
I got him with a naked handlebar and a torn black saddle, plus the 700c wheels, and as a 7-speed. I first tried to spruce him up with a bit of 'white'.
And that's him now, with all the same features, but lots of work done: The seat post removed and discarded, the replacements is a temporary one as I'd like an original Birmalux one. The bottom bracket has been changed; it's now smooth like it should be. The handlebar tape and seat are new and I built him a nice set of wheels.
Shawn has become the red flash as his seat tube has cracked. I'll get him repaired at some point and re-build him. Can't have my collection without the very first bike that inspired me in so many ways, can I?
*** End of update ***
Yes, I named him. I'm sorry, but although I'm normally not a girlie girl, I name my vehicles. So, meet Shawn. 1976 Aerospace Sport with 21" fillet brazed frame and mostly original features. Weinmann brakes and levers, SR Apex crankset, SR stem, original handlebar and seat post. And: the most lovely and annoying feature ever: the press-fit bottom bracket. He's got a new pair of shoes: polished Rigida alloy rims 27 1 1/4 on HF Viscount hubs. A new freewheel and chain, as well as a Selle San Marco Regal saddle and black handlebar tape. The newest challenge is the stuck seat post, but he'll be fine when I'm done with him. I've decided against restoring the frame as it's the bike I'll use to cycle around London, and leaving a shiny new bike somewhere is a bit risky.
Here's the transformation from April 2013 to November 2013:
I got him with a naked handlebar and a torn black saddle, plus the 700c wheels, and as a 7-speed. I first tried to spruce him up with a bit of 'white'.
 |
| A new white saddle with white handlebar tape. Didn't work out so well. |
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| Viscount decal and pump fixtures |
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| Shimano friction shifters |
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| Beautiful levers |
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| Mafac Front brake |
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| Shimano Tourney GS rear derailleur |
 |
| Terribly worn bottom bracket |
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| Lyotard alloy pedals |
 |
| Shimano 50 front derailleur |
And that's him now, with all the same features, but lots of work done: The seat post removed and discarded, the replacements is a temporary one as I'd like an original Birmalux one. The bottom bracket has been changed; it's now smooth like it should be. The handlebar tape and seat are new and I built him a nice set of wheels.
 |
| This is how a Viscount has to look like |
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| Black cotton cloth handlebar tape: fab. |
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| Hubs with new sealed bearings and polished |
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