• This topic has 16 replies, 13 voices, and was last updated 11 years ago by LsD.
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  • proper retro goodness
  • cynic-al
    Free Member

    Clearing out my mum’s home, I came across an R. J. Chickens catalogue from the early 80s (pre mtb availability), which I have to share.

    As a spotty teenager I was obsessed with this stuff. But it’s a far cry from damping circuits and 1 x 10. Think steel Weinman rims, Simplex derailleurs (mostly steel) or Vredestein’s finest racing tire, 300gm. I seriously LUSTED after the Ofmega cranks pictured. Click through for a few more. For me the exploded diagram of the pressed aluminium brake lever is the most telling of the passage of time…spares? For a low end component?


    IMAG0235 by alan cole, on Flickr


    IMAG0245 by alan cole, on Flickr

    bencooper
    Free Member

    That chainset is lovely…

    johnnystorm
    Full Member

    I had one of those with a green cover, no colour pics and a lot of them drawings. Presumably just a bit older than your copy.

    Let’s have a pic or two of the quality clothing on offer…..

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    clubber
    Free Member

    No L-shaped cranks?

    cynic-al
    Free Member

    No clothing in it sadly.

    oldgit
    Free Member

    I’m still after some of those Simplex levers.

    RustySpanner
    Full Member

    oldgit – Member

    I’m still after some of those Simplex levers.
    Beautiful aren’t they?

    I got a Stronglight chainset from Spa a couple of years ago which still has a lovely 80’s look about it – very nice chainset too.

    Life seemed a lot simpler back then – the biggest issue was choosing between five speed or ten speed.

    Before I saw the Evans & Chicken catalogues in WH Smiths, I think I was convinced that the only people who made bikes were Raleigh.

    mcmoonter
    Free Member

    I might still have some up in the shed. I’ll have a look later.

    martinxyz
    Free Member

    I have a Freewheel catalogue that has a few bits worth scanning. I might look it out some day.

    oldgit
    Free Member

    I might still have some up in the shed. I’ll have a look later.

    now now go look now.

    speckledbob
    Free Member

    I’ve got those gear levers. Really trendy in 1984. With a simplex/gippieme rear mech, and a campag. super record front mech. Smoothest and most accurate gear changes ever . Fact 🙂

    singlespeedstu
    Full Member

    You’re livin in the past grandad.
    Get with the times or f*** off.
    There’s no room for oldtimers round here.

    oldgit
    Free Member


    Friction levers are always best

    mcmoonter
    Free Member

    oldgit – Member

    I might still have some up in the shed. I’ll have a look later.

    now now go look now.

    I had a quick look, they weren’t where I thought they were, my storage system is pretty random. If they turn up I’ll give you a shout, they can’t be far away.

    leffeboy
    Full Member

    my guess is you’ve still got the catalog though mc?

    irvb
    Full Member

    Ofmega… I always fancied an Ofmega Mistral derailleur even though they were “wrong” –

    http://www.disraeligears.co.uk/Site/Ofmega_derailleurs.html

    LsD
    Free Member

    Ah were right about that saddle, though…..

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