For some reason a couple of months back I got an itch to build up a retro SS road bike.
Hunted around for 60's and 70's Carltons and the like, but ended up stumbling on a bit of a bargain. A bit newer, not sure on age, 80's to 90's, but a Reynolds 531 frame, made by Nigel Dean, with a few useable bits for ~£40.
I've since gathered a few bits, and got it built up to a useable standard.
Went from this:
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To this:
[url= http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6143/5994582474_8b34028d21_b.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/25266351@N06/5994582474/ ]Nigel Dean 531[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/25266351@N06/ ]Hallsy01[/url], on Flickr
Want to get some tan hoods, and also need some better pedals. Other than a few other little cosmetic touches, if I get on with it, I'll slowly upgrade the drivetrain.
Just went out for a quick ride. Felt OK, nice & fast, a little odd on the hand positions though. I don't feel like I could stop quickly in an emergency from the hoods, but this might be down to lack of experience, or maybe bar/hood position.
Very twitchy at slow speeds though!!
Lovely.
Good effort, that looks lush. 🙂
Nice, i'm also hankering after an old school roadie restoration project, just on my way to e bay now.
Thanks!!
It's turned out pretty well, just a little bit more tidying and some nicer drivetrain bits and I'll be well happy!!
Even as it stands I reckon it owes me about £150, which is pretty good going I'd say!
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Well played, back of the net.
Cheers, only had it out for a few miles so far. Moved the bars around a bit (rotated back) and moved saddle forward a touch, feels much better.
Quite enjoying it so far!!
The top tube brake guides and that fluted seat post are pretty much the same as my first serious bike, a Raleigh Road Ace which I paid £400 for back in 1987.
Brings back memories :-).
Now, go and make sure the tops of those bars are more or less horizontal.
i had one of those in the same colour scheme in the late 80"s/early 90's - my winter bike sold it around 93/94 for a trip to Oz. 8)
I liked it.....