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?
[url= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8219/8318105963_8d53ea474c.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/7693620@N05/8318105963/ ]IMAG0235[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/7693620@N05/ ]alan cole[/url], on Flickr
[url= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8360/8319164928_bfb4b52098.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/7693620@N05/8319164928/ ]IMAG0245[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/7693620@N05/ ]alan cole[/url], on Flickr
That chainset is lovely...
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.....
No L-shaped cranks?
No clothing in it sadly.
I'm still after some of those Simplex levers.
oldgit - MemberI'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.
I might still have some up in the shed. I'll have a look later.
I have a Freewheel catalogue that has a few bits worth scanning. I might look it out some day.
I might still have some up in the shed. I'll have a look later.
now now go look now.
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 🙂
You're livin in the past grandad.
Get with the times or f*** off.
There's no room for oldtimers round here.
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Friction levers are always best
oldgit - MemberI 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.
my guess is you've still got the catalog though mc?
Ofmega... I always fancied an Ofmega Mistral derailleur even though they were "wrong" -
http://www.disraeligears.co.uk/Site/Ofmega_derailleurs.html
Ah were right about that saddle, though.....