Sun Snipe Plus, c1965

This is my latest acquisition, another Sun, this time a Snipe Plus to accompany my Snipe Prestige. This machine is in astounding condition, the original paintwork is near immaculate, no rust and hardly a mark. The graphics on the 23-1/2" frame are also pretty in intact too, the seat tube is particularly nice. I've still some work to do on it, but I have already replaced the seat with an old Wrights W3N I have been keeping, this was originally on my first ever Carlton back in 1975. The bike is pretty much 85% original, I need to change the seat post and handlebar stem at some point though. 5-spewed transmission is by a second generation Huret Alvit mech. Lugs are very plain and simple with white lining. The 28-tooth rear sprocket should help with the hills in Plymouth, the Williams chain set is a 48 tooth affair. Mudguards are period Britannia Sprint Veloce, similar to Bluemels. The previous owner has done some work on this machine and made a very good job of it. Rims are steel with alloys hubs. I flesh out the spec details when I have had a closer look over the machine.

Blimey, yet another time warp find............have you got a Tardis ?

Still has the QR on the front brake hanger

Shaun

Not sure if that is original...


I don't know where this bike has been all its life, but the condition has to be seen to be believed.

That looks to be museum quality - great find. Doesn't appear to have been used in anger. Very nice looking machine, paint scheme is lovely.

Just out of curiosity what's the number.

The QR looks original to me. BITD we swapped out loads after a couple of years because rain dropped down the cable onto the QR which was made of unprotected metal (as thick as baco-foil) and rusted like crazy. Just a testament to who looked after the bike that the QR looks rust free

Shaun

Shaun, something I need to check. It only arrived today so I have spent much of the afternoon building this one back up again.

That is lovely. Got to be a keeper surely

Dated the Williams chain wheel to 1965 (ZF), frame number is 7387T

Beautiful! That’s in stunning condition, what a find. I have a bit of a soft spot for Suns as I had one when I was a youngster; it was either a Snipe or a Sun Mist Sport … but I don’t remember it being as nice as that!

Been out for a test ride this morning, only 2 or 3 miles. Nothing fell off (inc me) nothing shaking or squeaking. Rear mech need a little work as it a bit sticky getting to top gear, but apart from that its a very solid machine. Spent a good 3-4 hours yesterday building it up and setting to my position for riding. Brakes are fine and my old Wrights saddle most comfortable. I need to invest in another pair of toe clips, I can't ride without them! Ive taken a few details shots whilst riding in my local test track - Plymouth's Victoria Park.

I don't know how to describe the paint finish, it a lovely dark green flam (?), it defiantly not flat colour and not metallic, the light and dark areas around the lugs are very pleasing to (my) the eye.




Don't you love 'S'bolts!



The lever was a little stiff but will smooth out with use. This machine will be used, the pannier making it great for commenting (fine weather only!)


The seat tube graphics are just of their time, when Sun was bait more than Carlton's bargain basement brand?


My test track - the park is about 1-mile around and great for safe cycling/testing and general pootling around.






I love this old saddle...


This needs a little work, Ill reroute the cable first as getting to 5th was a little sticky...


Clean and uncluttered...




Proper Sun branded hoods


Carlton wrap over seat stays...