Advice on FW Evans touring Bike ?

jjcahill78 · Jan 19, 2013

Hi there, can anyone tell me anything about the origins of this bike. It has an FW Evans sticker on it, original paint, 8 campag mirage groupset with ritchy logic brakes. What year and pedigree is it. I picked it up cheap, is it worth keeping it original ? Starting the clean tomorrow, wont take much to get it going but not sure if its worth sinking a few quid into?

I would appreciate any guidance, this is my older bike.

jjcahill78 · Jan 19, 2013

I cant get the pics uploaded for some reason.

Apologies, just figured it out

RustyGold · Jan 20, 2013

My advice to you, good sir/madame, is to ride this bicycle

Welcome, I would say that once you've cleared up the years if grime and neglect you shouldn't have to spend a great deal of money to get this to a roadworthy stage, consumables mainly - barring any mechanical breakages.

As to whether to upgrade/restore/renovate this bicycle I would have to know what you intend on doing with it i.e. Touring, commuting, pub bike, etc...

EDIT: The link enclosed will give you an idea of F.W Evans and it's pedigree. Although the link only outlines F.W Evan's 20's and 30's endeavours (your bicycle is clearly later than this) it should facilitate a start in your research of this bicycle - hope it helps.
http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/designs/hsfwevans.html

jjcahill78 · Jan 20, 2013

Thanks rusty, I think, from what I can find online that this is an FW Evans deluxe touring frame. A friend of mine reckons its made from reynolds 531. The guy I got it from said that a friend of his had it custom built, I dont know if this is reliable information.

I pumped the wheels this morning a took a little spin down the road, I need to change the stem, to bring the bars closer to me. Then change all the cables and bar tape and a good service. I think I will change the wheels too. For a few hundred quid I will have a nice touring bike. I do a few sportives too, should be nice a comfortable for that purpose too.

nelly · Jan 20, 2013

Evans

Warning - restorations can get expensive - my dear old Galaxy cost way more than I ever intended to spend. Starting with an old cheap/free bike is not always the most cost effective solution. It is however tremendously satisfying. I say clean her up, ride her and see what need changing. Good luck!

Iwasgoodonce · Jan 20, 2013

Those chainring teeth look pretty pointy! It'll be a fine bike though.

Advice on FW Evans touring Bike ?

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