1955 F. R. Russell Rebuild
- Thread starter Robbied196
- Start date
Robbied196
Senior Retro Guru
Re: Bikeaholic Relapse - 1970 Carlton Ten & 1955 F. R. Russe
I'll start a new post about the Carlton Ten, not had chance to take any photo's yet. I was hoping to get some done over the weekend, but its Monday again with only half the jobs on my list done :facepalm:
Midlife":3v2kte9n said:No pictures of the Carlton 10
Shaun
I'll start a new post about the Carlton Ten, not had chance to take any photo's yet. I was hoping to get some done over the weekend, but its Monday again with only half the jobs on my list done :facepalm:
Robbied196
Senior Retro Guru
Here's the F. R. Russell which is almost complete. Before any of you start 
I know its a fixed and I've kept it as a fixed :shock: Normally, I would be the first the raise my disgust BUT I wanted to return this to the life it had always known! From all the details and parts it seems to have either always been a fixed gear, or converted a longgggggggg time ago. Anyway, I had to make some drastic decisions, as you can see from the earlier photo's it wasn't in the best of health. The saddle had its nose ripped off and the later replacement wheels were knackered. The stem had lost most of its chrome and been hand painted along with the front forks.
I like to try and keep originality wherever possible but this did need an extreme makeover. I had a suitable Brooks Swallow saddle and very fortunately, a pair of 27" Dunlop Super Lightweight wheels with a flip flop hub, although not large flange which would have been perfect....but perfection doesn't exist Front forks have been re-painted back to black. The stem and seat bolt have been re-plated. Apart from that its had a good scrub and polish, the lug lining has been redone along with the F. R. Russell decal. Plus a new Reynolds 531 decal care of Nick at H Lloyd.
Its always difficult when a fair bit of restoration is needed. If you cross the line, the bike is no longer what it was anymore. Hopefully, I've found the balance.
I've never owned or ridden a fixed so may have some fun or a trip to the hospital at the weekend. Its also a 'proper' fixed with an anticlockwise locknut on the sprocket, I've read a few stories of people braking with the pedals on so called 'fixed', only to find the rear end disintegrate, probably along with their own rear end
One thing that's come across from the rebuild is there is a beauty in the simplicity of a fixed gear. Having said that, I'll never be a fan of butchering good road bikes to convert.
I've got a red brake cable cover on the way but I'll wait and see how that looks, might be to flash. Anyways, that's about it so all comments welcome
I know its a fixed and I've kept it as a fixed :shock: Normally, I would be the first the raise my disgust BUT I wanted to return this to the life it had always known! From all the details and parts it seems to have either always been a fixed gear, or converted a longgggggggg time ago. Anyway, I had to make some drastic decisions, as you can see from the earlier photo's it wasn't in the best of health. The saddle had its nose ripped off and the later replacement wheels were knackered. The stem had lost most of its chrome and been hand painted along with the front forks. I like to try and keep originality wherever possible but this did need an extreme makeover. I had a suitable Brooks Swallow saddle and very fortunately, a pair of 27" Dunlop Super Lightweight wheels with a flip flop hub, although not large flange which would have been perfect....but perfection doesn't exist
Front forks have been re-painted back to black. The stem and seat bolt have been re-plated. Apart from that its had a good scrub and polish, the lug lining has been redone along with the F. R. Russell decal. Plus a new Reynolds 531 decal care of Nick at H Lloyd.Its always difficult when a fair bit of restoration is needed. If you cross the line, the bike is no longer what it was anymore. Hopefully, I've found the balance.
I've never owned or ridden a fixed so may have some fun or a trip to the hospital at the weekend. Its also a 'proper' fixed with an anticlockwise locknut on the sprocket, I've read a few stories of people braking with the pedals on so called 'fixed', only to find the rear end disintegrate, probably along with their own rear end
One thing that's come across from the rebuild is there is a beauty in the simplicity of a fixed gear. Having said that, I'll never be a fan of butchering good road bikes to convert.
I've got a red brake cable cover on the way but I'll wait and see how that looks, might be to flash. Anyways, that's about it so all comments welcome
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Robbied196
Senior Retro Guru
Robbied196
Senior Retro Guru
I forgot to mention, I need a nipple.
OldTel
rBotM Winner
Very nice, there is indeed beauty in simplicity, certainly a head turner - well done. Fixed is worth the effort, don't rush it, just keep reminding yourself you are on a fixed just before junctions, or getting off, it will become second nature after a while, the only down side - going down hill. Terry
torqueless
Senior Retro Guru
.. I can think of a few more... attempting a U-turn.. that can put you down on your side pretty quick... and stay away from the kerb..
Ralph_the_Rohan
Retro Guru
Nice job! That looks fantastic, just my sort of thing!
Out of interest, the new chrome on the stem looks pretty good. Did you go with the cheaper quote in the end? If so what was the quality and service like? Can you recommend the firm?
Steve.
Out of interest, the new chrome on the stem looks pretty good. Did you go with the cheaper quote in the end? If so what was the quality and service like? Can you recommend the firm?
Steve.
Robbied196
Senior Retro Guru
Thanks for the comments guys I can't wait to get out on it now, its going to be 'interesting'.
I've sent you a PM Steve
I can't wait to get out on it now, its going to be 'interesting'.I've sent you a PM Steve
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