Pre 1999?

[MarioMalc]

Ive just purchased a Viking Clubman which to me looks like a beautiful retro bike. Problem is, I have no idea how to find out it's pedigree, eg, year of manufacture.
Any help gratefully accepted.

 

[Russell]

The standard on the seat tube was valid from 2005 - 2014, which narrows it down a bit.

 

[vcballbat]

Possibly one of the worst road bikes available at the time built in India, ideal for leaving at the train station without a lock ... did you pay money for it?

 

[vcballbat]

Retro Viking Clubmaster Gents Road Bike 59cm Frame 700c Red • CTBikes

Retro Viking Clubmaster Gents Road Bike 59cm Frame 700c Red

ctbikes.co.uk

 

[Sir Neil d'Menture]

Those gear shifter things look just awful. There should be a law against such crimes against cycling.
It is debatable which is worse...these or suicide brake levers.

 

[greencat]

The best bike is the one you own and ride. It's relatively modern and budget (the shifters, chainset and rear mech are giveaways), but I like the colour scheme (cool retro vibe) and it looks like it will give plenty of years of good service.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Gentlemen, I respectfully suggest this is not the way to welcome a new member. Welcome @MarioMalc as you'll have guessed, it's not a high end bike. If it gets you riding though, all good.

 

[MarioMalc]

Gentlemen, I respectfully suggest this is not the way to welcome a new member. Welcome @MarioMalc as you'll have guessed, it's not a high end bike. If it gets you riding though, all good.

Thanks, I've rather guessed it wasn't high end (it cost £90), the idea was to buy one to see if I enjoyed it enough to buy a decent new bike.
I looked at loads of high end bikes second hand which were described as excellent condition but in truth were only good for the breakers, yet they were asking £300-400.
I'm not too worried about hobby snobs throwing insults, they abound on all sites.
Thanks for your comments

 

[MarioMalc]

Possibly one of the worst road bikes available at the time built in India, ideal for leaving at the train station without a lock ... did you pay money for it?

Haven't ridden it yet so now looking forward to it with trepidation
What bike(s) do you ride?

 

[Sir Neil d'Menture]

A question from a hobby snob.
Has that bike ever been ridden? It looks brand new. There is no noticeable wear on chain, cassette, tyres, saddle. No visible marks on ds chainstay or round the dropouts. Even the jockey wheels look pristine.
No sign of ankle scuffing on the cranks. Pedals look new.
Not the merest hint of cosmetic wear on the paintwork - I wish my bikes were this good.
To my uncultured eye this has either been in storage for a very long time or is a new modern copy.