Viner cutlery? I think not-Viner Stella Special Professional

[Fifthgrace]

Re:

So frame now built. Had to go through 2 iterations:

1. Build with drop handlebars and ITM aero seatpost. Wife couldn't reach the brake levers and seatpost wouldn't go low enough without going into the aero section. Toe clip and strap pedals not to her liking.

2. Sourced regular seatpost and ITM straight/swept handlebars. Fitted shims as handlebars went from 26 to 25.4mm. Problems solved: seatpost can now be dropped; fingers can now squeeze brakes. NOS Lyotard conventional pedals fitted.

Spec:

Viner Stella Special Professional frame and forks: Columbus SL.
Respray by Rourkes, Stoke on Trent from bare metal frame sourced from Italy
New decals sourced from Italy
Campagnolo Chorus (C Record Era) Groupset: F&R derailleur, gear levers, brake calipers, brake levers, chainset. NOS Chorus Italian thread BB
New Record headset
Selle San Marco saddle
Shimano 600 seatpost
NOS Nisi Toro alloy rims with eyelets: Ofmega and Miche 32hole NOS hubs
6 speed Regina America Freewheel
Hubs rebuilt by myself and Swallow Cycles on wheel building course in the Iron Gorge
Cinelli stem
ITM handlebars
NOS Lyotard pedals
Zefal bottle holder

 

[non-fixie]

Nice build! How does she like it?

 

[Fifthgrace]

Re:

Thanks for your feedback.

She's amazed at how light and fast on the road it is compared with a mountain bike. Changing gear with one hand off the handlebars is a new and potentially dangerous activity! My wife only learnt to ride a couple of years ago haven fallen off as child and being told by her mother that cycling was too dangerous! :facepalm: Now 49, she has the bottle to get back on again. You're never too old as they say. For me, it was challenging to have to adapt the bike to her specific needs, but we got there without losing the integrity of a classic steel bike!

 

[Midlife]

Now that's a proper Viner colour

 

[non-fixie]

Re: Re:

(...) For me, it was challenging to have to adapt the bike to her specific needs, but we got there without losing the integrity of a classic steel bike!

I know.

I built the first vintage bike for my wife in '14, and had to rebuild it four times before the result was satisfactory to her and to me.

 

[Fifthgrace]

Re:

Sounds like I had it easy!