yorkie1956
Old School Hero
I've fancied a 1950's BSA for some time. I'm quite taken by the Tour of Britain model and have recently seen a couple of on here which have kind of spurred me on to find or build one. Okay, it's a factory bike, not artisan built, but I suppose I'm a BSA fan from my motorbike days, so with 531 tubing and good quality British made components, whats not to like? Anyway, I decided my preference is for a BSA Small Heath made bike, as opposed to the mid 1957 onwards Raleigh/BSA Coventry or Nottingham built jobs. Nothing against Raleigh, I have a couple and love them but this time I want a BSA made before Raleigh bought them out and used their name.
I started my search for a pre 1957 Tour of Britain with a frame size between 21" and 22". Little did I realise that time has marched on and while these bikes were once around in big numbers, I guess because they were relatively cheap, they don't seem to be anymore. Not that they are particularly sought after or worth much money, but I guess the passing of fifty to sixty years has taken it's toll and they're just not around anymore. Nothing came up as a complete bike in my search and after a while this is the best I could find, so I bought it on e-Bay. I'd describe it as a bit of a tired old boy that needs some loving (just like me!).
What to do with it? Well, hopefully the frame, forks, headset and maybe bottom bracket are re-useable after refurb. I'm really torn on a frameset re-paint but won't rush into it. On one hand I love originality and recognise that it only lasts until the first re-paint.. On the other hand, I hate doggy looking bikes so will see how the original paint comes up before deciding.
I think the frameset dates somewhere between 1954 and 1956? Pump pegs under the top tube and gear cable braze-on chain-stay make it different from the 1953 bike. The later 1957 bike has different paint and graphic! Any ideas anyone?
Anyone for Shimano MTB gearing? It's not staying on here..
To replace it I'm looking for a 53 Benelux derailleur and either a three, or four speed cyclo freewheel. I had thought a Mk.7 Benelux, but I don't think they came out until 1957, after my bike was made? I would like to stay with the original spec if I can. Does anyone know of parts for sale?
There's a frame number here under the paint. I think 't9' are the first two of maybe five or six digits. I've tried to date a BSA before from the frame number, but without success. Can anyone help with any info please?
I'm expecting the refurb to be a slow job, buying parts as I can afford and find them. I'll try and keep the thread updated as I go on for anyone interested.
I started my search for a pre 1957 Tour of Britain with a frame size between 21" and 22". Little did I realise that time has marched on and while these bikes were once around in big numbers, I guess because they were relatively cheap, they don't seem to be anymore. Not that they are particularly sought after or worth much money, but I guess the passing of fifty to sixty years has taken it's toll and they're just not around anymore. Nothing came up as a complete bike in my search and after a while this is the best I could find, so I bought it on e-Bay. I'd describe it as a bit of a tired old boy that needs some loving (just like me!).
What to do with it? Well, hopefully the frame, forks, headset and maybe bottom bracket are re-useable after refurb. I'm really torn on a frameset re-paint but won't rush into it. On one hand I love originality and recognise that it only lasts until the first re-paint.. On the other hand, I hate doggy looking bikes so will see how the original paint comes up before deciding.
I think the frameset dates somewhere between 1954 and 1956? Pump pegs under the top tube and gear cable braze-on chain-stay make it different from the 1953 bike. The later 1957 bike has different paint and graphic! Any ideas anyone?
Anyone for Shimano MTB gearing? It's not staying on here..
To replace it I'm looking for a 53 Benelux derailleur and either a three, or four speed cyclo freewheel. I had thought a Mk.7 Benelux, but I don't think they came out until 1957, after my bike was made? I would like to stay with the original spec if I can. Does anyone know of parts for sale?
There's a frame number here under the paint. I think 't9' are the first two of maybe five or six digits. I've tried to date a BSA before from the frame number, but without success. Can anyone help with any info please?
I'm expecting the refurb to be a slow job, buying parts as I can afford and find them. I'll try and keep the thread updated as I go on for anyone interested.
