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Some more photos Note the impressive extension for allowing the Blackburn rack to be fitted horizontally.

Interesting This may or may not be true - “The BB is difficult to dismantle when mounted, due to "very soft" aluminum.” https://www.velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=662d06d2-0daa-41d7-bde2-65d9e6bd3515&Enum=119 Hope i don’t need to find out!

Original bars re-attached for photo! I bought this on eBay last year with my oldest grandchild in mind. The frame is marked FGF so built by Fergus Forsyth rather than Loch Ewe Cycles’ founder John Connell. There’s no suggestion that one was better than the other. Date built 1982 or 3 (same...

Still in use Different saddle, new cables - red, but since faded!, Deore thumbshifts, changed front brakes (fancied black), one new tyre. Nice for farm tracks and fields, muddy or dry.

I just asked ChatGPT to produce chapter suggestions and synopses for a book I’m not going to write. I have asked it to do various other things. The results can be coherent and impressive - until it starts making stuff up! - (complete with dates and events that didn’t happen). A book...

“Retroism......why?” A simple question with no fixed or proper answer! This IS the Retrobike forum and so a place where people with an interest in older bikes congregate. (And produce a fabulous mix of facts, expertise, inspiration and opinion.) Some people collect bikes in the way others...

“from what I’ve read Raleigh at the time didn’t see a future in the mountain bike trade!” Almost certainly true in the UK, at one point Nottingham thought the future would revolve around the Bomber with a Sturmey 3 speed… Raleigh USA benefited from an interest in “English bikes” notably...

Fabulous thread, fabulous bike restoration project with amazing detailed progress report AND outcome. ALSO really good that someone with firsthand knowledge of the ‘origin story’ is willing to post. The history of Saracen has been stated - and corrected - before. ”The following additional...

Remember pots of paint, though not specifically with Dolomites Bottom end Emmelles needed cantilevers removed and (often) paint/undercoat sanded off to make them work! Did some practical bikes at very competitive prices. End of the 80s was an interesting time to watch how UK...

I remember when the Dolomites first appeared (sold a few new!) It was certainly a time when Shimano group sets were very much about marketing and pricepoints. Some brands did mix ‘n’ match to keep the price down - often using Joytech hubs instead of Shimano. Fairly sure ones on that are...

The latest news on Charlie is not good. I’ve been in sporadic contact with Jacquie Phelan since I met her in Scotland about 15 years ago An email today says “He broke three bones last week… and i can’t care for him here. but they’r releasing him to our home!” Of course America and...

Added STIs today Plus smaller chainring, bottle cage and different saddle

Thanks Did/does your Connoisseur have decals on both chainstays?

Is it ‘locked’ again or does it need extra permission/new login details? Or is it ‘mods only’ now?

Yes, I’ve seen your 25”! Spectacular Thing about “silly prices” - especially on eBay - is (obviously) how much the bidders are willing to pay on the day. Also an understanding of what’s actually for sale - condition, equipment etc. I’m sure people buying Mercians will be happy with their...

Not actually a “Road Racer” as described by the seller of course. It’s a Connoisseur touring bike. Presume Andy/Overbury’s only had one touring bike frame? I’ve just got an ‘86 one too so it’s interesting to compare specs. Mine clearly doesn’t have the original saddle, stem, rear mech or...

Just bought Done VERY short ride Nice Mostly original Clearly not the stem, look forward to trying the adjustability to find ‘perfect’ ‘bar height Have to swap them first - surprisingly narrow for a bike this size Remove Weinmann brake levers probably replace with Shimano Not convinced...

“I have had many bikes come and go but the Ranger is a keeper” Yes and probably yes! Yours looks in as good condition as mine, how long have you had it?