So it started with a freecycle pick up
And replacing the stem with a flex stem, replacing the seat post and seat to see if I could get it to fit me better
I still wasn't totally happy, it's a 17" (MF measure from bb to seatstay) so I thought I'd keep an eye out for a larger frame, not really thinking one would appear so quickly. But the Retro Cycles chap over in Bridport posted one up, and it was the next size up from mine. So along with an ebay promotion I promptly purchased it. He also had the correct period rear mech (I had dismissed it on ebay as being a bit too tatty but it looked better in the flesh).
The new frame, and mech were really clean, so it meant I really had to clean the rest of the drivetrain so it didn't look out of place, which I did. The most surprising thing is how well the plastic cassette spoke guard cleaned up, and it is mostly finished (bit more cleaning needed). Gone are the Specialized Hemisphere tires, as they didn't suit the build, and I had a tatty Z Max and a CST mega bite copy which I fitted. Along with a Odyssey Svelte seat which needed a home.
And replacing the stem with a flex stem, replacing the seat post and seat to see if I could get it to fit me better
I still wasn't totally happy, it's a 17" (MF measure from bb to seatstay) so I thought I'd keep an eye out for a larger frame, not really thinking one would appear so quickly. But the Retro Cycles chap over in Bridport posted one up, and it was the next size up from mine. So along with an ebay promotion I promptly purchased it. He also had the correct period rear mech (I had dismissed it on ebay as being a bit too tatty but it looked better in the flesh).
The new frame, and mech were really clean, so it meant I really had to clean the rest of the drivetrain so it didn't look out of place, which I did. The most surprising thing is how well the plastic cassette spoke guard cleaned up, and it is mostly finished (bit more cleaning needed). Gone are the Specialized Hemisphere tires, as they didn't suit the build, and I had a tatty Z Max and a CST mega bite copy which I fitted. Along with a Odyssey Svelte seat which needed a home.
