My love of old lightweight racing bikes was once again sparked by the lucky purchase of this 22.5" A. Walking lightweight racing bike for barely a few quid on Ebay. Walklings were a typical bike shop in the Colliers Wood / Merton area of south London though they did build their own frames. Further information on the shop can be found on the Classic Lightweights site. If anyone reading this thread can help with more background on Walklings please reply.
This example, a lucky survivor probably built in the 1950s had been left hanging up in a garage workshop which was taken on by the vendor. The frame is covered in a mixture of fine surface rust, grot and nicotine but is in overall good condition with the beautiful transfers intact. I've decided on a renovation job rather than a full restoration as I think there is much original paintwork left together with some very fine double red box lining. So far I've stripped the frame of its parts and found that the bar stem and saddle post came out easily which was a relief. The only bits for the scrap bin will be the wheels and pedals though I've salvaged one inner tube (27" wheels). I intend to replace the Simplex 4 speed derailleur with Campagnolo; double chainset etc to make it a more usable and useful working bike. Further progress will be forthcoming as it happens.
I am always keen on finding such frames from the more obscure London shops and frame builders and giving them a new lease of life.
This example, a lucky survivor probably built in the 1950s had been left hanging up in a garage workshop which was taken on by the vendor. The frame is covered in a mixture of fine surface rust, grot and nicotine but is in overall good condition with the beautiful transfers intact. I've decided on a renovation job rather than a full restoration as I think there is much original paintwork left together with some very fine double red box lining. So far I've stripped the frame of its parts and found that the bar stem and saddle post came out easily which was a relief. The only bits for the scrap bin will be the wheels and pedals though I've salvaged one inner tube (27" wheels). I intend to replace the Simplex 4 speed derailleur with Campagnolo; double chainset etc to make it a more usable and useful working bike. Further progress will be forthcoming as it happens.
I am always keen on finding such frames from the more obscure London shops and frame builders and giving them a new lease of life.