A. Walkling of Merton Project

Toecutter

Retro Guru
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.
 
A long session cleaning parts of the frame; white vinegar, lemon juice and light grade wire wool. The downtube lettering is now a lot clearer. I might need to consider keeping the slightly mottled patina rather than masking everything off and giving a light covering of Halfords special.
 

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Thanks for that and yes, I agree. Some more progress today. The chips have been better revealed and many are now filled in with a fine brush and enamel paint. Once they are all done I'll give these areas treated with a fine grade sanding paper. The seat post bolt nut had rusted up and that's been taken care of with a hacksaw otherwise all good. The bottom bracket still needs to be removed and replaced with a double and I'm looking to source some older plastic type red handlebar tape; some of this is already on the bars but I'll need more.
 

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That's the way it'll probably go; same as fitting better gears and a chainset. Simplex shifter and rear derailleur anybody?
 
I’d be interested in the simplex. What’s the dropout spacing? I’d be interested in the rear hub too if it’s a suitable match? Photos would be helpful if possible, I’m looking for something to fit my 114mm holdsworth.
 
You would be welcome. The rear dropout is 120mm. quite a generous width for a 1950s frame but the gears would fit any bike. I've currently got the shifter and rear mech listed on Ebay for £20 plus postage so if you take a look at the listing under my user name thecaptainshaun ( search Vintage Simplex ) you'll see the photos. The four speed block can be available too if you are interested. The wheel unfortunately is beyond salvage.
Regards progress with the frame; still touching in the damaged areas of paint and box lining not least cleaning away loads of nicotine - to think I was once a champion smoker, yukk. I've now got all the cables, tape and custom made bar end plugs featuring the Walklings name on order. All other parts, many are original to the frame are to hand but I will need to repair the saddle. I hope to upload a more up to date pic soon.
 
I’d be interested in the simplex. What’s the dropout spacing? I’d be interested in the rear hub too if it’s a suitable match? Photos would be helpful if possible, I’m looking for something to fit my 114mm holdsworth.


Toecutter

Onnnne Huuuunnnndrreeed and Eigggghhhhty​

You would be welcome. The rear dropout is 120mm. quite a generous width for a 1950s frame but the gears would fit any bike. I've currently got the shifter and rear mech listed on Ebay for £20 plus postage so if you take a look at the listing under my user name thecaptainshaun ( search Vintage Simplex ) you'll see the photos. The four speed block can be available too if you are interested. The wheel unfortunately is beyond salvage.
 

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