Holdsworth Cyclone 1950

[predki]

Dubbin already applied, top and bottom. Before I had washed it with saddle soap. Proofide will go on top of that. As for the age of the saddle it is still in great shape, leather is sound and flexible. 100% ridable.
As for the tyres, I'm going to use pretty standard and economic Vittoria Rally 23 with amber walls. Bought a pair of them on Ribble (they are at a discount price of £12.75 atm for a tyre).
I have a set of wheels with these tyres already (only in 21mm) and I've done on them a few longer trips (London-Eastbourne, London-Folkenstone) and lot of shorter ones without problems. I had a puncture twice (once on the road, once after finishing a trip. On the next day I noticed a flat tyre at home). I would say standard for the mileage done. As I'm not pro racer I don't see any need of anything more fancy.

 

[predki]

Update...
Seatpost changed back to Campagnolo Record/Gran Sport.
TA crank puller arrived and I was able to remove the crank. Fit was kind of loose, but not so much, I hadn't fit them super tight anyway, so it went easily. I changed the axle for unused (at least it looks like that) TA 344 that came with the same lot I bought and now it's perfect fit. Adjustable cup went slightly deeper, so now sticks less than 1mm of the lock ring, looking good. There's comfortable 3mm distance between chainstay and chainring. So that's sorted...
I decided to keep Italian calipers for now. I bought Koolstop pads (Weinmann 6 dot) that will replace old ones.
Front wheel sorted out as well, after changing both cones and fitting 0.1mm shims instead of washers there's exactly 95mm spacing. Adjusting them is problematic but possible, cone spanner goes very tightly to the dust cap on the hub and because of lack of 'tab' and shim thickness cone and lock nut are spinning together.
Handlebar finished with cork plugs to close the hole, standard plugs won't fit as there's very thick leather in the way. Quite cheap and quick delivery (considering coming from China) Those (if somebody's interested):
Things still to do next:
Frewheel - I have one that would fit nicely (Regina G.S. Corse), but... it is in parts..., and one of the parts is fitted on a hub... that is not fitted on a rim..., so... as usual more work needed. I have removed hub like that already so I will try do it same way - a piece of 4x2 with a slot to accommodate hub's body, few nails to keep it tight and freewheel remover. I'll post some pictures when I'll be doing that... if I succeed
Headbadge restoration - I bought it a long time ago, the paint needs to be refreshed as it is almost gone.
Pedals.
Few photos:
Difference between cones

Cork plug

Regina frewheel

Headbadge

 

[Stick Legs]

Lovely. Liking the Flam red.

 

[predki]

Another step forward... Tyres glued, headbadge repainted and tacked into place waiting for rivets, freewheel in the place, gears as well, cables fitted. Not much left to finish Only pedals, clips and straps. I bought a pair that I was convinced that they are French threaded, but they are not... anyway another pair ordered (Lyotard 45CA) so now I'm waiting impatiently for them. I have taps for 9/16 but definitely I won't use them this time.

headbadge before:

and after:

Overall:

 

[sisyphus]

Stunning and just like mine (apart from mine being single speed awaiting a 5 speed set up with simplex derailleur!) Love the way you have restored this - large flange wheels etc etc etc.

 

[Jamiedyer]

Really stunning restoration this.
Look forward to seeing it all together

Jamie

 

[Blackbike]

Re:

All I can say is absolutely perfect, the Stronglight 49d crankset is beautiful.

: Mike

 

[Cefnbikie]

The Holdsworth is looking tremendous. I particularly like to frame colour, the handlebars and the 49D chainset.

 

[predki]

Thanks everyone for all the nice comments

Pedals came so after quick service and polish went onto cranks, temporary fixed some Christophe toe clips and straps so I could ride it at last. I'm waiting for NOS 50's clips that I ordered from Ebay and I have Binda straps that will be fitted in the final setup. I fitted brass valve caps, that I think they are very nice small detail

Still to do:
- fix properly headbadge with rivets,
- change brake pads, originals are marking the rims terribly

almost there...

Pedals:

Drivetrain - Chain is NOS Everest from, I think, 60/70's:

And few genral photoshoots:

 

[predki]

Eroica Britannia: