Joe Waugh

[Racin'snake]

I've recently acquired this lovely old bike of which I know very little about. It's a bit odd to me as its obviously of very good quality 653 and likely built by Dave Yates but only has one shifter braze mount? Frame number is either 6066 or 9909. Can anyone shed any light on it?

 

[sjcprojects]

I saw this one on Facebook a while back, looks lovely. It was obviously built as a time trial frame, so no need for a front derailleur.

 

[Racin'snake]

I saw this one on Facebook a while back, looks lovely. It was obviously built as a time trial frame, so no need for a front derailleur.

The timetrial thing did cross my mind as the cassette is very close ratio

 

[sjcprojects]

I would guess it’s from the early 90s, date-wise.

What are your plans for it, given the odd gearing? I’m guessing it’s a 39t chainring (originally it would have been a 55 or even 57). I suppose it’s okay if you don’t live near any hills.

 

[Racin'snake]

I would guess it’s from the early 90s, date-wise.

What are your plans for it, given the odd gearing? I’m guessing it’s a 39t chainring (originally it would have been a 55 or even 57). I suppose it’s okay if you don’t live near any hills.

Yep I agree... I'm guessing 92ish... I'll be honest, I bought it for the wheels which are dura ace hubbed to finish off a Peugeot 531 extra leger ive had for donkeys. I might just put a wider ratio cassette on and ride it tbh. Seems a shame to split it up...we shall see!

 

[sjcprojects]

Yep I agree... I'm guessing 92ish... I'll be honest, I bought it for the wheels which are dura ace hubbed to finish off a Peugeot 531 extra leger ive had for donkeys. I might just put a wider ratio cassette on and ride it tbh. Seems a shame to split it up...we shall see!

Fair enough, nothing wrong with that in this case, it’s not like anyone is going to be riding any TTs on it these days anyway.

I think the RD will take a 28t at a push, but I suppose with a hanger extender you could go lower. I have 42/32 as the lowest gear on one of my bikes which is an odd combination, but it works fine for steep hills.

 

[Crispybike]

You could always keep the spirit of it intact but tweak it for practicality: swap the cassette, maybe go compact up front if needed, and just let it rip as a fast, fun retro ride. That 653 frame deserves some road time, not retirement.