M Steel Tourer in a Fetching Shade of Lilac

[winjohn]

I had convinced myself I must not buy any more bikes but then I sold three over the weekend so I didn't feel so bad about pressing the button on this beauty on eBay.
An M Steel frame with MC70 cantis included in 59cm which is a great size for me.
It arrived this morning and it is a gorgeous colour IMHO.
If anyone can decipher the MS1225 serial number I would be grateful.
Here it is mocked up with some newish 105 bits but I don't think the black works and I'll try a silver Ultegra groupset next.
Small downside is a slight dent on the toptube but I guess that was reflected in the price paid.




I was very pleased that it fits a 35mm tyres with room to spare.

 

[Iwasgoodonce]

I keep considering buying a new Fairlight Faran. Then I see something like this and wonder if it would be any better than the retro offering.
That and the obsession with fitting the maximum tyre size. Would 32 (the widest I would consider) look silly on the Faran. That and me not liking the look of wide ratio cassettes.

Ahhhgh, stop clouding my mind! Damn fine looking bike that will be.

 

[juvela]

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[The Bat]

Classic British tourer, in a lovely colour as you say.

Silver groupset would definitely look better, the black looks quite heavy and just doesn't look right on this era of bike.

Looking forward to seeing it built.

 

[winjohn]

I keep considering buying a new Fairlight Faran. Then I see something like this and wonder if it would be any better than the retro offering.
That and the obsession with fitting the maximum tyre size. Would 32 (the widest I would consider) look silly on the Faran. That and me not liking the look of wide ratio cassettes.

Ahhhgh, stop clouding my mind! Damn fine looking bike that will be.

Funny thing is, I keep thinking the same thing about a Fairlight or similar high end modern steel bike and then something like this comes along for not much more than the price of a couple of tyres and tubes.
I think I will definitely put a modern(ish) groupset on it, none of that 1X nonsense though but a modern set of drop bars decent wheels and tyres and a 10x2 groupset maybe 105 maybe Ultegra and I can't see how it will be any worse on the road than the modern steel stuff.
I will be surprised if I spend more than £300 all in.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Velo orange stem with removable face plate. Will take modern anatomic shallow drops.
https://freshtripe.co.uk/velo-orange-quill-stem-with-removable-faceplate/

 

[LondonClassic]

Lovely looking frame, will make a beautiful machine ready to be shown the ways of the road some more. Far more future proof and versatile than some thru axle, 1X johnny come lately.

 

[Gtpulse]

Lovely bike, though I am biased, I have one very similar in blue. Mine has a black groupset as it’s what I had at the time that was the most suitable for a tourer. I agree it would look better with something in silver. Really like the colour.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

It's going to be a lovely bike John.

 

[Nob]

White bar tape & white saddle would be a better color but the drawback is it’ll get dirty if this is a regular ride?
Right now IMO to much black…