New to old road bikes

[bugloss]

Yep and some riser thingies or whatever it is they keep prating on about over at LFGSS.

Are you going to do the Mendip Mauler on it ?

Oh!, and that's some boiler you've got there Uncle M.

 

[Uncle Monty]

It would be rude not to.

Bike needs a full sort out to make sure it is safe. My relief at releasing the seat pin and removing it to find a well greased tube clean as a whistle inside - well, you had to be there...
Cranks were removed for transport, so the cotter pins have had it. I just tapped them back in, pumped the tyres up and went up the road. Brakes do work - sort of. It also changes gear. No front mech but a double chain ring with very close ratios.

 

[bugloss]

It's fantastic. What's it like to ride ?

 

[Robbied196]

This is like a wet dream

Where did you find it?

Actually, its better than a wet dream, I can't remember what they are like.

 

[Uncle Monty]

It feels great - I didn't go far. The tyres are shot to hell. Wheels are not exactly light. I need to have a think first before taking it apart. The pitting and any corrosion wants stopping in its tracks. Thankfully most of this looks like it is on the surface.

Where did you find it?

I am afraid it was ebay again.

 

[bugloss]

Give it a wash and some new bar tape. It'll look a million dollars.

 

[clunker]

You have something rather special, clearly you have bought a bargain http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/hetchins.html

 

[kgt]

Wow! Great find.

 

[Uncle Monty]

I have known of these since 1982 from an article in the very first cycling magazine I ever owned. Never thought I would find one though. I will do a build thread and take it slowly. A gentle clean up this weekend so I am allowed to bring it in the house!

Thanks for the link - that's a great site with some very good restoration information.

 

[Old Ned]

Yes, an absolute classic. I don't think it's gone to far to restore as is at all. The usual strip down, wash, light T-Cut and polish with some work on the chrome will really make it stand out. The only thing that screams out 'non period' to me is the rear mech and associated lever. It's much to modern. However, the lever appears to be a Simplex 'plasticky' one and seems to be fitted onto a braze-on lever boss. This probably suggests that the boss is a Simplex one which means another earlier style Simplex lever replacement. A Campag one etc. won't fit. A suitable replacement would be a 'Tour de France' like this -

http://velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx? ... &AbsPos=12

Is there a frame number visible? I'm sure there is a Hetchins register which would give the details of the model and date. With those lugs it looks like a good 'un to me. Try here -

http://www.hetchins.org/101.htm