Feature Bike Richard Thackray Original Team Pace F1 - Restoration Thread - Completed

R0012394-1.jpg Completed May 2021

Setting The Scene
: Its fair to say I'm a huge Pace fan taking inspiration from Jerky, Gil M ,Rich Matthews, Bollox64 as well as many others

Through the years I've seen some epic Pace builds. DR s (pretty sure he sprayed his RC100 six times until he was happy with the colour) , Neil Millard's, Rich's Pink Pace (Mavic Groupset) and the perfection that Bollox64 goes to with his builds. I can't write about amazing Paces and not mention Bibbsey's original RC100 with a Campy groupset which is outstanding

In the late 90's a friend turned up on a Red F7 to go for a bike ride and id honestly never seen anything as stunning. I made him give me first refusal and when he later wanted to buy an Orange I jumped at the chance of owning it.

At the time of buying my F7 I genuinely wasn't aware that there were 6 previous iterations of this model, let alone that the RC100 existed. I made obtaining a RC100 and then an RC300 a goal and thanks to Jerky and the Caramba kid I got one of each. Since then I've added a stunning F1 finished in Champagne from Bollox64 and an F2 to my collection

I have previously mentioned there being 4 Pace's around that I would love to add to my collection, but that in reality I only stood a slim chance of buying one of them .

The Bike:

After a few ups and downs but definitely finishing on an up I've managed to buy Richard Thackray’s iconic ex team Pace F1 from around the 92 era (It definitely was the era of Purple or 3DV) . Although this bike was one of the four id love to own, I didn't think I stood a chance of buying it

The bad news however is that its been ridden over the years. Not normally a bad point but regrettably its been ridden to a point where damage has occurred. Its my aim with the help of some very talented people to restore this to as original a condition as I can. Thanks to Adam Bentham and Rich Matthews I have an idea of how the bike looked in its heyday and the component spec and what I aspire to return it to

For me its about keeping this as original as possible and showcasing the work of the talented people who without their help it would not be possible to see this return to becoming a rider.

This actually featured on an episode of the GMBN tech show. If interested follow the link at its at 7mins in (Thanks John Paddock aka Spud):

The talented people I will be engaging will hopefully add to this thread to showcase their specialisms as they undertake the work. This thread may go quiet given the current climate but will be added to as and when I can

The first order of business is to get it stripped down. The frame will be going off to the Leg End that is Dan Chambers, the Forks to Tim at Fork English. GIL M is kindly going to build the wheels and Retrodecals are working on producing a set of decals to match the bike in its sponsored race livery

I do need the following parts to help with this special build:

1) Rear 32H Pace Alloy Hub
2) Early Renthal (Shimmed Bars) sorted
3) M735 Shortcage Rear Mech (must be v.good + condition)
4) Silver or Purple X-Lite Crank Caps
5) X-Lite Cam Lock Seatpost Pin
6) Purple American Classic Bottle Cage (Fingers crossed that is in hand) Now sorted

Thanks already to SI33 for the pedals, its really appreciated and I will hopefully be receiving some special parts to make this build truly authentic. More on that as it happens

Pics:

Pic 1 - Damage to downtube
Pic 2 - Crack to Headtube Weld
Pic 3 - Miss-matched brake levers
Pic 4- In my kitchen strip down commenced
Pic 5 - Ready for collection
Pic 6 - Parked up looking good
Pic 7 - The Bike in its heyday being ridden by Rich
 

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  • Kitchen Stripdown.jpeg
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  • Miss Matched Levers.jpeg
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  • Head Tube Crack In Weld.jpeg
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Re: Re:

longun":16w5z9rv said:
Will I get to judge my beady eye over it August bank holiday ;)

I could kill two birds with 1 stone Chris. I’d really love to see (and hear) what you think of it as well as the fact that I’ve never been able to get to the festival before, and this year I can
 
Dave, this is such a great thread. We are so lucky to have the knowledge, skills and craftsmanship of the people you’ve reached out to. The passion is obvious and a massive credit to you for undertaking the project.
 
Si_33":325ysxbw said:
Dave, this is such a great thread. We are so lucky to have the knowledge, skills and craftsmanship of the people you’ve reached out to. The passion is obvious and a massive credit to you for undertaking the project.

Many thanks Si and it’s really great to get feedback that the thread is being well received

One of my aims from the outset was to showcase the skills and craftsmanship of the people out there who support us in keeping our bikes the best they can be and functioning well. I’ve so many people to thank at the end, yourself included

There is a lot of real positivity in the RB community as well as some incredibly talented and knowledgeable people

I’ve really enjoyed this and am now looking forward to showing it built in the near future
 
Re:

This is just absolutely amazing dude, will be awesome to be able to see it in the finished flesh at the festival end of August too, plus it will be mega to finally have a catch up with you too as it seems its been forever now since I last saw you!
 
Re: Re:

Spudly":bj0brlul said:
This is just absolutely amazing dude, will be awesome to be able to see it in the finished flesh at the festival end of August too, plus it will be mega to finally have a catch up with you too as it seems its been forever now since I last saw you!


Really looking forward to a catch up mate and I'm really chuffed you like how it's progressing. It is down to you that I own it and I can't thank you enough :D
 
Re: Re:

Corduroyboy":8kai939k said:
This is one of those threads that make me hate myself for being so envious. Envious that I don’t have a project like this. Envious that I don’t have the skills on show. For me it’s one of the most anticipated reveals on Retrobike. Really inspiring!


Really good to hear that you are looking forward to seeing the built pics. I know how lucky I am to own Richards former race bike but getting feedback knowing that people are looking forward to seeing it means a great deal
 
Re: Re:

daveyla":1mpil204 said:
Really looking forward to a catch up mate and I'm really chuffed you like how it's progressing. It is down to you that I own it and I can't thank you enough :D


It looks absolutely amazing, the effort you've put into it is absolutely first class man!
And don't be daft you're the one that did the work and got the bike, I just happened to be in the right place to give you a heads up was all :D
 
Epic thread, always frustrating though when you read through a huge thread and no pic of finished bike yet! haha

Looking forward to seeing the finished project.

Amazing skills and dedication.
 
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