Steel is Real!

[torqueless]

If you know the seat post can move in the frame, it's OK.

On a bike like that, the black seat post and modern saddle stick out like a sore thumb aesthetically, but if they are functional for you then use them.

 

[FINNEY1973]

That's a lovely looking frame Retro AF, and some nice components. Agree with the other posts regarding cleaning before polishing, just to see what it comes up like without the use of compounds etc. There can be a bit of art to getting things just right - too shiny next to a patina'd frame and it could look a bit much, clean & grime free with a bit of a sparkle and you could get the balance just right. Torqueless makes a very valid point re: the saddle & seatpost - without wishing to sound rude but they have to go, simply not in keeping with a lovely old frame like that.

Looking forward to seeing how you get on with this and of course lots of 'progress' pictures to keep the RB'ers happy. Good luck & I hope you enjoy doing it.

 

[Retro_AF]

That's a lovely looking frame Retro AF, and some nice components. Agree with the other posts regarding cleaning before polishing, just to see what it comes up like without the use of compounds etc. There can be a bit of art to getting things just right - too shiny next to a patina'd frame and it could look a bit much, clean & grime free with a bit of a sparkle and you could get the balance just right. Torqueless makes a very valid point re: the saddle & seatpost - without wishing to sound rude but they have to go, simply not in keeping with a lovely old frame like that.

Looking forward to seeing how you get on with this and of course lots of 'progress' pictures to keep the RB'ers happy. Good luck & I hope you enjoy doing it.

Thanks should I be looking for a silver seatpost and what kid of seat would suit?

 

[FINNEY1973]

A period seat-post (silver) would do very nicely. Maybe spend some time on here http://velobase.com/Default.aspx to learn what components are on the bike and then get a feeling for what would suit in terms of being of the correct period. A leather saddle would perhaps compliment the bike? (brooks or similar?)

 

[torqueless]

Something like Spokesman's on a steel post would be splendid:

(hope he doesn't mind me borrowing his picture)

 

[Retro_AF]

Okay I will and yeah I saw that, is it comfortable though and would it be really expensive?

 

[Retro_AF]

Something like Spokesman's on a steel post would be splendid:

(hope he doesn't mind me borrowing his picture)

Right so those Brooks saddles are very very very expensive for me (I'm 15) but ive found a leather saddle on ebay (new) that is meant to look older, would this suit the bike?

 

[TGR]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh you are 15! That changes things a bit!

How tall are you? What is the bike like for size?

You could be jumping into something which will use all your pocket money!!! << warning!!!

Richard

 

[Retro_AF]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh you are 15! That changes things a bit!

How tall are you? What is the bike like for size?

You could be jumping into something which will use all your pocket money!!! << warning!!!

Richard

I'm 5ft 11, the bike fits great as my grandad and i are similar dimensions And the Mtb is pretty much the same although I've got that where I want it, now i'm prepared to spend some money on this so don't worry (moneys what parents are for isnt it? ) Would that saddle fit with the bike? I like the challenge of doing things on my tiny budget as well

 

[torqueless]

is it comfortable though and would it be really expensive?

Well, back in the sixties that was all there was, so you had to make it comfortable. Mine's as comfy as hell, but I cheated by softening it with olive oil, which soaked into the seat of my pants for about a month and I was most unwelcome to come into contact with peoples sofas and suchlike:

They are silly money these days. Mine was thirty-something quid new, some time in the early 2000's. They come up in the 'for sale' section here sometimes.

Again, check your Grandad doesn't have one lying around unused somewhere? They can be rehabilitated even if they look beyond hope.
Or just use what you've got until something turns up- no damage done..