neuroportal
Retro Guru
Wotcha.
I have been riding bikes, mountain and road since I was a kid. Off and on. Single speed when I was a kid because that was all that was available to me, then geared, then single speed in the mid 90's with a home made tensioner on my Marin, then geared, then singlespeed, with a couple of geared bikes, but always went back to single. Now I am mainly fixed.
I have a very useful Singlecross, and a Plug based steel, which I love. However,I can't help feeling that I would enjoy a geared bike again for those long sunny weekends that encourage a longer ride rather than the 20 odd mile spin I do to keep my oar in.
I am not a racer. I am a heavy bloke. I am a fairly powerful rider, not so much a spinner. But I do want a bike that offers a comforting ride, that encourages me to go along and take in the countryside around me.
I also have a hankering for something built with care and nice lines. Steel all the way. Mudguards would be a useful option because I am not always about the sun. Money is certainly limited, but I would prefer a 531 based frame but it isn't mandatory. I just want a bike that is a joy to use.
I saw a bike on ebay a couple of years ago which has always stuck in my head. It was a 50s 531 Hercules with a Sturmey setup. That, with all it's original patina, was a lovely bike. Not to send to Argos for a mint respray. Just to keep clean, service and use. That, I think, is an Ideal concept, but I never rode it so can't comment on the suitability.
I haven't ridden a lot of older steel bikes, apart from using my Fathers 80s Puch, also in the 80s. A couple of years ago I also had a late 70s Bianchi when it was under the wing of Lambretta, Suntour VX, Magny tubing. Nice but a little small. I consider you bunch of reprobates as an excellent resource so I ask, nay, beg, for some advice and experiences.
Ta.
I have been riding bikes, mountain and road since I was a kid. Off and on. Single speed when I was a kid because that was all that was available to me, then geared, then single speed in the mid 90's with a home made tensioner on my Marin, then geared, then singlespeed, with a couple of geared bikes, but always went back to single. Now I am mainly fixed.
I have a very useful Singlecross, and a Plug based steel, which I love. However,I can't help feeling that I would enjoy a geared bike again for those long sunny weekends that encourage a longer ride rather than the 20 odd mile spin I do to keep my oar in.
I am not a racer. I am a heavy bloke. I am a fairly powerful rider, not so much a spinner. But I do want a bike that offers a comforting ride, that encourages me to go along and take in the countryside around me.
I also have a hankering for something built with care and nice lines. Steel all the way. Mudguards would be a useful option because I am not always about the sun. Money is certainly limited, but I would prefer a 531 based frame but it isn't mandatory. I just want a bike that is a joy to use.
I saw a bike on ebay a couple of years ago which has always stuck in my head. It was a 50s 531 Hercules with a Sturmey setup. That, with all it's original patina, was a lovely bike. Not to send to Argos for a mint respray. Just to keep clean, service and use. That, I think, is an Ideal concept, but I never rode it so can't comment on the suitability.
I haven't ridden a lot of older steel bikes, apart from using my Fathers 80s Puch, also in the 80s. A couple of years ago I also had a late 70s Bianchi when it was under the wing of Lambretta, Suntour VX, Magny tubing. Nice but a little small. I consider you bunch of reprobates as an excellent resource so I ask, nay, beg, for some advice and experiences.
Ta.
