the adventures of my 1972 ....

Ah, the old Brookes leather saddle debate…. Don’t think I’ve ever owned one.
Apparently they take many uncomfortable miles to break in to the shape of a rider’s backside, until when you won’t know if it’s right for you.

I’ve never fancied that!

 

Could have been good in the day..
Like phone boxes,
Gel seats are supurb

 

They’re such a personal thing, what fits for one etc.

And there’s a big difference between going to the shops and going for a ride of an hour or several.

I must have 15 saddles in my garage and ‘only’ 6 bikes I use regularly.

 

Gearing mods..
Removed 5 speed and upgraded to 12 gears, changed chain rings and rear gear group..

 

Think that front derailleur might need a bit of adjustment

 

Its wireless..

 

1st sunny shopping trip with rusty patina rack.. And mudguards

Still 6 gears...

 

Tbh at this stage.. Something went wrong every time i went out on it gearing mainly

 

Then a 1980's raliegh bike came up for £10..

Barely been used..!



It had been in a shed for 30 years
after the rear derailleur got over tight..

No one wants these...
Stripped it down in an hour, to all of its component pieces..

Binned the frame.,

 

So i fitted the 27"x1" raliegh wheels,
and gears

i was told they were 26"


Now it purrs along..
The other old gears sets,
were worn and the chain slipped when you stood on them..

 

Coastal ride..

 

Let the good times roll…

 

Flys along the prom...
Wiggley in the wet sand blown bits..

Always a talking point..

 

You look like a man on a mission.

Giving these old things a new lease of life is terrific. There’s so much hype in the bike industry and so much money spent on ridiculously expensive bikes and components to gain a tiny advantage or weight saving that most of us won’t even notice it’s ridiculous.

I’m certainly not immune to it all but I haven’t bought a new off-the-shelf bike since 2003, I buy second hand frames and older technology components that have gone out of fashion and build up from there to suit my specific needs and a wide range of capabilities.

The bike I use the most is the cheapest and ugliest I’ve got, but it works so well. Goes anywhere, gets used every week.
Most of the parts are old mountain bike components I’ve accumulated and repurposed.




My oldest bike is 58 years old (mostly) so nearly as old as me, but hardly ever gets ridden as it’s just not as enjoyable as newer rides, but I’ve got a few mods lined up to try to make it more so using some old components, like period bar-end shifters so I don’t have to reach down and change gear, but it’s also a treasured thing for me as I’ve had it since I was around 14 and it’s been on some big adventures. It wasn’t this colour originally,regrettably I had it repainted in the late ‘80s.



In 1979, the original yellow colour scheme, like my first proper cycling jersey, on the left:




But I do understand that tinkering and collecting and ‘new’ bits of kit is also part of what drives the engagement and enthusiasm that keeps us interested and keen to ride.
Just like our buses.

Getting out there and riding is ultimately what it’s all about.

Well done sir.

 

Great old pics..


Yea I've built this one up from a 15 ebay buy,
Changed lots of parts and learned alot..
Gearing and bearing replacement,

It started with a mate who properly restores classic road bikes.. To a high standard,
he pointed it out for me to renovate.. I liked the old paint and rust,

I've got road bikes and mountain bikes
But
I love riding this old girl.... Around towns and tracks.. Its rewarding,


My mate rides his in the classic bike runs, 40 miles +
I "may" try one too..

 

Just one tyre on my ugly bike cost 3 times your entire bike!

Shows what you can do with a recycled cast off and a bit of work!

 

Some right old fettling..









Grr. Wouldn't stretch to lowest gear..

 

Old school freewheel…

If it’s the chain, add another quick link like last time, who’s gonna notice?

 

Yea
that's when the second link was added

 

Out on a foldy yesterday









Half of the ride,
i forgot to record the outward bit..