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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Feb 14, 2016 21:41:29 GMT
I finally finished my Viscount project and took it on its maiden ride (photos attached). The bike has been completely rebuilt so it is much like having a brand new Viscount. I used a White Industries Titanium bottom bracket with standard 6003 bearings. This was mated to TA Cyclotourist crankarms and a combination of Lambert and Stronglight chainrings; this works nicely and looks right. As for the maiden voyage, I was pleasantly surprised by its cushy ride; perhaps due to the long stays, thin tubing, Aluminum fork, nevertheless, it works. Handling is very stable but reasonably responsive. I did not notice much bottom bracket flex and it responds well when you put the hammer down. It does not have toe clip overlap and that, with its light weight (22lbs 3oz), and the very wide gearing, makes it good for the mountains. I think it comes off as a nice bike for century rides, not as tiring as most and quick enough for sport riding. Viscount did a good job back in the day and I think the bike very underrated. To understand why I built it as I did, I must dwell into my philosophy for the build: - First, a bike must please me. I enjoy riding and tinkering with my bikes; a rare and perfect bike would most likely be a wall decoration.
- Second, I must enjoy riding it. All of my bikes are ridden; Which bike I select for a ride depends upon occasion and mood. I am getting old, live in the mountains of California and (since I have had a triple bypass and still have part of my heart that does not contribute to the program) have a heart rate limit of 150 BPM. Basically, I need low gears.
- Third, modifications must be period correct and reversible. I have been riding road bikes for 52 years and remember what was done to them back in the day. It was rare for a road bike to remain as delivered. I try to make what would have been logical upgrades of the time.
The cost, or the bad news; never add up the cost until you are finished. Well it goes down easier if you spend it a bit at a time. Labor - apx 120 hours - $0.00 Frame - Used 57CM - $80.00 Paint and decals - $90.00 Wheels and tires - ISO Matrix/Sansin 32/Michelin Classics - $160.00 Derailleurs R/F - Crane GS/Deore - $60.00 Shifters - Shimano Golden Arrow - $30.00 Bottom bracket - White Industries Titanium - $100.00 Crankarms - TA Cyclotourist - $60.00 Chainrings - Lambert/Stronlight - $82.00 Chainring bolts - TA for triple - $30.00 Brakeset - NOS Viscount/DiaComp - $80.00 Saddle - Brooks Imperial - $90.00 Seatpost - SR Laprade - $20.00 Stem and Handlebars - Kalloy/Nitto Grand Randouner - $50.00 Bar tape - Shimano Silicon - $30.00 Pedals/clips/straps - KKT Pro VicII - $60.00 Cable kit - Jagwire - $20.00 Extra Fork/Headset - CroMo Fork/Velo Orange - $90.00 Fork - Death Fork Mk III - $60.00 Headset - Velo Orange - $30.00 Chain - $15.00 Misc. - $50.00 Sum of Damages - $1,287.00 It was expensive but worth it; am I crazy, maybe Jim    |
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Post by kickstandman on Feb 15, 2016 0:38:04 GMT
I know the before pictures have been on this forum.
Yes, this is impressive, it should be in bicycling magazine or something, perhaps free lancing.
120 labor hours, that is rather amazing, 3 40 hour weeks.
And the TA crank arm is on the left side? My knowledge is shallow here, I see a triple crank! Nice. I'd get something nice for a triple too if I ever built a dream bike, I have a decent triple on mine but I will get better if the need ever presents itself.
Back stays painted, looks good.
Helmet mirror or mirror for the bike? Water bottle bracket?
What a tribute to Viscount though.
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Feb 15, 2016 1:18:44 GMT
Thanks for looking! The TA crank arms are on both sides; they look just like the Lambert/Viscount arms, but have an ISO taper. I use a helmet mirror. For now the water bottle is in my jersey. The water bottle will have to be mounted with old style clamps; unless I get clever. I wish someone had a good looking clamp. I considered brazing some water bottle mounts on during the refinish; I feared weakening the very thin wall tubing. One regret, I can't find my "Death Fork" stickers; oh well. I added a couple of photos. One is as bought, the other after stripping. If someone is doing serial numbers, this one is 533676 Jim   |
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Post by kickstandman on Feb 15, 2016 2:40:31 GMT
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Feb 15, 2016 2:48:05 GMT
That's a good idea. I have a handlebar mount cage that is similar, and may use it. We shall see.
Thanks
Jim
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Post by triitout on Feb 15, 2016 2:50:56 GMT
Jim, congratulations on an excellent job! Truly a labor of love. I couldn't agree more, that when you do a build like that, it's all good when you get out, take it for a ride, and know you've created something custom and special to your imagination. A little bit of art and a little bit of science. I agree that as we get older, there is a sense of urgency to create what we've been dreaming and enjoy it while we can. If you can afford it, there's no reason to wait. I've found that half the fun is the scavenger hunt that ensues after you've figured out the details. All and all, keep riding it and ENJOY!
Just saw the post from kickstand man about the velo orange handlebar/water bottle mount. I've got one on my upright GP and highly endorse it!
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bendo
Viscount
Posts: 538 
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Post by bendo on Feb 15, 2016 4:14:24 GMT
Bravo! b
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Feb 15, 2016 4:16:50 GMT
Thanks for looking!
I did a few adjustments this afternoon and am looking forward to tomorrow's ride. Just to be in the right mood, I am listening to some of my old British rock; Herman's Hermits to be exact. It may sound weird, but when I ride I often play (remember?) music in my head, it helps me maintain my cadence. Tomorrow I think I will be playing Mrs. Brown in my head. Anyone else have this kind of crazy?
Cheers
Jim
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Post by kickstandman on Feb 15, 2016 16:09:20 GMT
People wearing earplugs riding bikes is crazy but I've taken little transistor radios with me and that's not so bad, affix it to the frame. I don't usually do that but ever so often.
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Feb 15, 2016 17:20:10 GMT
People wearing earplugs riding bikes is crazy I agree! Please understand, I only hear the music in my head (no device whatsoever). I think that hearing traffic is a very important safety issue. I know to check my mirror when I hear a car coming (electric cars are hard to hear). I do not like to ride in the city; there I am bombarded with traffic noise, not to mention keeping ones eye on many vehicles (not to mention car doors) instead of one. I often see people riding with ear buds, no mirror, no helmet, and they do not seem to notice traffic at all. Some seem to prefer riding against traffic (I don't mean the English), which is illegal and dangerous. Some people seem intent on participating in the natural selection process. Cheers Jim   |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Feb 16, 2016 14:52:58 GMT
Jim, superb! That looks spot on. Great work.
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Feb 18, 2016 17:51:46 GMT
Thanks Sooper!
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Post by jdl51 on Feb 24, 2016 18:15:30 GMT
Nice restoration. Paint job looks fantastic, and this is coming from a boat painter. I just finished mine last weekend and will post pics in a couple of days. It's so pretty I almost don't want to ride it, but I did anyway. Smooth as silk, after a couple minor adjustments.
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Feb 24, 2016 20:04:27 GMT
Thanks for looking; I will be watching for your photos. I have already experienced my first paint nick; the ones that follow will be easy.
Cheers
Jim
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Post by Stella on Mar 1, 2016 17:06:57 GMT
Great job! First time I see a triple with a TA. :-) Still works.
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Post by 54roadie on Mar 14, 2016 20:49:25 GMT
Nicely done, Jim. The handle bar bottle mounts might just be the perfect touch.
Your pic of the stripped frame got me thinking that sometime in the near future someone should do a Sram eTap wireless build on an Aerospace frame. Please, Bendo and other OEM diehards, no heart attacks...it's just that the lack of braze-ons got me thinking of a purpose built Mosaic steel frame I just saw that was SO clean without shifter cable guides...
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Mar 14, 2016 23:51:18 GMT
Your pic of the stripped frame got me thinking that sometime in the near future someone should do a Sram eTap wireless build on an Aerospace frame. I do have another Viscount frame, but doubt I will build it wireless. I am torn between building it like a cyclocross bike, or with Campy Nrecord, or as a spare parts special, or ?? For now it hangs on a hook. Cheers Jim |
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Post by Stella on Mar 15, 2016 13:14:23 GMT
According to Busaste, Viscounts were ridden in Cyclo cross races. I can only confirm that they're still comfortable to ride on uneven surface and even through mud, as I had to force my poor GP through the cold and wet one cold and rainy day last January. It was dirty as hell. lol
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