Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390 
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Post by Jem on Feb 20, 2016 19:31:32 GMT
Hi all, I thought I would start a new thread off for this (although the story and origin of this one starts in the "ebay/sales/wants" section of the forum. Just a bit of background...I saw this advertised on Gumtree, the Friday before last. Part of the appeal was that it was less than an hour away. The seller (Alex) , knew it was a quality bike back in the day, and had taken this bike up some big hills in the Alps. Anyway, to cut a long story short, he got a lot of interest from prospective buyers and I resigned myself to not having it. I went away for a few days and was surprised when Alex mailed to say "it's yours". Thankfully he was a 'real' bike lover and wanted it to go somewhere it might get restored, loved and used again. So, I went over today and picked it up and was really pleased with the condition when I saw it in person. Alex was certainly a guy with bikes in his blood and he recounted how he came about the bike, buying it from new from a shop in South London. He has some photos of himself riding it in a near original state in Richmond Park, which he is going to let me have so that I can try and get it close to original spec. Alex had some vague recollection that the wheels, although Mavic and correct for the period, might not be original. When I got the cloth out at home, the hubs revealed that they were actually Campag. as is the one QR skewer. The bars say made in Italy , so I guess not original , does anyone know what they are? (and possibly stem, as it doesn't look like any SR that I have?) These should be pretty easy to replace. The seat post isn't stuck which is a great relief , and although it might be original, isn't the 'ex' one that might be expected. Fork is Tange and rear drops are Suntour, which is what Seigeworks reports on his. Pedals should also be easy enough to track down, and I have a Arabesque 600 RD somewhere. Interesting little quirk, is that the gearing cables have an outer casing. I haven't seen that on any Viscount that I have owned. Anyway, enough talking, here are some pics.  IMG_2569 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  IMG_2568 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  IMG_2564 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  IMG_2563 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  IMG_2561 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  IMG_2557 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  IMG_2551 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  IMG_2550 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  IMG_2548 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  IMG_2565 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  IMG_2574 by Sooper 8, on Flickr |
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Post by moggers on Feb 20, 2016 20:15:55 GMT
Serious Bike Envy! I have a set of Shimano 600 Arabesque which I have spent 18 months collecting and waiting for a bicycle of quality to put them on. The only missing piece at the moment is the rear derailleur gears. I have bought two sets in the past (albeit very cheaply) but both have had the plastic cyclinder surrounding the main spring cracked or missing.
I cant tell from the picture but does it have the Shimano one key release chainset release?
After seeing your little beauty I might have to look at a Viscount 600 EX after I have finished the Areospace Pro refurb. I really like the quality lugwork on yours.
The colour is .... well very 80's! Do they come in others colours at all?
Happy tinkering .....
Ian
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Feb 20, 2016 20:34:51 GMT
Yes, a very 80's colour indeed! The only other colour is a metallic lilac. Out of the two this is probably the best option. (or maybe the lilac is the 600ax? I can't recall) Here's a shot of the chainset. I hadn't even thought about what I would need to get it off, but it looks like an allen key type? These don't come up very often, so be patient and keep your eyes peeled. I have seen a few for sale in the last 3 years, maybe one of them was complete and the other was a bit beat up. Cusqueno has one too  IMG_2552 by Sooper 8, on Flickr |
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Post by moggers on Feb 20, 2016 20:48:56 GMT
It looks like you do have the one key release (a first by shimano with this groupset.) I managed to find one a couple of weeks ago on E bayon a buy it now which I snapped up....they don't come up very often!
I know from experience that the parts alone on the bicycle are worth quite a bit of money to gather ..... and may a thousand fleas infest the armpits of those people that break up groupsets from perfectly wonderful bicycles for profit! ....hummm, by me buying said items am I in fact encouraging such practices and complicit in the destruction of these bicycles? . A whole new thread on the ethics of part finding could be started on that point alone.
I know people have had issues with them in the past but not understanding how they work. I have shamefully cut and pasted below someone's explaination of them from bikeforum!
"One-key release systems work by backing out the crank fixing bolt against the threaded collar in the crank's center. Further backing out the bolt pulls the crank arms off the spindle.
When you first loosen the bolt it will turn freely. Then, as its head comes up against the extraction collar, it will get hard to turn again. Keep unscrewing it and pretty soon the crank arm will come off.
BTW, when you reinstall the crank, it's worth while to remove the collar (the ring with the two small spanner holes in it) so you can visually check to be sure the grooves in the crank line up properly with the splines on the spindle ends. Once the crank is seated properly and the fixing bolt torqued down, the collar can be replaced.
Some grease on the collar's threads and inner surface and on the fixing bolt head are recommended to ease removal the next time."
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Feb 20, 2016 21:00:35 GMT
Thanks for that Moggers. I might have blindly gone head first into that without much thought. Other than to clean around that area, I am tempted to leave it, as spins as free as anything with no problem, and feels as smooth as butter.
I might be creating a problem where none exists. I don't know who the best mechanic around here on the forum is, but I'm not even the best mechanic in my own house, so might try and clean around it as best I can.
Yes, the ethics of parting out bikes...a bit of a mine field. It could be argued that almost anything can be brought back to life, but donors are always needed.
I used to have a bit of thing against people turning vintage viscount into fixed wheel etc, but after my son did it, I had to agree it looked great, lost a lot of weight and was appealing to him (we kept the parts and can put it back as it was if needs be- but I won't be doing it as it really did my knees in)
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Post by kickstandman on Feb 20, 2016 23:35:58 GMT
Loverly Bicycle.
If it was mine, I see the decals/stickers appear that treated carelessly, they could come off if one rode it a lot and in rain.
I think that would be my first concern. I have helicopter tape, this was recommended to me once so that would be a quick fix.
But reading around the web, folks now talk about spraying a bike down with clear coat to protect decals and bike stickers. The stickers are in good shape but look like they'd be a bit vulnerable to wear and tear.
So perhaps, clean up around them and do something.
The chrome tipped fork blades look a bit like mine, some wear on them. I'm not worrying to much about mine but mainly, trying to stop anything further from happening, meaning spraying T-9 which is linseed oil and so on. Even wd-40 keeps rust at bay; but just be careful not to get any around the brakes and on the braking surface (the wheel).
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Post by siegeworks on Feb 21, 2016 13:56:14 GMT
Seen this now Jem and answered my questions from the original thread.
Could you please post an image of the top tube graphic. My other 600 ex doesn't have this particular one on it so I'll need to draw this one up for the printers.
Cheers!
The seat post looks like and SR laprade if its not mentioned already by anyone else.
Your bars are a mystery. Ones on mine as well as the stem are cinelli!
Are you going to stick with the Campag wheels?
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Feb 21, 2016 14:50:45 GMT
A wonderful find; you will have a lot of fun with this project! I really like the lime green; if it were mine I would call it "The Frog". I am looking forward to watching your progress.
All the Best
Jim
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Post by triitout on Feb 21, 2016 15:23:57 GMT
You found a real gem, Jem. Sorry for the bad pun. great color, great graphics and great components and its a Viscount! Looking forward to seeing the shiny, clean version. Love the bright 80's color. I feel better now knowing I'm not the only one out there with a bright green Viscount! Enjoy the rebuild and then enjoy the ride.
Cheers,
Michael
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Feb 21, 2016 16:12:59 GMT
Seen this now Jem and answered my questions from the original thread. Could you please post an image of the top tube graphic. My other 600 ex doesn't have this particular one on it so I'll need to draw this one up for the printers. Cheers! The seat post looks like and SR laprade if its not mentioned already by anyone else. Your bars are a mystery. Ones on mine as well as the stem are cinelli! Are you going to stick with the Campag wheels? I will indeed take some good pics of the top tube graphic (might be Tuesday before I get chance to get out to the shed when it's light). Yes, I have that SR laprade on my Deore 18AX, I like them but if I find the ex one at the right price, I might treat myself. I have nothing against the Campag hubs, but feel I ought to try for 100% authenticity on this one. Ideal scenario would be a swap with someone.(so anyone with Mavic E1's and Shimano hubs out there?) I just can't imagine they ever fitted Viscount with Campag. components ....but who knows? |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Feb 21, 2016 16:17:20 GMT
Loverly Bicycle. If it was mine, I see the decals/stickers appear that treated carelessly, they could come off if one rode it a lot and in rain. I think that would be my first concern. I have helicopter tape, this was recommended to me once so that would be a quick fix. The chrome tipped fork blades look a bit like mine, some wear on them. I'm not worrying to much about mine but mainly, trying to stop anything further from happening, meaning spraying T-9 which is linseed oil and so on. Even wd-40 keeps rust at bay Thanks for tips! I have never seen T-9 over here.(what is it's original purpose?) I normally just rub over with an oily cloth with sprays of wd-40 on it. If I could get good quality replacement decals then I would probably go for that. |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Feb 21, 2016 16:18:28 GMT
A wonderful find; you will have a lot of fun with this project! I really like the lime green; if it were mine I would call it "The Frog". I am looking forward to watching your progress. Thanks Jim. I lurch around a bit up steep hills, so the Frog wouldn't be too far off. |
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Post by kickstandman on Feb 21, 2016 16:28:13 GMT
Loverly Bicycle. If it was mine, I see the decals/stickers appear that treated carelessly, they could come off if one rode it a lot and in rain. I think that would be my first concern. I have helicopter tape, this was recommended to me once so that would be a quick fix. The chrome tipped fork blades look a bit like mine, some wear on them. I'm not worrying to much about mine but mainly, trying to stop anything further from happening, meaning spraying T-9 which is linseed oil and so on. Even wd-40 keeps rust at bay Thanks for tips! I have never seen T-9 over here.(what is it's original purpose?) I normally just rub over with an oily cloth with sprays of wd-40 on it. If I could get good quality replacement decals then I would probably go for that. I think I understand now that T-9 and Frame Saver are very similar and the main ingredient in both is Linseed oil.  www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/tools/cycling-tools/chain-lubricant/product/review-jp-weigle-frame-saver-10220/ |
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Post by velocipete on Feb 21, 2016 16:30:49 GMT
Jem,I'd be very tempted to just clean it and use it as bought.The changes are all period updates,
and,to befair,are better bits of kit to OEM.
Enjoy it,I know I would!
Cheers,
Pete.
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Post by siegeworks on Feb 21, 2016 20:56:47 GMT
My 600ex is running on Module E3s.
With a quick scan of ebay i see you might be waiting a while for the right wheels or pay through the nose unless you build them.
There are lots of rims and hubs going. I've not seen E1s but you could make E3s or have a wide choice of tubular options of the right vintage.
£60 all in might get you all you need.
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Feb 21, 2016 22:02:33 GMT
The more I look at it, the more I like it. I think if it where mine, I would just give it a good cleaning, repack its bearings, replace the lost parts, and worn expendable items. I think it will clean up nicely and it is only original once. As for the Campy hubs, Wheelsets are an expendable wear item and get swapped around a lot; I would leave them for now.
Cheers
Jim
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Feb 22, 2016 6:11:47 GMT
The more I look at it, the more I like it. I think if it where mine, I would just give it a good cleaning, repack its bearings, replace the lost parts, and worn expendable items. I think it will clean up nicely and it is only original once. As for the Campy hubs, Wheelsets are an expendable wear item and get swapped around a lot; I would leave them for now. Cheers Jim Jim - having just booked a holiday, my options are being narrowed down for me by lack of available spare cash, so I will just be doing pretty much as you outline above. I also think that if I get too picky, it could be sat in the shed all summer waiting to finish it. I started looking for original NOS Uniglide chains, and the cheapest I can see is about £50.  |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Feb 22, 2016 6:15:15 GMT
The seller , Alex, was also the original owner and he has sent me these photos of the bike from about 1982/3 when the bike was a year old. Regardless of the bike , these are just classic photos (he is fine about me sharing them on here.)   |
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Post by siegeworks on Feb 22, 2016 21:44:46 GMT
Beautiful pics! I've decided to stay campag with mine. I already have an original 600ex with all the correct bits. I have almost the whole campag group set so im gonna stick with it. Just bought the brake calipers as I was missing them. Just need the rear DR and maybe some appropriate wheels.
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Post by siegeworks on Feb 22, 2016 22:54:20 GMT
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Post by cusqueno on Feb 23, 2016 12:39:04 GMT
Nice photos of the original owner. I'm pretty sure that they were taken in Richmond Park. Here's a photo of me in the Park with my Aerospace 400, for comparison (!?).  The appearance of girth is a trick of the light caused by it being taken on December 31. Seigeworks, do you have any idea on the colour of the 600ex ("Linden")? I saw a modern Cannondale with what looked like a similar colour the other day and asked the rider what the colour was called, when we stopped at traffic lights. But he didn't know. My 600ex is overdue for some touching-up to the paint. |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Feb 23, 2016 12:43:15 GMT
Nice photos of the original owner. I'm pretty sure that they were taken in Richmond Park. Seigeworks, do you have any idea on the colour of the 600ex ("Linden")? I saw a modern Cannondale with what looked like a similar colour the other day and asked the rider what the colour was called, when we stopped at traffic lights. But he didn't know. My 600ex is overdue for some touching-up to the paint. Yes, well spotted ,they were taken in Richmond Park, he told me. He bought the bike in South London. I'd like to get a touch up paint for mine too. |
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Post by siegeworks on Feb 23, 2016 20:49:21 GMT
No idea about the colour chaps, sorry. The paint is coming off all over mine to as you can see. I've also noted that the forks and main frame are slightly different shades.
I know I could take the frame to my local paint sprayers and they can match the colour for me. Doing that might be the best bet without having any additional information.
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 559
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Post by robt on Feb 23, 2016 22:37:04 GMT
Jem, Siegeworks, have you tried comparing your frame paint to the RAL colour chart? This might give you a clue to the 'standard' name for your shade of green or something near it. I don't know if the powder coaters use the same references, but the RAL reference has helped to define what I wanted for a couple of recent paint jobs I've had done. |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Feb 28, 2016 12:27:51 GMT
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Post by jdl51 on Feb 29, 2016 0:37:25 GMT
That is one sweet looking bike. I'm in love.......
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Feb 29, 2016 8:04:35 GMT
That is one sweet looking bike. I'm in love....... If ever you make it over to a rally, you can with pleasure ,ride it ; if it's your size? |
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Post by Stella on Mar 1, 2016 16:51:17 GMT
What a find! Jem, this is a lovely bike. That headset is one to die for and I'm dreaming of an Arabesque group set. One of the most prettiest group sets there is!
John: Holla!
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Post by jdl51 on Mar 2, 2016 6:31:27 GMT
That is one sweet looking bike. I'm in love....... If ever you make it over to a rally, you can with pleasure ,ride it ; if it's your size? Might be a tad too big for me, but not by much. Thanks for the offer. Shooting for next year if my wife's schedule cooperates. |
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