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Post by holeshot on Mar 20, 2017 15:57:48 GMT
Hello chaps. Out of the blue, I found myself buying a complete Aerospace bike. Previous owner has replaced all necessary consumables in order to make this a very satisfying bike to ride. I was blown away at just how light it is! I had an Aerospace International back in '75/'76-ish. Solid bright orange. Crap paint quality but what a lovely bike....I was King-of-the-Road in my platforms and Oxford bags(ensuing Toeclip & bike clips problems abounding!!!) Bought a 600 in '85 when at college. My mate bought it from me when I got a job - he moved to Athens and he's still got it which I'm really stoked about. Anyway - always been hankering after one and stumbled across this one when I met a guy, Pete, from Clou (Vintage Bike restorer & collectables) that was selling one & works round the corner from my office. From the research he's has done, he thinks it's a '77 Grand Sport. Only anomalies I can see is that it's got a Suntour rear mech and a Shimano 500 from & Lander callipers, but all these seem so original and correct to the rest of the bike that it's hard to question their originality. The BB has been changed by Pete to a Velo Orange Grand Cru which works beautifully. Shame the forks have been painted at some point - they are the originals as have the colour inside the light lug. The rest seems to check out. Anyway - nice to meet you all..........have a look at the photos(if I can manage to load them!!) Cheers
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Post by holeshot on Mar 20, 2017 16:02:32 GMT
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Post by holeshot on Mar 20, 2017 16:04:42 GMT
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,380
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Post by Jem on Mar 20, 2017 16:58:15 GMT
Welcome Holshot! That is looking good. I recall picking up an Aerospace a few years back and being amazed at how light it was. And as for the ride, well as you mention , it is superb.
Platforms and Oxford bags- that takes me right back to Secondary school alright.
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Post by holeshot on Mar 20, 2017 22:30:39 GMT
Thanks sooper8 Yeah, golden years the mid '70s for menswear!! I'm sure us gentleman 'of a certain age' will agree! I remember the rips the outer chainring used to put in the right leg of my 'bags' when I went for it!! And modifying toe clips to take my absurd platforms. Shocking stuff!! Anyways......I never remembered quite how light the Aerospace frames are. After years on carbon exotica, I was thinking this would be a diverting curiosity to indulge my nostalgia and a bit of a clanker, but seriously, when I picked this one up I was pretty impressed. When I ride it, I realise it's a bike you can properly use. Lovely response and very light. Even by today's standards. I'll keep the brakes for full effect but with some judicial modern components, this would make quite some weapon! Of course, I really don't need to tell anyone here this......just thinking out loud. Look forward to bumping into some of you soon. Cheers
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