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Post by coggy on Dec 24, 2020 20:40:41 GMT
I have just acquired Viscount Aerospace pro frame and forks
Its a 56 TT but TBH its a bit big for me at under 5 foot 7 i usually ride a 54 TT and could probably go smaller , now the question is for me is this frame worth restoring as i feel its a bit big . The other issues for me are the rear drop outs i measured at 120 mm and the odd BB which i have no idea what to do with
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Post by wheelson on Dec 26, 2020 14:51:07 GMT
Welcome! You've come to the right place for answers - I speak from experience as I started here just like you about three years ago. Warning - this Lambert/Viscount thing is addictive - I started with one, now own five.
You'll find an answer to almost every question here on the list if you search out the different headings. If not, the members here are extremely friendly and helpful. I'm a novice with Viscounts, but I could write pages to your questions. I won't as most are already answered on the list if you search.
The big one is will this frame fit you? I would advise you to get a wheelset into the frame and see how it fits. Remember, this frame was (probably) built for 27 inch wheels. I say probably because some came with sewup (sprint)wheels which are the same diameter as 700c. It's possible to even use 650b's to gain that precious few cm's of space. This is critical as a first step, if you cannot make this frame fit you will be spending money on a project that will likely never be completed or if it is a virtually unusable bike as an end result. You're preferences are big here, I like my frames as large as possible but I can ride 54-58cm without a problem.
Next step is determining which type of fork you have. This may be critical if it is the original cast aluminum fork. But I'll go no further and give you time to sort things out and for some of the other more knowledgeable members here to chime in. Best, John "wheelson"
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Dec 26, 2020 16:46:59 GMT
Welcome to the forum! In September we had a nice Discussion on cranks which may be helpful. Viscount bikes are very underrated and provide excellent value in a classic road bike. More importantly, they are a nice comfy ride.
I agree with John who said "The big one is will this frame fit you? I would advise you to get a wheelset into the frame and see how it fits." So if it can be made to fit then it is worth the effort. Personally (once I find standover height to be acceptable) I find top tube length to be the most important factor in frame size. With the same pedal to saddle height, my knees have about the same relationship to the pedals on a variety of frame sizes. Seat tube angles, top tube and crank arm length can cause some variation. Top tube length must be in a range that can be adapted with the stem and handlebar combination. This takes us back to old timers being most concerned with standover height; check it first. Standover height can be varied with wheel and tire size, but too tall is always bad (trust me).
I hope you continue to enjoy our excellent fellowship of Viscount crazies; no matter if you do, or do not, build your Viscount.
Wishing You the Best Jim
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Post by coggy on Dec 27, 2020 5:59:23 GMT
thanks for the replies I think fit is an issue i usually run a 54 TT with a 90 stem and a semi compact drop bar and 170 mm cranks in fact i could probably run a 52 TT but they are a bit like hens teeth to find . My usual fit is 69 cm to BB ,4 cm saddle setback 64 cm reach from saddle tip to the hoods diagonally with a 40 ctr to ctr bar . I have contacted the chap who runs the vintage bike cartel locally as hes a club member to see if hes interested as i have a feeling its more work and effort than i have free as i have a job where im doing 50 + hours a week and a teenager with a medical condition that means regular hospital appointments , i even have to try and fit cycling in !
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ks1u
Viscount
Posts: 76
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Post by ks1u on Dec 28, 2020 0:08:07 GMT
Welcome to the forum, coggy. I think the other two responses are very accurate. However, if you typically use 54 and you go to 700c wheels and are willing to compensate with crank arm length and stem/handlebars, my gut feeling is you'll be OK. Obviously, testing with the 700c wheelset first is a great starting point. I love my Viscount. I rode them in the 70s and 80s and then went on to other bikes. When I recently rebuilt a Viscount Aerospace GP from the frame on up using modern components, I was really surprised at how comfortable the bike felt and how good the bike performed. If you do end up restoring it, you won't be disappointed.
George
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Post by coggy on Dec 29, 2020 8:31:29 GMT
I think i need to find a 120 old rear wheel 1st as i only have 130s knocking about and i doubt i can jam a wheel in ?
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Post by triitout on Dec 29, 2020 21:26:32 GMT
I think i need to find a 120 old rear wheel 1st as i only have 130s knocking about and i doubt i can jam a wheel in ? The rear spacing is actually 126mm and yes you can get a 130 in. I've got my indoor trainer Aerospace frame fitted with a 130mm 700c wheel. It's got a 9-10 speed hub. I set it up with a Shimano Acera 12-28 cassette with a 4mm spacer and it works fine!
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Post by franco on Dec 29, 2020 22:35:53 GMT
I think i need to find a 120 old rear wheel 1st as i only have 130s knocking about and i doubt i can jam a wheel in ? Welcome to the forum! It should be 126mm in the dropouts so a 130mm modern wheel should ‘spring in’ without too much difficulty and the frame will most probably eventually settle to that measurement. To echo others, it’s worth getting the bike up and running before you make a decision to sell or part out. They really do ride nicely, I ended up selling some Reynolds 531 bikes in favour of my Viscounts
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Post by wheelson on Dec 30, 2020 4:38:19 GMT
I agree with Franco. No need to spend money on wheels if you can squeeze a set of existing more modern ones in. First step is to see if it fits, stand over clearance will give you the first answer, then go from there if you think it will work for you. Try to keep it low budget until you're sure you'll be happy with it, you can always upgrade as time goes by. Best, John "wheelson"
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Post by coggy on Dec 30, 2020 7:13:48 GMT
Pretty sure i measured the OLD right, i was a bit gobsmacked when i did but i will check again anyway
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Post by franco on Dec 30, 2020 11:09:16 GMT
If it’s 120mm it would have been a 10 speed not 12. From what I have seen some of the Lambert Aerospace frames were set for a 5 speed freewheel but not Viscounts, don’t know if anyone can correct me there?
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Dec 30, 2020 14:46:15 GMT
Welcome to the forum Coggy!
The search function on here isn't great for pinpointing things - my tip for any info you need would be just ask the forum members for pointers ; and if you can't wait, then use Google or your favourite search engine, type in what you're looking for (for example '120mm OLD') and then add 'viscount and lambert forum' to the search and it often comes up with a better result than just searching 120mm OLD on here alone.
We set up the forum originally to be a kind of 'Lambert and Viscount technical information database' that was easily retrievable. But it's gotten to be so big that sometimes it's hard to find the exact thing that you are looking for.
Ether way, it's a nice spot to hang out and chat about bikes and other related things, and if you are in no big rush to find something, then I am sure eventually you'll stumble upon it on here somewhere
Jem
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Post by dracco on Dec 31, 2020 17:46:47 GMT
Welcome to Viscount Central Coggy! My Aerospace Pro looks pretty much identical to yours (down to the lack of a black head tube) and is (looking at the photo) possibly the same size. - Mine measures 54mm along the top tube from the point where it joins the seat tube to the point where it meets the head tube (so about 56mm, centre to centre) and the seat tube from the centre of the BB spindle to the top of the seat tube is 23.5" (the seat tub protrudes above the top tube by about an inch, to allow the fillet brazing of the frame). My rear dropouts are very definitely 126mm OLD, though (and I run 700C Mavic MA2 wheels with a 6-speed freewheel on a Miche hub in the rear wheel). More relevant, I am 5'7" and have no problem riding this bike (although maybe my legs might be a bit longer, and you did say that you were a bit under 5'7"). There is an excellent thread in the Technical area entitled "Measurements and Dimensions", started by VTChuck which I found enormously helpful when I was building my frame up. The BB can be extracted in various ways. The best way is to use a special tool, described by Busaste - the fount of all Viscount knowledge who initiated the marathon "Viscount Bicycles" thread in the CTC forum (now cyclingUK: forum.cyclinguk.org/viewtopic.php?t=21010) the tool is first introduced on page 29 of the thread, then on p. 56 and finally, a full set of instructions is provided on page 69. If you have nothing else to do (which sounds highly unlikely) you could try reading all 186 pages of it! Suffice to say, the BB can be extracted, the spindle cleaned and the bearings replaced with comparative ease using such a tool (I had one made by a local metal-bashing company). Do NOT, under any circumstances try and remove the spindle by bashing it with a hammer. (Even if you don't plan to use it, I'm sure someone else on this form would welcome the opportunity to get their hands on it!!) Happy New Year!
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Post by franco on Dec 31, 2020 20:19:33 GMT
Welcome to Viscount Central Coggy! My Aerospace Pro looks pretty much identical to yours (down to the lack of a black head tube) and is (looking at the photo) possibly the same size. - Mine measures 54mm along the top tube from the point where it joins the seat tube to the point where it meets the head tube (so about 56mm, centre to centre) and the seat tube from the centre of the BB spindle to the top of the seat tube is 23.5" (the seat tub protrudes above the top tube by about an inch, to allow the fillet brazing of the frame). My rear dropouts are very definitely 126mm OLD, though (and I run 700C Mavic MA2 wheels with a 6-speed freewheel on a Miche hub in the rear wheel). More relevant, I am 5'7" and have no problem riding this bike (although maybe my legs might be a bit longer, and you did say that you were a bit under 5'7"). There is an excellent thread in the Technical area entitled "Measurements and Dimensions", started by VTChuck which I found enormously helpful when I was building my frame up. The BB can be extracted in various ways. The best way is to use a special tool, described by Busaste - the fount of all Viscount knowledge who initiated the marathon "Viscount Bicycles" thread in the CTC forum (now cyclingUK: forum.cyclinguk.org/viewtopic.php?t=21010) the tool is first introduced on page 29 of the thread, then on p. 56 and finally, a full set of instructions is provided on page 69. If you have nothing else to do (which sounds highly unlikely) you could try reading all 186 pages of it! Suffice to say, the BB can be extracted, the spindle cleaned and the bearings replaced with comparative ease using such a tool (I had one made by a local metal-bashing company). Do NOT, under any circumstances try and remove the spindle by bashing it with a hammer. (Even if you don't plan to use it, I'm sure someone else on this form would welcome the opportunity to get their hands on it!!) Happy New Year! That crank puller is interesting, it’s got me thinking if I can knock something up with a piece of scaffold tube or something.
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Post by coggy on Jan 3, 2021 8:14:29 GMT
re measured the drop outs last night and its definitely 120 mm drop outs and tried to see what a rear wheel would be like and its a mile out , for me given my time constraints it s project too far so i will be looking to sell it
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Jan 3, 2021 19:28:11 GMT
re measured the drop outs last night and its definitely 120 mm drop outs and tried to see what a rear wheel would be like and its a mile out , for me given my time constraints it s project too far so i will be looking to sell it Fair enough Coggy - you have to pick your battles/projects , totally understand.
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Post by franco on Jan 3, 2021 20:51:01 GMT
You can still find NOS wheels for 120mm dropouts but I understand it’s a hassle if you haven’t got the time. The older six speed freewheels sometimes fit as well, so you wouldn’t necessarily be limited to five speed.
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Hello all
Jan 3, 2021 22:16:27 GMT
via mobile
Post by wheelson on Jan 3, 2021 22:16:27 GMT
You can still find NOS wheels for 120mm dropouts but I understand it’s a hassle if you haven’t got the time. The older six speed freewheels sometimes fit as well, so you wouldn’t necessarily be limited to five speed. Don’t know where you’re located but here in the USA most thrift shops even many bike shops have ‘70s era bikes that can be had for little or nothing. The owner of the shop I contract with pitches cheap old stuff two or three times a year. If you plan to refurbish old bikes, pick up some old wheels in various sizes, great for just a test fit if too far gone for real use. This is a tip aimed at any reader, not just the original poster. I agree, you have to pick your battles, admitting that I’ve chosen unwisely more than once. Best , John “wheelson”
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Post by franco on Jan 3, 2021 22:50:53 GMT
You can still find NOS wheels for 120mm dropouts but I understand it’s a hassle if you haven’t got the time. The older six speed freewheels sometimes fit as well, so you wouldn’t necessarily be limited to five speed. Don’t know where you’re located but here in the USA most thrift shops even many bike shops have ‘70s era bikes that can be had for little or nothing. The owner of the shop I contract with pitches cheap old stuff two or three times a year. If you plan to refurbish old bikes, pick up some old wheels in various sizes, great for just a test fit if too far gone for real use. This is a tip aimed at any reader, not just the original poster. I agree, you have to pick your battles, admitting that I’ve chosen unwisely more than once. Best , John “wheelson” They are becoming less common in the UK, John. More niche market now for collectors, older guys and hipster/students. The Mountain Bike trend killed off interest in a lot of pre 1980 built bikes and thousands must have gone to scrap. Where I live the Mountain Bike is classed as a solid commuting bike and leisure bike, they must easily make up for 70% of sales.
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Post by wheelson on Jan 3, 2021 23:34:25 GMT
Don’t know where you’re located but here in the USA most thrift shops even many bike shops have ‘70s era bikes that can be had for little or nothing. The owner of the shop I contract with pitches cheap old stuff two or three times a year. If you plan to refurbish old bikes, pick up some old wheels in various sizes, great for just a test fit if too far gone for real use. This is a tip aimed at any reader, not just the original poster. I agree, you have to pick your battles, admitting that I’ve chosen unwisely more than once. Best , John “wheelson” They are becoming less common in the UK, John. More niche market now for collectors, older guys and hipster/students. The Mountain Bike trend killed off interest in a lot of pre 1980 built bikes and thousands must have gone to scrap. Where I live the Mountain Bike is classed as a solid commuting bike and leisure bike, they must easily make up for 70% of sales. Here in Western Pennsylvania USA, our shop (prior to COVID) sold mostly hybrids and mountain bikes due mainly to the many rail trails, state park and ski resort mtb trails. Next were medium to higher end road bikes for local club riders and a ladies’ tri group. We’ve recently been selling a lot of used bikes because of the unavailability of new ones. There are several guys who patrol the neighborhoods with their pickup trucks on the nights prior to garbage pickup days, and after retrieving any salable scrap metal, stop by at the shop to sell any bike we’re willing to pay a few $ for ($5 -25 max). Then as parts are stripped off or added on and the back room fills up with unusable stuff, the same guys get that back for free, as well as scrapped metal and components from repairs. It’s a nice system and forces me to keep working at the shop as I get first dibs on the “old school stuff” as the owner calls it! Best, John “wheelson”
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