robt
Viscount
Posts: 562 
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Post by robt on Jul 17, 2015 21:52:28 GMT
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Post by triitout on Jul 18, 2015 2:12:26 GMT
Love the group shot. I'm still working on getting all seven of mine in a good showing arrangement. The perils of N + 1!
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Jul 18, 2015 6:51:49 GMT
Looking good Rob. There's something thrilling about a group shot. In fact, we perhaps should have gotten a big group shot of the bikes last weekend, as it was most likely the biggest gathering of Viscount/Lambert since the early 80's when race team were about.
I think your Victor could really be a 'looker' for Viscount aficionados, as it is a curious bike with the lugs and brazing. I will eventually hunt one down.
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 562
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Post by robt on Nov 1, 2015 14:41:35 GMT
x5. I picked this Grand Sport up yesterday:  Untitled by RMT@261, on Flickr I'm feeling a bit selfish, as I didn't flag the eBay ad to anyone else here whose need for a GS may be greater than mine, e.g. you don't already have one, & I'm very sorry if it's the bike of your dreams. The deal was done for an embarrassingly low price, and the charming vendor also gave me the ruby red workstand he'd made himself, the Zefal frame pump, a spare set of original pedals ('sorry that the dust caps are missing') a box of assorted tools and 42x290mm 18g stainless steel spokes & nipples that he'd bought to re-spoke the front wheel as he had already done for the rear. Quick tour of the highlights: 24" fillet brazed Aerospace frame no.116846* in metallic-flecked light blue powder coat with matching half-chromed steel fork & strawberry-red seat tube contrast panel; SR Apex 52/42 chain set; Suntour Cyclone pedals with Christophe toeclips & straps; Shimano Altus LT rear mech; 14-24 5-speed block; Mafac drilled brake levers with Cane Creek gum hoods (no extension levers); Weinmann 605 side-pull brakes; Milremo 27" alloy rims with 1x11/8" Michelin Select tyres; low-flange Shimano hubs with lubrication ports. Spare pedals are marked 'Olimpic Pista'. *The last three numbers on the frame number stamp aren't very distinct, so '846' might be '348' or similar. The frame looks and feels more than 1/2" bigger than my other GS (frame no. 103152), and has a number of different fittings that may or may not be original. If (when) I take the wheels etc. off, I'll run a tape across the frame tubes to compare dimensions. The fork crown looks similar to the aluminium "Death Fork" shape, but a magnet will stick to the fork blades, so it appears to be steel. It would be interesting to know if my sandy-gold GS was Bilston-made and the light blue one a newer Potters Bar product. Anyway, the sun is shining, so I need to take it for a ride. |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Nov 1, 2015 19:06:40 GMT
I'm feeling a bit selfish, as I didn't flag the eBay ad to anyone else here whose need for a GS may be greater than mine, e.g. you don't already have one, & I'm very sorry if it's the bike of your dreams. The deal was done for an embarrassingly low price, and the charming vendor also gave me the ruby red workstand he'd made himself, the Zefal frame pump, a spare set of original pedals ('sorry that the dust caps are missing') a box of assorted tools and 42x290mm 18g stainless steel spokes & nipples that he'd bought to re-spoke the front wheel as he had already done for the rear. No need to feel bad about picking up another Viscount, Rob! You may have saved it from a terrible fate? That is a great acquisition. Looks very nice indeed. How was your ride? And as for all the 'extras', I am a big believer in some sort of karma or circularity of good will. It's such a nice feeling to give things to people who appreciate them and I bet the seller was pleased that you were a proper cyclist who would make use of the stuff. In terms of flagging things up on here...well, that's a tough one isn't it? If you don't want it and don't flag it up, someone here might miss it. If you want it, flag it up and then bid between ourselves, then it isn't a great plan either. I guess there is a 'grey area' somewhere amongst those sets on the Venn diagram. I'd be in real trouble if a 400AX came up,was close by and it was 23"...my principles of love and peace might be overwhelmed by the desire to have it! |
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Post by velocipete on Nov 1, 2015 19:34:25 GMT
If it's not my size,I don't need it,or I've got no room for it,I'll flag it up.Assuming I've seen
it in the first place!
I know what you mean Jem. If it's something that is ideal for you,post it up and just say "it's mine!"
I'm sure everyone here would respect that.
Cheers,
Pete
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 562
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Post by robt on Nov 1, 2015 20:39:00 GMT
Jem, I didn't get out for that ride - the rear brake is binding a bit (sticky cable?) and Mrs T had some other suggestions regarding what might be the best use of my time this afternoon. Something to do with the kitchen being refitted this week, apparently.
Did you see my post on 'other bikes' about the Viking roadster in Birmingham? It might be an alternative to the Victor you've been looking for. Let me know if you want me to run a tape measure up the seatpost.
To you and Pete - thanks for the understanding and forgiveness!
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Nov 1, 2015 21:27:45 GMT
Did you see my post on 'other bikes' about the Viking roadster in Birmingham? It might be an alternative to the Victor you've been looking for. Let me know if you want me to run a tape measure up the seatpost. I did see it thanks, but not for me. I've decided not to get anything else that needs any work doing, or I don't desperately want/need. I've had half finished builds in various states of repair stretching back an embarrassing length of time. Partly due my lack of skill, time and space. |
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 562
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Post by robt on Nov 1, 2015 22:03:43 GMT
Jem,
I quite understand and agree.
My Sebring and Sport frames are away being painted at the moment, and will need building up when I get them back or they will end up as wall art.
The last thing I really needed was another bike to spruce up, but these Viscounts have the power to draw you in...
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Post by triitout on Nov 2, 2015 0:04:26 GMT
Did you see my post on 'other bikes' about the Viking roadster in Birmingham? It might be an alternative to the Victor you've been looking for. Let me know if you want me to run a tape measure up the seatpost. I did see it thanks, but not for me. I've decided not to get anything else that needs any work doing, or I don't desperately want/need. I've had half finished builds in various states of repair stretching back an embarrassing length of time. Partly due my lack of skill, time and space. Jem, I feel your pain. My LBS always gives me THE LOOK when I wander in with yet another Viscount project gone astray for them to bail me out on, and I want the bike on the road NOW! Thank goodness they've got a few fellows as old as me who know how to fix old bikes. |
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Post by velocipete on Nov 2, 2015 8:23:02 GMT
Did you see my post on 'other bikes' about the Viking roadster in Birmingham? It might be an alternative to the Victor you've been looking for. Let me know if you want me to run a tape measure up the seatpost. I did see it thanks, but not for me. I've decided not to get anything else that needs any work doing, or I don't desperately want/need. I've had half finished builds in various states of repair stretching back an embarrassing length of time. Partly due my lack of skill, time and space. Jem,there's a few "interesting" Viscounts on the bay at the moment. 2 Marathons,and a junior bike labeled as a Fiesta,do we have that on our list? The mens Marathon may be your size,it'll be a good pub bike. Cheers, Pete. |
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Post by scottw on Nov 2, 2015 12:01:25 GMT
Great buy Rob, was tempted myself but had my eyes on the Viscount pedals with dust caps which went for well above my budget. My suspicion is there were a few of us bidding against each other.
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Post by cusqueno on Nov 2, 2015 12:07:03 GMT
Viscount Fiesta.  Fiesta_age_6-10 by Cusqueno, on Flickr Too small for me :-) and probably too small for my 11 year old son I'm afraid. Incidentally, I'm pretty sure I've got some Fiesta decals / transfers / stickers if anyone buys the frame and needs to replace them. |
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Post by velocipete on Nov 2, 2015 12:49:14 GMT
Thanks John. That's the same as LewisG had at DFR2 then? I didn't notice the name on it.
Cheers,
Pete.
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 562
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Post by robt on Dec 2, 2015 22:31:39 GMT
Here are the results of the respray and re-decaling(?) on my Sport frame:  Untitled by RMT@261, on Flickr  Untitled by RMT@261, on Flickr  Untitled by RMT@261, on Flickr  Untitled by RMT@261, on Flickr I thought that I was trying to capture the spirit of another Great British roadster:  austin-healey-3000-mki_15353 by RMT@261, on Flickr What I hadn't realised until this evening, however, is that if you look very hard at my new avatar picture (taken in about 1965), the A/S Pro-style headtube darts have been in my mind for a long time.....  Untitled by RMT@261, on Flickr Spooky! So, over to you The Jury, is it a tasteful interpretation of mid/late 20th century transport styling, or a bad-taste mash-up? |
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Post by triitout on Dec 3, 2015 2:29:38 GMT
I say Kudos to you. A big thumbs up! You took a blank canvas and gave it your own interpretation of something very meaningful to you and that's what it's all about. NICE
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Post by velocipete on Dec 3, 2015 7:41:57 GMT
Droolworthy! As is the big Healey. What Ral numbers did you use,I'm rather
partial to the combination.
Great job.
Cheers,
Pete.
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bendo
Viscount
Posts: 538
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Post by bendo on Dec 3, 2015 11:56:14 GMT
Colour scheme is on point, as they say. I really like the white flashes and the white section on the seat tube. And the paint job itself looks spot on. The decals too. If I had a gripe it would be that the down tube decal is a little low. But I'm only saying that because your Sport has a built in RD hanger and axle adjuster holes and mine doesn't. >:{
But seriously, I think definitely no mash-up. I'd be pretty pleased if I had come up with that job. b
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 562
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Post by robt on Dec 3, 2015 19:44:23 GMT
Thanks for the endorsements, guys! Pete - paints used were Ruby Red (RAL3003) and Oyster White (RAL1303). In the photo below, you can just about see the difference between the oyster white on the seat tube and what I assume is pure white on the demarcation band decals. A drop of yellow goes in the white paint pot to make Oyster White, I think.  Untitled by RMT@261, on Flickr Bendo, you have a good eye. Yes, the lower band on the seat tube is a bit too low at 140mm above the bottom bracket, and I am likely to have to fasten the derailleur clamp over it if I go full 10 speed. Though seeing Busaste's 13-34 freewheel is making me think that one of those driven off a 48T single chain wheel might be enough for a lightweight 'leisure' bike. That's about how my Victor is currently set up. Just to add to your axle adjuster envy, these shiny little beauties dropped though my letterbox from a nice Ebay seller today:  Untitled by RMT@261, on Flickr |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Dec 4, 2015 20:47:25 GMT
Well, that really is looking so smooth and clean! I love it Rob! Great work. It's funny you should say about the spooky subconscious link to your childhood bike. I posted a pic of my first bike up on here from about 1971 and Pete pointed out that it had front and rear pannier racks, just as my Deore has. I hadn't thought about it or done it consciously but maybe many of our tastes are shaped very early on? You don't do the shirt, tie and shorts combo anymore though do you?  |
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Post by 54roadie on Dec 5, 2015 7:59:12 GMT
Oh, man! That oozes class. So, in my mind, the dilemma is - do you go for the single chainring and not mess with the paint and separator bands, or polish up a set of OEM cranks, complete with a mirror finish porthole ring?
These days, perhaps, you could get a 14-36 6 speed standard or 7 speed narrow spaced freewheel from SRAM, and run a single 52T porthole? Either way, it's beautiful.
Frank
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bendo
Viscount
Posts: 538
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Post by bendo on Dec 5, 2015 13:04:34 GMT
SRAM do freewheels?
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 562
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Post by robt on Dec 8, 2015 19:27:45 GMT
Well, that really is looking so smooth and clean! I love it Rob! Great work. It's funny you should say about the spooky subconscious link to your childhood bike. I posted a pic of my first bike up on here from about 1971 and Pete pointed out that it had front and rear pannier racks, just as my Deore has. I hadn't thought about it or done it consciously but maybe many of our tastes are shaped very early on? You don't do the shirt, tie and shorts combo anymore though do you? Thanks, Jem. So might I have spotted Stella's first bike in an antique shop in Tetbury at the weekend? The label on it said 160 pounds, which I assumed was the price until I tried to move it for the picture:  Untitled by RMT@261, on Flickr Regarding the shirt, tie and shorts - I prefer not to remove my jacket or waistcoat until after dinner these days:  Untitled by RMT@261, on Flickr Rob. |
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Post by 54roadie on Dec 9, 2015 0:17:43 GMT
Sorry, showing my age, apparently. Not any more. Frank |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Dec 9, 2015 19:15:43 GMT
Well, that really is looking so smooth and clean! I love it Rob! Great work. It's funny you should say about the spooky subconscious link to your childhood bike. I posted a pic of my first bike up on here from about 1971 and Pete pointed out that it had front and rear pannier racks, just as my Deore has. I hadn't thought about it or done it consciously but maybe many of our tastes are shaped very early on? You don't do the shirt, tie and shorts combo anymore though do you? Regarding the shirt, tie and shorts - I prefer not to remove my jacket or waistcoat until after dinner these days: Untitled by RMT@261, on Flickr Rob. That is a classic shot! |
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Post by busaste on Mar 9, 2017 20:20:12 GMT
AMAZING work! Who did those decals? Easily the best I have ever seen. VeloCals?
Regards
Steve
Here are the results of the respray and re-decaling(?) on my Sport frame: Untitled by RMT@261, on Flickr Untitled by RMT@261, on Flickr Untitled by RMT@261, on Flickr Untitled by RMT@261, on Flickr I thought that I was trying to capture the spirit of another Great British roadster: austin-healey-3000-mki_15353 by RMT@261, on Flickr What I hadn't realised until this evening, however, is that if you look very hard at my new avatar picture (taken in about 1965), the A/S Pro-style headtube darts have been in my mind for a long time..... Untitled by RMT@261, on Flickr Spooky! So, over to you The Jury, is it a tasteful interpretation of mid/late 20th century transport styling, or a bad-taste mash-up? |
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 562
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Post by robt on Mar 11, 2017 14:33:43 GMT
Steve, yes, Velocals produced the head tube and down tube badges, and the down tube strips, as part of an order I placed with a 'Victor' top tube logo. The Viscount, Aerospace etc lettering stickers came from a UK internet supplier. I'm still working to get my Victor up to a standard that justifies fitting the top tube decal, but its original head tube & down tube badges are still intact, if a little bit faded.
Velocals were extraordinarily helpful, even happy to discuss by email the shade of gold I wanted for the badge surround and the combination of White, Gold & Black banding on the down tube strips. They also produced the Victor logo based on a screenshot taken from Bendo's photos on this forum. It all felt enormously self-indulgent, but I avoided the overseas postage charge by having the finished decals posted to a friend who was on holiday in the USA. Velocals even timed the courier delivery to match my friend's availability. I have a feeling that they are used to dealing with people who 'suffer' from perfectionist tendencies!
I have found that the A/S Sport fork's headset crown race seat appears to be out-of-round, so even though a 27mm JIS bearing crown race will fit onto it, it doesn't sit square, giving some wobble in the headset. Does anyone know if crown race seats can easily be machined down from 27.0 mm (ish) to a nice round 26.4 mm, so that I can fit an ISO headset instead? It would be a shame to have to fit another fork now this one has been painted to match the frame.
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Post by busaste on Mar 12, 2017 15:01:19 GMT
Ah, Velocals, I thought it must be them. The best repro. stickers I have seen to date. I had a Dura-Ace sticker from them a few years ago and it was indistinguishable from the original. Pretty impressive!
My LBS Hewitt Cycles (Leyland, Lancashire) has a tool which can reduce the diameter of the base of a steerer tube so that the bottom cone of an ISO 26.4mm headset can be fitted. They just pop the forks in a vice, slide on the tool (no machining as such is required, the metal is cut/filed off), turn the handles to remove some of the metal and the job is done. Takes 5 minutes, tops. I've had a few of my Viscount forks 'improved' this way!! It's surprising how many 'round' parts leave factories being anything but er, round!
Cheers
Steve
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 562
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Post by robt on Mar 12, 2017 18:13:07 GMT
Steve, many thanks for the very useful tip. There are a couple of good places here in the West Midlands that may have the same tool. I'll ask around. Edit - I've found a link to a Park Tools Crown Race cutting and Facing tool. At least I now know what I'm looking for. Currently listed at $450 on Amazon USA, so I don't think I'll be buying one of my own! |
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