Max
Viscount
The Garden Shed, UK.
Posts: 3 
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Post by Max on Oct 17, 2015 22:47:47 GMT
I was recently given this old thing covered in oil and dust and just put it in the back of the shed until I could find time to do something with it. That time has come and I started with a wash and was astonished at what I found under years of accumulated dust. I then rode it round the block and promptly sold my 2yr old Giant to fund a rebuild project. So far I have washed it and applied some Solvol Autosol to some of the chrome and alloy. The Wheel rims were too far gone so I've built a new pair of wheels for it, upgrading to a seven speed. I really can't get on with drops so rummaged around for some alternative bars... (Purists may not like it but I intend to use it and I have saved all the original parts). Anyway, once I have it the way I want I'll strip it and rebuild it properly but keep delaying as I can't resist riding it. I have never been able to eliminate numb hands after about 15 miles, until now, I think it must be down to the pronounced curve in the forks giving a more compliant ride.     |
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Post by triitout on Oct 18, 2015 3:42:18 GMT
Holy Cr*p! That looks really nice and by the way, welcome aboard! What makes these bikes great is that you can be free to set them up in a configuration that works for your needs like you just did. And you were just given this???....NICE! Great photo's and the saddle alone looks like great deal. Enjoy!
P.S. Numb hands are usually from too long of a reach and/or too much drop from saddle to handlebars or a saddle with the nose tilted down.
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Post by 54roadie on Oct 18, 2015 4:41:30 GMT
Hi Max, and welcome to the fun. That is a very nice looking bike - I'm glad to see it cleaned up to be so pristine. Can you tell me, what rims, or was it complete wheels, did you put on it?
Frank
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 559
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Post by robt on Oct 18, 2015 8:55:56 GMT
Welcome to the Viscount family reunion! That's a good piece of work with some interesting if unconventional touches. I find my Viscounts also come with a big smile that you don't always see fitted to some modern bikes.
I'd be interested to hear more about your wheel rebuild parts choices too, as I've just started building/rebuilding my own. Is the front fork lamp-mount cylinder your own build, or off the shelf?
Best wishes for many smiley miles.
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Oct 18, 2015 9:58:32 GMT
Hi and welcome Max - that's looking like a UK shed and paving slab combo?
I have said many times on here that a very good friend of mine had a Colorado back in the day - sleek looking bike (likewise, in black)
Those shiny protectors on chain ring and rear block/wheel made it different to most other Viscounts around the same time, and I see yours is original in that respect.
Looking great!
Happy riding
Jem
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Max
Viscount
The Garden Shed, UK.
Posts: 3
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Post by Max on Oct 18, 2015 11:32:12 GMT
Thanks for the welcome. Can anyone tell me what year it was made?
It was given to me by an octogenarian gentleman who said he would rather it were broken for spares than go to the tip.
I have changed the ‘bars, saddle, wheels and mudguards. The wheels are my own build from some Quando hubs and the cheapest alloy rims I could find on ebay (excel, £16 pair). The saddle is off a 2000 Dawes Super Galaxy (given to me, coincidentally by an octogenarian gentleman giving up cycling). The front fork lamp mount is of my own design, spun up by a friend on his lathe. The chrome is not so good on the chainring / spoke protectors but I think they really make it.
How very perceptive of you sooper8, the shed and paving slab combo are indeed UK spec, Warwickshire in fact.
I’d really like to know more about it and will go and visit my benefactor to see what more he can tell me, when I get the time.
Thanks for the welcome again.
Max.
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Oct 18, 2015 13:59:02 GMT
My best bet would be '80 -'81.
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