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Post by franco on Mar 11, 2020 11:47:03 GMT
Hi all from the East Midlands, Ive been reading through these boards for a while and thought I’d share my Viscount, great source of info here btw! A bit of backstory, I started working on old bikes a while ago and was always curious about Viscount as I vaguely remember them from childhood. Finally picked up this model last year. The frame is in good condition, no rust although the decals are getting tired. I replaced the head decal but unsure what to do with the others, either live with them or use what is available online. The wheels were shot but I was lucky to find some brand new Rigida Chromix 27 1 1/4 at the local LBS, the 5 speed block, chain and tires are new but it still has the Simplex components and Shimano Tourney brake calipers. I love riding this bike and think it has a Sports Roadster feel to it, so I installed North Road handlebars and a sprung saddle. Had a few issues with the original crank, no matter what cotter pins I use or which way I install then the crank arms are slightly off 180 degrees. I think the axel is actually ‘stretched in’, so not sure whether to replace it or go square taper. In the early 1980’s I had more battles with cotter pins so in a strange way I want to preserve it as it is  The serial number is: 121194, I know these were made between 79-81, but does anyone have any idea which year it could be? Here are some pics...    Im on the lookout for an Aerospace model now! |
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Post by franco on Mar 11, 2020 12:01:14 GMT
I think the second digit is a 2, here are more pics   |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,388 
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Post by Jem on Mar 21, 2020 9:50:09 GMT
Hi Franco - Really sorry I missed your post ....I'm also East Midlands (although we sometimes get called West Midlands depending on who wants us, or doesn't want us)
This bike is of interest to me because when I first got a Viscount in about 1980, my friend got the black Colorado. His was set up from the shop with long mudguards and toe clips. We both had many happy miles on them - the only negative I can say about the Colorado was the pedal/front wheel overlap - he nearly went off several times (and damaged his front mudguard ) until he sort of just got into a rhythm that missed the overlap. It could have been because of the toe clips and the long mudguard, but I seem to recall it might not have been. I loved the silver decals on this/
So, in terms of date, you have just about narrowed it down as far as you can I think. The frame number doesn't help as no one knows what they mean.
But the best method (if you can trust that the components are original?) is to hunt for the very tiny , and often hidden, date codes on the Shimano parts and the Google Shimano date codes.
But again - these could be older parts put on a newer frame , or just none originals that throw you off.
I posted them up on this site but can't find it now.
That is a great looking town bike and glad to see it still being used.
Welcome to the forum and sorry for the delay in responding!
Regards
Jem
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Post by cusqueno on Mar 23, 2020 12:19:04 GMT
The Shimano codes are two capital letters. The first is the year and the second is the month. The years start with 1976 as A and months with A as January. Os and Is are both used. The years just start again after Z, so 1991 is Z, if I've calculated correctly, and 1992 is A again.
There are some reports of Shimano using date codes before 1976, but this isn't certain. The date codes as Jem says are often difficult to find and are not always in the same place on the same component. They aren't on all components and I think are limited to alloy parts - so don't expect to find one on a low end steel derailleur.
SunTour also used date codes - different scheme of course but can be found on the Internet.
Hope this helps.
John
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Post by franco on Mar 23, 2020 12:57:56 GMT
Thanks for the replies. Where in the East Mids are you Sooper? I’m not far from Nottingham, so firmly East.
I’ll have a look at the Tourney calipers to see if there are any stamps, everything else on it is Simplex and the levers were changed to Weinmann before I owned the bike.
Was kind of hoping it was a 1979 as that was the year my missus was born! As much as this does not amuse her and she thinks I’m having a midlife crisis.
I’ve not had any problems catching the front wheel but not using toe clips on this bike. It’s great to ride, even with the limited gearing I’m not really struggling on basic hills but wouldn’t take it on a 20 mile ride as it is.
I’ve just picked up a Tony Doyle frame and forks project after selling a Reynolds 531 bike, not sure what to do with it yet but I’ll definitely update here when I start work on it.
Thanks again.
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Post by sprockit on Mar 23, 2020 15:34:24 GMT
Welcome to the fold Franco!
Regarding the Shimano date codes I have a rear hub marked GA which I know is from January 1983, with G for 1983 and A for January, so if you work back from that then allow 3 months, it gives you an approximate retail date for the bike.
You may have to look carefully or even partially or fully dismantle the brake callipers to find the date code. Components such as hubs and spoke protectors are also date stamped, so the date stamp may be easier to find on them.
The brake callipers on my Sprint - marked ED - are from April 1981, the front hub - EK - from November 1981, and the rear hub (GA as above) from January 1983, and my Sport has components with a similarly wide date range.
It's anyone's guess how this came about, although components may have been swapped or replaced.
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Post by franco on Mar 23, 2020 19:33:23 GMT
Thanks chap.
Looks like I’ll have plenty of time to dismantle a caliper given the current situation in the UK!
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,388
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Post by Jem on Mar 23, 2020 21:24:02 GMT
Franco - I am down the A38 past Derby in Burton. We have another member here not that far from you called Scott. He does some of the bike jumbles over that way- if you've been to one, you might have seen him?
A mid life crisis? Well, it's a very low key one if it is...a bike out of the skip is hardly a Ferrari is it? haha.
I think if you can pick up an Aerospace then you'd see it's night and day over the Colorado.
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Post by franco on Mar 23, 2020 22:54:37 GMT
Franco - I am down the A38 past Derby in Burton. We have another member here not that far from you called Scott. He does some of the bike jumbles over that way- if you've been to one, you might have seen him? A mid life crisis? Well, it's a very low key one if it is...a bike out of the skip is hardly a Ferrari is it? haha. I think if you can pick up an Aerospace then you'd see it's night and day over the Colorado. Always liked Burton whenever I’ve worked around there. I missed an Aerospace Pro not long ago, some guy in Derby was selling a frame with most of the original parts on it but I was at work when the auction ended. I’ll get one eventually. Not been to any of the bike jumbles, the old guy at the LBS does them and asked if I fancied going but I declined until finances are better. I’m running out of storage space too and struggle to turn down a decent project. Aye it’s not too bad a midlife crisis is it haha. |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,388
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Post by Jem on Mar 24, 2020 14:32:24 GMT
Franco - I am down the A38 past Derby in Burton. We have another member here not that far from you called Scott. He does some of the bike jumbles over that way- if you've been to one, you might have seen him? A mid life crisis? Well, it's a very low key one if it is...a bike out of the skip is hardly a Ferrari is it? haha. I think if you can pick up an Aerospace then you'd see it's night and day over the Colorado. Always liked Burton whenever I’ve worked around there. I missed an Aerospace Pro not long ago, some guy in Derby was selling a frame with most of the original parts on it but I was at work when the auction ended. I’ll get one eventually. Not been to any of the bike jumbles, the old guy at the LBS does them and asked if I fancied going but I declined until finances are better. I’m running out of storage space too and struggle to turn down a decent project. Aye it’s not too bad a midlife crisis is it haha. What's your ideal frame size? I'll keep my eyes open for a nice Pro if you want ? |
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Post by triitout on Mar 24, 2020 17:13:30 GMT
Be patient and you'll find a nice Aerospace Pro. It only took me 5+ years to find mine in a nondescript craigs list ad. It looked like crap as it was a barn find and required a 2 hour drive but all turned out well!  IMG_0077 |
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Post by franco on Mar 24, 2020 21:03:54 GMT
That be great sooper, either 22.5 or 23, anything above would be uncomfortable. Looked at this a few times, it’s local to me as well... www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Viscount-Gran-Sport/293233612625?hash=item444615d751:g:PMUAAOSw3Wldf7VQThat’s nice triitout, cleaned up really well! Is there any news on that guys Viscount book? I’d love to read something in depth with a timeline as the brand seems to have a lot of mystique about it. Read stuff here and there about the Bilston factory and Potters Bar but it’s just scattered all over the internet. I was going to ask in the specific thread but most forums seem to be really quiet these days. |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,388
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Post by Jem on Mar 24, 2020 21:19:58 GMT
That be great sooper, either 22.5 or 23, anything above would be uncomfortable. Is there any news on that guys Viscount book? I’d love to read something in depth with a timeline as the brand seems to have a lot of mystique about it. Read stuff here and there about the Bilston factory and Potters Bar but it’s just scattered all over the internet. I'll keep an eye out but not much movement in the real world happening is there? Maybe on line. Well, Steve (Bustaste , search for his posts on here) hasn't been on line for quite a while, so while not speaking for him, I can say where things were at a couple of years back. He'd virtually finished it, and people knocked ideas about on how to publish (physical or digital etc), but then that's where it's stuck at. Hopefully it will see the light of day some time soon? |
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Post by cusqueno on Apr 5, 2020 21:33:31 GMT
I’ve got a Pro / Sport frame of that sort of size that I was going to build up to sell, to show Mrs C that bikes do sometimes leave the nest. I’ve had a year when other things have stopped me working on bikes, other than to keep running the ones I use most; but I hope to change that this year. I also have a couple of bare frames. So some sort of deal could be worked out, depending on what state you want the bike in. Unfortunately I am in SW London so delivery / collection might have to wait until the current emergency is over. I have various parts as well.
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Post by cusqueno on Apr 6, 2020 18:31:54 GMT
Not sure if it explains his absence from the forum, but Steve (busaste) is selling a lot of his late father’s rather fine mainly landscape paintings on eBay UK. Just search for Thomas Brereton on eBay or under the same handle Steve uses on this forum.
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Post by franco on Apr 6, 2020 19:58:35 GMT
I’ve got a Pro / Sport frame of that sort of size that I was going to build up to sell, to show Mrs C that bikes do sometimes leave the nest. I’ve had a year when other things have stopped me working on bikes, other than to keep running the ones I use most; but I hope to change that this year. I also have a couple of bare frames. So some sort of deal could be worked out, depending on what state you want the bike in. Unfortunately I am in SW London so delivery / collection might have to wait until the current emergency is over. I have various parts as well. That might be an option, thanks cusqueno. Ideally Frame, forks and BB at minimum. Before I signed up here I read up a fair bit about those bottom brackets being a bit of a pain, only one side is threaded isn’t it? I think it will be a while mate, can’t see any kind of normality returning until at least July and that’s being more than hopeful. |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,388
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Post by Jem on Apr 8, 2020 20:26:07 GMT
Not sure if it explains his absence from the forum, but Steve (busaste) is selling a lot of his late father’s rather fine mainly landscape paintings on eBay UK. Just search for Thomas Brereton on eBay or under the same handle Steve uses on this forum. Just had a look..wow . That is some life and some art. He was prolific. I'd love Steve to call back here sometime...I miss him so much |
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Post by franco on Apr 9, 2020 20:32:09 GMT
Had a decent run out yesterday. Since the first pictures I replaced the crank with a smaller 46T Raleigh one. The original had stretched in too much and I couldn’t get the arms at 6 o’clock no matter which way I installed a cotter pin set.  |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,388
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Post by Jem on Apr 10, 2020 6:29:57 GMT
Loving that pic Franco! That could have been taken anytime in the last 35years...haha. Great weather yesterday!
By the way - found an Aerospace Pro frame in my shed that I'd half forgotten about , some bits missing (wheels being the main part), but I think it's possibly bigger than you might be looking for...I remember riding it and it was just an inch too big and not right for me. I'm 5'8" but short inside leg (about 30").
I can get exact measure of it later, but it would perhaps be too much trouble to source parts ? (great frame btw, nothing wrong with it) and I think it's original death fork, which is another thing...
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Post by franco on Apr 10, 2020 7:51:57 GMT
Loving that pic Franco! That could have been taken anytime in the last 35years...haha. Great weather yesterday! By the way - found an Aerospace Pro frame in my shed that I'd half forgotten about , some bits missing (wheels being the main part), but I think it's possibly bigger than you might be looking for...I remember riding it and it was just an inch too big and not right for me. I'm 5'8" but short inside leg (about 30"). I can get exact measure of it later, but it would perhaps be too much trouble to source parts ? (great frame btw, nothing wrong with it) and I think it's original death fork, which is another thing... Thanks sooper. True! I love how timeless these bikes are and some of the other brands from that era, saw a guy about my age going down the road on an 80’s Peugeot the other day and it looked great in the sunshine. Certainly interested in any project like that and not too precious about condition. I’m 5’11” but similar inside leg to you, the max I could go to in frame size is 23”. Although I did ride around on a 23.6” Raleigh Eclipse a while back but had to stand with it tilted slightly when static at traffic lights. |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,388
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Post by Jem on Apr 10, 2020 19:22:39 GMT
Franco - I will measure precisely tomorrow, I know what you mean about the tilted stance at lights...It also never leaves much room for a tool bag behind/under the seat either does it?
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Post by franco on Apr 10, 2020 19:38:35 GMT
Thanks mate.
I’ve relaxed a bit with the tool bag, unless I’m going further out.
When you think back to years ago we used to go for miles with nothing more than maybe a pump on the frame. Now the tool bag is bulging with everything from a puncture kit to chain link remover and multi tools.
I’m using panniers on the Colorado at the moment because I’m picking up bits of shopping some days.
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Post by franco on Apr 18, 2020 17:30:19 GMT
I’m pleased to say Scott has set me up with an improvement on the Colorado, less sweating on hills with a double chainring from now on...  |
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Post by franco on Apr 25, 2020 16:21:07 GMT
Managed to get the Aerospace 400 out for a quick spin today. Whoever said the difference is night and day was right. This thing is lively and very light. I put some alloy Weinmann 700c wheels on it which has probably took some weight off it. I’d say it’s nearly as light as my modern Trek. The Continentals aren’t staying, they’re just what I had in the bike shed. I’ll order some gum wall soon. Not sure about the blue bar tape but the LBS didn’t have much in and this is old stock Italian tape so thought I’d give it a go.  |
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Post by cusqueno on Apr 29, 2020 14:27:05 GMT
I’ve got a Pro / Sport frame of that sort of size that I was going to build up to sell, to show Mrs C that bikes do sometimes leave the nest. I’ve had a year when other things have stopped me working on bikes, other than to keep running the ones I use most; but I hope to change that this year. I also have a couple of bare frames. So some sort of deal could be worked out, depending on what state you want the bike in. Unfortunately I am in SW London so delivery / collection might have to wait until the current emergency is over. I have various parts as well. This is the frame I meant.  Current bikes by ShouldbeCusquenobutF**krwontletmeintomyproperaccou, on Flickr I was going to build it up with Weinmann 605 brakes & levers, Dura Ace front & rear derailleurs, SR chainset, could have Viscount bottom bracket or one of the cheaper threadless ones. Nice clincher rims & shimano low flange hubs. SR seat post (I think) and stem & bars. Modern saddle. But other options could be possible. Needs some spots of surface rust attended to and to be waxed. |
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Post by franco on Apr 29, 2020 15:40:19 GMT
That looks like a 24” frame? Would have been way too big for me but thanks for posting it up. I bought a Sport off Scott besides the gold one (got the bug!) so I think I’m about set up for now  |
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Post by franco on May 2, 2020 16:20:00 GMT
I keep posting updates in this thread as I don’t think they justify a thread of their own... Took the wheels and saddle from the Colorado and put them on the Sport. The original wheels aren’t too bad but the freewheel is worn and it’s one of the older Shimano types that I thought I had a tool for, but haven’t. Rides great, I added suicide levers as well as I ride on the tops/hoods a lot.  I’ve not decommissioned the Colorado as such, might pull it back out during the winter months. |
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