Post by Stella on May 3, 2014 10:36:38 GMT
Not so much a Viscount specific technical topic, but something that might come in handy for anyone buying a Viscount (or any other old steel bike) based on a picture or two and being confronted with in the title mentioned problem.
Upon closer inspection of the Thame bike, I discovered that the drive side drop out was bent wide open. I suspect the original derailleur was caught in the wheel, which explains the existence of the Suntour RD when everything else was Huret. From experience (with forks or even whole frames) I know that it's easy when it comes to steel frames: you just reverse what's causes the damage. But even with steel, there's a good chance of it snapping. Given my recent bad luck with frames (poor blue Sport frame), I was prepared for the worse.
First, I tried to clamp it into a vice and bend down the frame, but the whole thing slipped. After a few other thoughts I discussed with a mate who's got plenty of experience and he pushed me in the right direction: long pole/seat post shoved over the drop out and then bending it back with leverage. In the absence of a pole in my flat, I rummaged around as I knew I had a large socket; paired with an adjustable spanner it's as good, if not better than a pole.
Attachment Deleted
I can only upload three pictures per post, so the 'what I did to solve it' will be in the next post.
Upon closer inspection of the Thame bike, I discovered that the drive side drop out was bent wide open. I suspect the original derailleur was caught in the wheel, which explains the existence of the Suntour RD when everything else was Huret. From experience (with forks or even whole frames) I know that it's easy when it comes to steel frames: you just reverse what's causes the damage. But even with steel, there's a good chance of it snapping. Given my recent bad luck with frames (poor blue Sport frame), I was prepared for the worse.
First, I tried to clamp it into a vice and bend down the frame, but the whole thing slipped. After a few other thoughts I discussed with a mate who's got plenty of experience and he pushed me in the right direction: long pole/seat post shoved over the drop out and then bending it back with leverage. In the absence of a pole in my flat, I rummaged around as I knew I had a large socket; paired with an adjustable spanner it's as good, if not better than a pole.
Attachment DeletedI can only upload three pictures per post, so the 'what I did to solve it' will be in the next post.
