|
|
Post by slowroller on Apr 25, 2015 1:46:40 GMT
I recently bought two Viscount Aerospaces from two different sellers, one local, one on eBay. They appear very similar, but some details make me wonder if they are different models. Maybe someone in this community can shed some light.
Frames appear identical except for one detail which I will describe, frames are pearlescent silver/white; insert panels are black on one, brilliant metallic blue on the other one. The black one has a front Nisi-Evian clincher rim laced to a Viscount high-flange hub (rear appears to be from some other bike), the blue one has a pair of AVA tubular rims, also on Viscount hubs.
I'd assume the wheels described are original to the bikes. I would also assume from what I have been able to find online that both are Aerospace Pros, but the black one with the clincher rim has threaded adjuster screw holes (no screws) on the dropouts, while the blue one has non-adjuster dropouts. Did Viscount change spec over the course of production, or they two different models?
Also, the black bike had black foam bar grips (which also appeared to be original), while the blue one has black cotton bar tape.
OK, Panel of Experts, what have I got? |
|
Jem
Viscount
?
Posts: 3,390 
|
Post by Jem on Apr 26, 2015 17:35:34 GMT
I think there is another thread with clincher/tubs discussion at moment, but to re-cap, the grey/black was clincher, grey/blue was tubs. But it would seem that you could perhaps get the dealer to swap them over if they had stock and were amenable etc So it's quite possible to have either combo straight out of the shop when new, regardless of what the brochures said.
I'm not very good with the specifics on the detail of the fine adjustment screws on the drop out - I can't even remember what is on mine off the top of my head.Sorry. I'll look in next weekened
And with the foam/cotton bar covering, I'm not the person to ask, but I could again quite easily see individual dealers making little custom changes to make a sale...that is my take on it.
For example, if a bike had shorty mudguards but I wanted long, then I'd certainly do the 'i'm walking away' or you have a sale if you put long on...sounds feasible to me
|
|
|
|
Post by cusqueno on Apr 26, 2015 19:07:03 GMT
I think sooper8 must be right about some detail differences being down to dealers and buyers' preferences. For instance, when I bought my Aerospace 400 in (IIRC) 1981, I asked for a rear rack, full mudguards (fenders) and a Mirrcycle mirror to be fitted before delivery, none of which were standard.
In addition, the Pro was one of Viscount's most enduring models, being produced in one form or another from 1975 (1974?) to around 1979. I think. The equipment fitted did vary over this period. When coupled with Viscount's tendency to fit what they had rather than what the spec called for (no ISO 9000 then!), the wonder is rather that any two Pros were ever exactly identical.
|
|
|
|
Post by 54roadie on Apr 27, 2015 2:38:03 GMT
The black one has a front Nisi-Evian clincher rim laced to a Viscount high-flange hub (rear appears to be from some other bike), the blue one has a pair of AVA tubular rims, also on Viscount hubs.
I'd assume the wheels described are original to the bikes. I would also assume from what I have been able to find online that both are Aerospace Pros, but the black one with the clincher rim has threaded adjuster screw holes (no screws) on the dropouts, while the blue one has non-adjuster dropouts. Did Viscount change spec over the course of production, or they two different models?
OK, Panel of Experts, what have I got? From what I remember, and from what I've learned, Viscount swapped out the dropouts with the adjuster holes for the non-adjuster model, sometime in early production. I've not seen many with the screws or even just holes, most are like your second bike (and my Viscount Pro, too). |
|
bendo
Viscount
Posts: 538
|
Post by bendo on Apr 30, 2015 10:53:57 GMT
None of my three Aerospaces have the rear dropout with the adjuster screw, much to my chagrin. Neither my Victor, my Sport or my Pro. Interestingly only the Pro has the built-in derailleur hanger. The other two require bolt-on cable hangers.
I have a pair of Dura Ace drop-outs with cable hanger and adjuster holes ready to go onto the Sport... one day. Would mean taking the torch to a relatively new paintjob though.
b
|
|
|
|
Post by Danny on May 19, 2015 21:28:11 GMT
My 1978 Aerospace Sport has rear dropouts with threaded holes for adjuster screws (but didn't come with screws).
The dropouts are marked "SunTour".
|
|
|
|
Post by utedeej on May 20, 2015 4:20:30 GMT
Mine Dura Ace Viscount has dropout adjuster screws - don't know what year it is though - mid 70's?
|
|
