Jem
Viscount
?
Posts: 3,418 
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Post by Jem on Jun 28, 2015 17:03:02 GMT
Background story- I bought this off eBay maybe last September/October and Velocepete from this forum very kindly picked it up for me and has held it in storage all this time. I only really bought it because the price was right and I thought I could re-sell the Brooks saddle, and use the wheels on a Viscount Pro project. I finally picked it up this weekend,and what a delightful bike it is! I just took it for a spin and it rides like a beauty. Not original (although I'm not complaining at the Campy down tube shifters) and not perfect, but very nice bike and way lighter than I expected for a bike from 60's(?) or earlier?. Birmalux wheels with the front having the Viscount branded qr. The front lamp fitting has a red 'V' bolt that could be Viking or Viscount as they have that link but my guess it would be Viscount as it seems too well preserved for a bike this age. Bendo- if I take it out and it is the same size as a seat post bolt then I will send it on to you if you still need one? I'm very fond of the lug work- really ornate and tasteful. Its a 24" frame and too big for me, which I knew when buying. The 'rust' on the frame is very superficial and not as bad as it looks on the photos. I want most of the components off it but if anyone wants to make an offer for the frame then drop me a line. I owe a few people here a favour or two so would take that into account if you wanted it.  Camera Roll-145 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  Camera Roll-156 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  Camera Roll-155 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  Camera Roll-154 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  Camera Roll-153 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  Camera Roll-152 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  Camera Roll-151 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  Camera Roll-149 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  Camera Roll-148 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  Camera Roll-147 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  Camera Roll-146 by Sooper 8, on Flickr |
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Post by velocipete on Jun 28, 2015 17:48:13 GMT
As I said Jem,I reckon it's a frame from the mid to late '50's,as the tour of Britain wins were earlier.The race then became the Milk Race.
It's a great frame for the taller riders amongst us.The later parts were probably added as and when the originals needed replacement.Wall did
that,and improved things along the way.
All in all,it's in fine fettle for being older than you! He He.
Cheers,
Pete.
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Jem
Viscount
?
Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Jun 29, 2015 21:32:56 GMT
Just found a handy little 'dater' on this Viking site. Will check it out tomorrow when I get the serial off it. In all the catalogues on that site,none show the Hosteller with brazed on pump pegs on the down tube, which mine has they are all on the top. |
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Post by stevevw on Jul 4, 2015 17:38:32 GMT
Jem I am still interested.
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Jem
Viscount
?
Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Jul 4, 2015 19:01:37 GMT
Steve - it's yours, I will bring to DFR3, if you are coming? I can post out too. You do know I will be stripping it down to frame though as I am using the parts? (I don't need headset though)
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Post by stevevw on Jul 4, 2015 22:48:46 GMT
Jem can't make DFR3 have to take the wife to see Robert Plant. Frame fork and headset works for me.
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Jem
Viscount
?
Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Jul 5, 2015 5:09:09 GMT
Jem can't make DFR3 have to take the wife to see Robert Plant. Frame fork and headset works for me. Ah yes, I remember now. I can box up and post or see if there's a DFR3 attendee willing to take it south for you. Either way, leave it with me, I will get it to you. |
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Jem
Viscount
?
Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Jul 6, 2015 21:05:19 GMT
Striped it down tonight. Some really nice little touches on it. I will either bring it to DFR3 and see if anyone from down south will take it and you can pick up from them Steve? Or I can post out to you? I left the bb/spindle intact as it looks almost new and I don't need it. Headset/fork is looking all fine. I left seat post in (it's moving about, no issues) I like this brazed rear break hanger 'hoop'. I also like the cut away bit on the fork, purely for aesthetics. Then the double cable guide on top tube. The head badge is very fine. And the lug work is very tasty!  Camera Roll-222 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  Camera Roll-229 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  Camera Roll-223 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  Camera Roll-231 by Sooper 8, on Flickr  Camera Roll-225 by Sooper 8, on Flickr |
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Post by stevevw on Jul 7, 2015 15:37:59 GMT
Jem
Looks good, Probably best to post if that is Ok with you. What with the wife going in hospital on the 14th I doubt I will be able to get out to collect.
Just let me know how much I owe you and how you want paying and I will sort it.
I look forward to meeting you at some point.
Cheers Steve
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Post by stevevw on Jul 7, 2015 15:53:31 GMT
jem
Do you know the frame number please.
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Jul 7, 2015 16:28:27 GMT
Yes, will post off after the weekend no problem. Number on rear drop is AJ 453, then one under bb is 7080. This doesn't give an exact date but it looks to be mid -late 50's as Pete suggests classicvikingcycles.com/frame-number-register/Another issue with dating it is that all the brochures/catalogues show pump pegs on top tube not down as on this one. |
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Post by velocipete on Jul 7, 2015 18:17:19 GMT
Jem,that just makes it rarer,therefore,more desirable!
Whoever gets it,and it fits them,will really enjoy it!
Cheers,
Pete.
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Post by raymondo on Jul 8, 2015 20:40:38 GMT
Jem, Ill bring it back for Steve.
I live closeish and can drop it off at Grahams place for Steve to collect.
Let me know
Ray
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Jem
Viscount
?
Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Jul 8, 2015 21:15:05 GMT
Jem, Ill bring it back for Steve. I live closeish and can drop it off at Grahams place for Steve to collect. Let me know Ray Sounds good to me. |
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Post by stevevw on Jul 9, 2015 7:28:10 GMT
Ray
That would be great. I have to see Graham when he is back from his holiday.
Thanks all and have a great weekend.
Steve
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Jem
Viscount
?
Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Sept 10, 2015 21:05:55 GMT
As I said Jem,I reckon it's a frame from the mid to late '50's,as the tour of Britain wins were earlier.The race then became the Milk Race. It's a great frame for the taller riders amongst us.The later parts were probably added as and when the originals needed replacement.Wall did that,and improved things along the way. All in all,it's in fine fettle for being older than you! He He. Cheers, Pete. Pete - you must be very attuned to this age of bike? I mailed the person who runs the main Viking web page and dater - he is the guru on all things viking. He said mid to late 50's frame number but decals a little later. Spot on! |
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Post by velocipete on Sept 11, 2015 6:20:57 GMT
We aim to please! As I said,A bike someone ,Steve,will enjoy very much.
Cheers,
Pete.
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Post by stevevw on Sept 11, 2015 11:27:46 GMT
Pete
This frame gives me pleasure every day when i go to the garage on my way to and from work. Will be some time before I get round to getting her back on the road as i am snowed under with other projects including another Viscount.
As for date I think 1961 would be the earliest for this frame. It has the rear cable mount for cantilever brakes and in the pictures I can see it is fitted with the first generation Weinmann Vainqueur 999 calipers. These first came to the UK for racers in 1959 but went on general sale in 1961. Having said that I see that the 1960 catalogue shows the Vainqueur 999 I suppose the catalogue could have been printed late 1960? who knows with Viking - Lambert - Viscount - Trusty. The headbadge is the one used for the racing models of the 60's. The frame numbers on most Vikings are all over the place so I feel dating from the number is not a reliable way. I have a Seven valley V251 dated as 53/4 but another V978 is dated as 51!
I must say i am not that bothered what year it is, still is a very nice frameset.
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