IRD Defiant crank set and fluted Shimano seat post Part 1

After recently scrutinising the standard Guv'nor crank set in my January 2013 post, I decided to hunt down a replacement crank set that was more suited to the style of the bike.

After a bit more research I discovered the fluted IRD Defiant crank set. These fluted cranks are also based on the Campagnolo and Sugino track cranks of the 1970's as were most of the cranks featured in the post. The Defiant crank set is also very pleasing on the eye, and beautifully crafted too.

Apart from damn good looks I found the Defiant cranks to be the most suitable choice because they come standard with a 46 tooth chain wheel for a 1/8 track chain. Most of the other alternatives only come with a 42 tooth chain wheel for a 3/32 thickness chain, and this is not really suited to the Guv'nor.

First of all I needed a 46T ring because the 42T that comes fitted as standard on the bike is too small as I have a Sturmey Archer 20T rear sprocket.....this combo just isn't right for me. The original 42T ring is also for a 3/32 chain, also unusual because the original chain is a 1/8 chain, and the rear 20T sprocket is also for a 1/8 chain, so although the original 42T 3/32 chainring works...it just isn't quite right!  

After hunting on the internet I got my IRD cranks from Bikewagon (USA) at a good "Make an Offer" price....as usual the range of prices on the internet are quite astonishing.

Here are the cranks....

.....and so there I was with my new fluted crank set and it dawned on me that the cranks would look even better if I had a fluted seat post to match. After many sleepless hours searching the net I was lucky enough to locate a New Old Stock Shimano Dura Ace model SP-7400 fluted seat post that was the correct diameter of 27.0mm - a lucky find as pictured below.

 



Shimano Dura Ace model SP-7400 seat post.

It is now only a matter of finding the time to fit the two components to the bike, and between my work life and my home life, time is one thing that I always seem to be short of!

Once fitted I'll post some images...until then, safe riding.

James 

1949 Hetchins road racing bicycle.

The Old Bicycle Showroom has often been referred to as "Britain's most traditional bicycle shop". They dominate sales of vintage bicycle parts and often stock a varied range of classic vintage bicycles for sale.

I have noticed an increase in their vintage bicycle stocks recently and always enjoy browsing through their on-line catalogue. Log onto their site at http://www.theoldbicycleshowroom.co.uk/index.asp and subscribe to their mailing list to receive an updated list of vintage bicycles for sale. Their images of classic vintage cycles are always a pleasure to view. 

I recently spotted a magnificent 1949 Hetchins road racing bicycle on their list of vintage bikes for sale, however the item had been quickly snapped up by a discerning vintage bicycle enthusiast.  

The beauty of this bicycle blew me away....so I thought I'd share the images with you.
 

1949 Hetchins road bicycle.


  

A typically curved 'Hetchins' chainstay and Chater Lea cranks. 

 

Magnificent "Hetchins" detailing on the head tube. Great lugs too!!


The bicycle is described as below:

A rare and beautiful Hetchins six day model road racing bicycle with Super Special lug work. 22" frame re-finished in black enamel retaining the original transfers and original chrome work. Frame number: 493468. Apparently purchased from Hetchins the 21st March 1950 for £32-15s-1d as a complete bicycle according to the label with the bicycle.

Bought recently as just a frame which was then sympathetically re-finished and then built up with period components with a few exceptions like the rims and brakes. A very rare bicycle from this sort-after maker with lovely patina.

The frame has a concave indent just in front the rear wheel on the saddle tube which was a feature of this model.

Well preserved seat tube decal - beautiful! 

 

An image capturing the indented seat tube.



A classic chromed GB quilled stem.

Specifications:

• 22" 1949 Hetchins six day curly stay steel road frame in Super Special lugwork. # 493468
• Chater Lea head set.
• Chater Lea Chainset (50 tooth)
• Huret 'Tour De France' Rear derailleur gear and lever.
• Sheffield Steel quill pedals.
• GB '531' chrome long reach handlebar stem.
• Blumfield 'Duralite' hubs.
• Original Brooks 'Swallow' leather saddle.
• Gripfast logo chrome wingnuts.
• Weinmann Caliper brakes and levers.
• R.E.G of Italy 'Special' toeclips.
• New 5 speed rear gear block.
• 700c Mavic MA2 rims

The 5 speed cluster is not original but provides the modern rider with greater flexibility.



A classic Brooks Swallow saddle from the period.



....more front end detail, stunning!

I suppose my favourite  aspect of this build is that the original feel of the bike has been restored by re-painting the frame in black enamel paint and restoring the original decals. The bike has also been given a 5 speed cluster to provide the modern rider with greater flexibility. The Hetchins logo on the head tube is stunning, rivalled only by the chromed lug detail. The total package would be an ideal L'eroica cycling event contender!


Lovingly restored Hetchins decals.




I hope you enjoyed the images.

Safe riding,

James from perthvintagecycles.

Ideale #92 Diagonale saddle

Brooks saddles are usually the saddle of choice when finishing a vintage bike rebuild. You may buy a new Brooks traditional saddle or simply hunt around for an old Brooks saddle to compliment the build.

I've always known about French built "Ideale" brand saddles but I've never owned one until recently. I've done a little research and discovered that Ideale saddles from France have a history as deep and as rich as Brooks saddles from England.

At the height of cycling in the 1950's and 1960's both brands were equally well respected throughout Europe. Each brand had a wide variety of racing and touring saddles and the brands were very competitive, as indeed the French and English have always been.

After a bit of research I decided to track down an Ideale #92 Diagonale saddle, the model that has the words "rodee main selon Rebour" stamped into the leather on the top of the saddle. I am unsure of the French translation of this phrase, although the word "Rebour" relates to Daniel Rebour who was a French illustrator of the post war era.

During the 1940's, 50's and 60's Rebour created precise line drawings for catalogues and magazines documenting the innovations, intricacies and curiosities of bicycles and their components. His exquisitely detailed and beautifully crafted illustrations showed a love for the bicycle and its mechanical beauty.

  

"rodee main selon Rebour" stamped into the leather.

I was after an older model saddle and managed to score a near new #92 Rebour saddle pictured above. At a guess I would say that it was manufactured during the mid 1970's as this one has small copper rivets with the word IDEALE stamped into the top of each rivet. This is a beautiful saddle. The leather is very clean and supple and is held together with chromed steel framework and rails. The nose of the saddle is particularly nice, it has a chromed steel nose with the words and letters "IDEALE TB BTE S.G.D.G" stamped into the surface.   



The nose of the saddle.



Apart from leather bicycle saddles, I also have a strong affinity with Masi brand bicycles. I won't go into the history of Masi bicycles, but I will say that the brand played an important role in the history of cycling throughout Europe in the 1950's. They still manufacture Masi bicycles today (now a U.S brand), but most importantly.....they still pride themselves on producing stylish steel framed bicycles of excellent quality.



Masi bicycles - perfection in steel.



In 2010 I bought my first Masi bicycle, a steel framed Masi Speciale 105. The bike rides beautifully and is my daily road bike. Over time I've upgraded many components of the bike, and as I love vintage bicycle components I thought I'd add the newly aquired Ideale #92 Diagonale saddle to the bike. Here are some images below...



My Masi Speciale 105.



The blend of old and new.

The blend of old and new is fantastic. The steel bike rode beautifully anyway, but the addition of a classic French leather saddle has improved the riding experience.

I've had the saddle on the bike now for about 1000 kms or so and I am really pleased with it. Although it is not a lightweight saddle it is a very stylish and comfortable addition to the bike.

Perhaps blending old and new can be done on occasions...

Please ride safe,

James @ perthvintagecycles.

The Pashley Guvnor crank set

The Pashley Guvnor bicycle has been in worldwide circulation with great success since 2008. Although the original specifications have reflected proven performance, more and more Guvnor owners are making alterations to their machines.

The Guvnor component that has come under most scrutiny of late has been the Sugino XD-2 crank setup that comes fitted as standard on all single speed and three speed machines.     



Standard Guvnor Sugino XD-2 crank set with chain guard.

The original setup is somewhat unusual in that the crank arms accommodate a 42T chain ring and a chain guard. The spirit of the bike is such that riders are encouraged to ride fully clothed and hence the chain guard protects long pants from being caught between the chain and chain ring.

The setup is unusual because Pashley have used a wider than recommended bottom bracket (113mm) in an attempt to allow for ample spacing between the chain ring and guard, and probably also to widen the Q factor for ride comfort (pedal width).  

As a result they have used chain ring spacers to push the chain ring further in board, I guess to improve the chain line. Although this configuration works it is somewhat unclean looking, and it is this reason that Guvnor owners have been changing the crank configurations on their machines.

Below is an image of a machine where the owner has fitted the Sugino recommended bottom bracket (103mm) for the XD-2 crank, removed the chain guard, and fitted the chainring on the outside of the crank arms – no ugly spacers needed here! This configuration is how Sugino intended the XD-2 cranks to be fitted. As you can see the configuration looks neat, efficient, and clean (just how Sugino intended I’m sure).



Modified Sugino crank set without chain guard - as Sugino intended.



Other owners have fitted different crank sets, and there are some exceptional modern alternatives. My favourite crank sets are modern copies of the old Campagnolo Super Record fluted pista cranks that were manufactured between the mid 1960’s to the early 1980’s - pictured below. Gipiemme also made similar versions.



Campagnolo pista cranks circa 1960's - stunningly beautiful by design.

 It’s a classic timeless design that has a real retro look and feel. Original Campagnolo cranks of this style are very expensive and have to be fitted with the correctly tapered Campy brand bottom bracket, so generally they can’t be fitted to any bike.

Pictured below are some remakes that are available. The beauty is that these versions can be fitted to standard square tapered bottom brackets…too easy!

Royce crank set - off the bike

Royce crank set - on the bike.

GB vintage crank set on a Pashley Clubman Urban

Andel crank set - very affordable.

They are all of similar price and quality, and at a guess, the GB and Andel cranks were probably manufactured at the same factory in Taiwan somewhere.    

Full Speed Ahead also make a vintage crank set called the Gimondi, again a beautifully retro styled crank set well worthy of any Guvnor. They were named in honour of Felice Gimondi, a famous Italian road cyclist from the late 1960's. These cranks are particularly nice and well priced too! 
 

Gimondi - off the bike.

Gimondi - on the bike.

Another worthy participant of note is the "Velo Orange" Grand Cru 50.4 BCD crank set, a beautiful vintage crank set that replicates crank designs from 1930's. Here's one fitted to a Guvnor below....a beautifully made crank set well worth considering.

VO Grand Cru 50.4 BCD - off the bike.

VO Grand Cru 50.4 BCD - on the bike.

So if you're in the market for a new crank set on your Guvnor, or for any other retro or vintage ride for that matter,  I do hope I've provided I little bit of information that may assist you in your endeavours.

Thanks to some of the members at http://www.theguvnorsassembly.com/ for allowing me to use some of their images. The Guvnors Assembly is a great site for those interested in the humble Guvnor.

Safe riding,

James

The Pashley Guv'nor Plus Four bicycle.

In 2009 UK based Pashley Cycles released its limited edition Pashley Guv’nor Plus Four bicycle.

The Guv’nor Plus Four features a Reynolds '531’ frame with brass plated lugs, the lugs look absolutely beautiful and are truly stunning in the flesh. The bike also features a Sachs Duomatic rear hub and Speed Drive front chain wheel that provides the four gears that the title alludes to.

Its heritage arose from the 1930’s path racer for which the Guv’nor series of bicycles have become notorious.



The stunning brass lugs.



The Plus Four edition was limited to 50 bicycles that were distributed randomly throughout the globe. Each bicycle bears a brass identification plate that sits at the base of the seat tube just above the bottom bracket. Each plate identifies the number of the particular bicycle in the series of 50.



The brass identification plate on each bicycle.

Due to limited numbers, the Plus Four was hastily snapped up by bicycle collectors and cycling enthusiasts around the world. As you can imagine, each proud Plus Four owner is interested to discover the fate of the other 49 bicycles in the series 50.

'The Guv’nors Assembly' is a website located at http://www.theguvnorsassembly.com/ and is the site where Guv’nor owners worldwide display their admiration for Pashley Guv’nor bicycles. The site provides a forum, events, and other applications for Guv’nor owners to enjoy – and well worth a visit.

At present one of the members of the site, Duchy Wheeler, is attempting to locate and identify the 50 owners of the 50 Guv’nor Plus Four machines throughout the world. Duchy has had reasonable success with his task, although he would like a bit of a hand to complete his list as below;

	GUV’NOR PLUS FOUR REGISTER	as at 20/11/2012
NUMBER	OWNER	LOCATION
1	KEITH	EUGENE, OREGON	USA
2
3
4	SIMON	HERTFORDSHIRE	UK
5
6	FOR SALE BOBBINS CYCLES, LONDON.	Jan 2010	UK
7	BRETT	?	AUSTRALIA
8
9
10
11
12
13	FOR SALE VELORUTION, LONDON.	Jan 2010	UK
14
15
16
17	CHRIS	BALTIMORE, MARYLAND	USA
18
19	MARTIN	PUTNEY, LONDON	UK
20	GEOFF	BODMIN, CORNWALL	UK
21	JONATHAN	RHODE ISLAND	USA
22
23
24
25	JOHN ATKINS CYCLES	WARWICKSHIRE.	UK
26	NORTH ROAD CYCLES SHOP	BRITISH COLUMBIA	CANADA
27	ROGER, HALIFAX CYCLES	HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA	CANADA
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36	WIM	BOECHOUT	BELGIUM
37
38	IONUT	BUCHAREST	ROMANIA
39	RYAN	BREAKWATER, VICTORIA	AUSTRALIA
40
41
42
43
44
45
46	GREG	SEATTLE, WASHINGTON	USA
47	PRIVATE	ARIZONA	USA
48	TAFFY	OREGON	USA
49
50	ELLIOTT	EAST ANGLIA	UK
??	TRAVIS	SYDNEY	AUSTRALIA
??	WALLAH	?	USA

Duchy would dearly love to receive an email from Plus Four owners who have not yet been identified. Please email Duchy at sjb.gfb@virgin.net if you can provide any assistance.

Until next time...safe riding.

James