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| I knew that the partners road test every bike they work on but I was a a little surprised to see that Jose had rode her home and parked her in his garage over night |
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| Under the down tube one can just see the front mud guard and how the lining is blending with the frame colour. Very Nice.These are my original Campagnolo gear levers as they were known or in today's language 'Shifters' that I believe were purchased in or around 1969 for another W F Holdsworth frame. The quality of these components simply are evident in this illustration, and it is little wonder that many desire good quality components from yesterday. Campagnolo have been through many changes over the years and suffered the onslaught of the Japanese made components yet their products remain in demand on both the new and second hand markets. |
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Here we have the superb Brooks Imperial B17 narrow saddle in honey colour with the much maligned cut out which has been in production for over a hundred years. The specific reason for the cutout is as quoted by Brooks 'The “registered cutting”, as can be read in the 1890 catalogue, is “a sure preventive to all perineal pressure". This is of course indicative that the 'sit bones' are eased also. I can add to this as for as long as the saddle's tension is maintained with the supplied adjuster, and the lacing is maintained also, one has a saddle for life, just treat it initially with Brooks Proofide.
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| This is my first meeting with Jose Quiros ( The slimmer Spanish one ) and the other is me. Jose is laughing as he has just told me the one about the guy that went to the Doctor ... |
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| An excellent view of the underside of the saddle showing the detailed saddle frame which is constructed of steel and which has a fine chromium plated finish, inclusive of the saddle bag loops. The B17 imperial is an exception to the rule of Brooks saddles in that the construction will allow for a far quicker break in period, but take care to maintain an equal tension over the entire saddle leather and maintain the lacing at all times. |
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| This is a shot of the saddle sitting on the bars which have been very recently sewn on using Elk hide and qualifies the colour match. The drilled brake lever hoods may show up as a bit of a contrast still one cannot achieve all in life. |
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| My beautiful Stronglite double chain wheel restored to a superb condition and when I bear in mind the miles she has taken me without complaint or problem, and the cranks shining like new it takes the mind back many a year when I was first advised of the components available, and despite having a Chater Lea, I opted for this one and am I pleased I did. The front derailleur by Suntour needed attention but is now sound and back again looking so sharp. Setting it all against the blue of the frame, I think it looks stunning. |
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| During the restoration work I had lost a dust cap off my Stronglight crank and this is a close up of my new dust caps clearly original, and the gold chain is shimmering in the background. |
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| I make no apology for repeating this shot of my gear levers and the mud guards under, it is just great and if you have a passion for bikes like me then I am sure you will not mind. |
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| When there were twenty shillings to the pound the price leap between the ten speed version, and the five speed, namely a fiver simply could not be afforded as a fiver was an awful lot of money. The specification for me and many was something to dream of. Just read it and set it against a similar specification of today, let alone the frame. |
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| These are a very close to the Prugnat Type One Spearpoint Lugs which were in favour during the mid 60's and 70's, and whilst stocks lasted were still in use by W F Holdsworth. They are of course in their standard cast state. The Binder Bolt Bracket looks a sad affair but has been much improved since this photograph was taken. I have a preference for simple lugs, just leave the subtle lining to bring them to life. Some prefer other methods of construction but being a traditionalist I like lugs, they seem a natural part of a bike. |
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