Seat post (un)stuck!

Unfortunately also going to bike heaven. For the past few days, I've been carefully wiggling the seat post in Shawn's tube to pour some Plus Gas into it. The seat post was heavily stuck and didn't want to move one bit, the bugger. Luckily, Noah has plenty of experiences with stubborn seat posts and has given me a hand. I rode to his shop without tightening the pin, hoping that it would give way under my weight. It didn't. But I had faith in Noah's abilities and knowledge.

When I took off the seat, it became apparent that someone with no experience--or patience--really had butchered the seat post. Since it's alloy it's prone to scratch and deform easily if you use brute force. And  that's what had happened. It was torn in two places; I was riding around, unaware that it could break any moment. Scary thought, that.

Torn in two places!

 Noah cut the top off with a hacksaw, then put a socket inside to make it stronger. Then off into the vice and turning back and forth. That was the easiest part. I turned and Noah slowly pulled it up. A few minutes of doing so and voila, the seat post was freed.

Finally free!

Rusty ol' seat post (and my dirty hand)

In pieces to get access.

The Plus Gas had worked its magic, and I was more than relieved. It was time to inspect the tubing as I'd discovered a crack in it. I was hoping it was only the paint, but unfortunately, the crack is in the tube, too. It appears that it's not terribly dangerous, but I'll probably get it sorted at some point. For gentle urban riding it's okay, but I wouldn't go on longer trips with the bike.
Because I knew the seat post was for the bin, I've nicked the one of the blue Viscount Aerospace Sport. It's the same make and it fit neatly. I can't tell you how nice it is to cycle with straight knees, rather than hitting your chin while pedaling. People kept reciprocating my big smile on my way back.
Tomorrow, I'll put on the Brooks Professional saddle I bought on the bike jumble--better give it another rub with olive oil. Next are the wheels that need to be build. I have everything here, just need to kick my arse into gear to sit down and do it.

It's just a wheel, or is it? Part 1

27" 1 1/4 wheels on LF Viscount hubs

I'm making slow progress on the blue bike, but have a good feeling that I'll be riding it this coming weekend. As you know I've cleaned it up and stored the frame for the time being while I'm taking care of the wheels. I took them off to give them a good once-over, replace the bearings, and clean the hubs and rims before truing them and putting new rim tape and tyres on. I'm still undecided if I'm going to change the tubes, as I'm not a waster. May put in new ones and keep the old for emergencies when on a ride. Better safe than sorry, eh? The old tyres were knackered--amber walls honey-coloured and brittle--they'll go to bicycle heaven.

New bearings 6000RS

However, I'm glad to have the bearings out and, using Noah's very handy vice, I was able to repair the minor damaged I had made to the threads since I had to hammer the axle in and out, and then in and out again. It's the only way to get the bearings out if you don't have a puller tool. And I've learned from last time's mistake and kept the nut on.
At least it's all sorted now, and I've spent two wonderful evenings amusing myself cleaning up the wheels and hubs, intoxicated by the fumes of GT 85 and cheap furniture polish. I can't be arsed to buy alloy polish, to be honest. The bike is old; I'm not going to get it repainted, so I'm fine with the bike being as clean as it gets. Let it show its history and age. It's fine. The only thing I want to be done is to get the fork rechromed as it's chipping badly. That's two forks I have to take care of.
I've then sat down and tightened the spokes which were rather loose. Will take the wheels to the lbs

Nail polish came in handy

tomorrow and see what damage I've done. Tightening spokes isn't truing, and since I've no idea what I'm doing, I may have done everything wrong. At least none of the spokes broke, that's good news, right?

No name, but pretty.

Regarding tyres: I've got some no-name ones I'd like to give a go. They aren't Schwalbe or Panaracer, but they were cheap and cheerful. Hopefully no punctures will take the cheer off the 'ful'. Sorry for the bad joke; it's hot, you see?
The bike will get new bar tape and a new saddle, oh, and it needs the brake and gear cables replaced, but I'm sure I can sort this out before this weekend.
Then I'll urgently return to Shawn's stuck seat post. I'm praying (not literally) for the Plus Gas to do the magic and it'll come out without any further resistance. Then I'll have to pester Graham from the Vintage Bike Cave to find me one of his Birmalux alloy seat posts so I can start riding Shawn, too. It's summer, after all. And I'd like to be prepared with at least one working bike for the Prudential Ride in August.
Fingers crossed!

Dating a Viscount

The new Viscount frame

I know for sure that I'm dreaming about stuck hub bearings, bottom bracket replacements and cold-welded seat posts. Since I've started with the whole Viscount business, I've learned that when it comes to those wonderful bikes, nothing really is straight forward. It can be a tad frustrating but, on the other hand, I think that this trait makes them so special. Viscounts bicycles have their quirks; they are stubborn, resistant, and sometimes I even think they have a sense of humour. My Shawn refuses to hand over his seat post, as if he won't give up without a fight. Well, tough, my dear bike, I have Plus Gas and access to a vice; you may lose the battle here. A normal person would probably be put off Viscounts after encountering that many problems and difficulties after buying their first one--I believe Shawn's former owner did exactly that and threw him on a scrapyard--but I'm not normal, or better: on the verge of having lost my marbles, because instead I went to acquire some more. How's that for crazy?
You probably remember that I was gifted a Bilston-factory made Aerospace Sport frame in need of CPR; it's now arrived in London, freshly powder coated in Ruby Red, complete with newly fitted bottom bracket and surprise decals on it. On my way to pick it up, my heart was beating  a little faster, as if I were going on a blind date. Just that I knew what I was in for.

Olympic alloy pedals

John, who's recently been to the first ever Death Fork Rally, was kind enough to bring the frame (and other goodies) back to London, and I was rather excited to see his collection of bikes, particularly the golden Lambert. Yes, it's real-gold! And it's beautiful! So are his other Viscount bikes. He's got at least seven, I think, and has been a Viscount fan since the 80s. Gee, I'm such a rookie, but a rookie with now some more components, as John had a few things spare, he's given me. (Thank you both, Steve and John. It's much appreciated.) Anyway, if you'd like to see how a pack of Viscounts/Lamberts look like, take a look at these and those from the Death Fork Rally. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it this year, but next year, I'll definitely join--on the bike that's currently a frame only.

Port hole chain ring

The donor, Steve, the man I refer to as Mr. Viscount, an expert in all things Viscount and Lambert, has given me a pair of NOS (new old stock) cranks and my beloved port hole chain ring. The plan with that restoration project is to use only NOS or components that are in very good condition, plus I'll build the wheels myself. It's going to be red/white and I've given myself to 2014's rally.
In the meantime, I've got two other bikes to get road ready: Shawn, with his stuck seat post and the blue one. Re the seat post: I've removed the bolt and wiggled the seat a bit, then poured Plus Gas into the gap. Will repeat this for a few days and keep my fingers crossed. Then I'll bring him to Noah, who's offered me to help me get this seat post out. He's got a vice and plenty of
experiences with stuck seat posts, saying he's never been defeated. I hope this is not going to be the first time.Once that's done, I only need to build the new wheels, get a new seat post, change the cables, and everything should be fine.
The blue one isn't in bad shape either. I've taken the wheels off to change the bearings and for truing, and cleaned the whole bike to see what lies underneath the dust and dirt, and rust. I probably just replace the cables and the hubs' bearings. Oh, and have the fork rechromed. 
For now, it's the fight with the bearings. I needed to get the freewheel off, but it's an old Shimano skiptooth freewheel, so the standard tool won't fit. The diametre of the freewheel, where the tool slides in, is smaller than the standard ones. So where to get such a tool from? I thought if any shop has something like this lying around it's probably Vintage Bike Cave. Graham's been around for for what feels like decades and has stocked his cave from floor to ceiling with old bicycle parts. I love that place!

Shimao 'skiptooth' freewheel

Together we removed the freewheel and the axle, which, on retrospect, was silly on my part, because now I can't get the bearings out. One bearing being stuck is easy, but when both are stuck it's tricky. Guess I need to get myself a bearing puller. Or, perhaps knock the axle back in and out on the other side, which normally will result in the bearing being stuck on the axle. Will have to think about it. I'll keep you posted on this one, too.

Huh? It's blue?

I was looking for a blue Viscount with fillet brazed frame so I can make it pretty and give to my friend. When I saw this bicycle on eBay, I couldn't resist. It also looked as if it was small enough for her. She felt that Shawn's borderline for her, and he's only 21", so I couldn't go larger.

After waiting at the window, glued to spot, all day, it finally arrived at 6pm. I flew down the stairs, eager to get it out of the cardboard and bubble wrap to see what I've bought. What I couldn't see in the small picture on eBay was that the bike came with all (bar a few) original features:

22" Aerospace sport frame (which, unfortunately, makes it too big for my friend)
Handlebar
Bar stem (with V pin!)
Brakes unnamed (Weinmann?)
Viscount front and rear centre pull brakes
Birmalux seat post
Birmalux wheels on QR Viscount hubs (quite stiff, the front)
Chrome fork (needs re-chroming)
Shimano Shifters
Shimano Tourney GS RD
Shimano 50 FD
Shorties (very rusty mudguards)
Maxi crank set, I think. And some heavy, deformed and rusty steel pedals (looks like Lyotard) which I'll probably discard.

I'll give the bike a good clean tomorrow, then inspect the hubs and and wheels, but I think with a little bit of TLC and new bearings, it can be a smashing bike.

Here are the pictures, which I'll just upload without any further comment. But: I've got my work cut out for me with this.

Ouch! Someone took my blinkers off.

Have you ever fallen for something, bought it, then learned that you didn't use your brain when making an uninformed decision?
Raise your hands! See how quickly mine shot up? Yep. I think I may have been blind as bat to his faults and only saw the good in him.
I knew the bottom bracket had play, but I didn't know if it's an easy fix or not. From what I remember of my teenage years, everything was just a matter of 'tightening' it a bit and it'll be fine. Then again I only cycled on good ol' German 3-gear bicycles, not fancy racers.
When I spotted Shawn, I threw all my common sense overboard and, after cycling back and forth a few times, handed over the money: 125 pounds to be precise. I was a rather happy bunny ... until I learned that the wheels aren't the right size. 700c for what's meant to be a 27" 1 1/4. I rode around for about four weeks when I had a puncture. A case for the bike shop. Yes, you read right, I haven't repaired a puncture in my life. Sad, isn't it? Next 'injury' was a broken spoke. Again, off to the bike shop. I still was convinced to have bought a 'well-running' bicycle. Then the bottom bracket made problems, the play became more. I learned that it's not a case of 'just tightening it'. Instead it needed to be replaced. This time I tackled it myself. Why start easy with punctures when you can jump ahead, eh? Read my post about it here.
And now I've got another urgent matter: a very stuck seat post. My knees were hitting my chin (of course I'm exaggerating, but the seat really is too low) when pedalling and didn't even think it's unusual. It felt all right to me and I was able to put my toes on the ground when stopping at the traffic light. What difference saddle height makes became apparent when I bought the Sprint. The frame's slightly too large for me, meaning I can stand with both feet flat on the ground, but the top tube is, well, right where it shouldn't be. A rule of thumb is to have a bit of space (two inches/5cm) between tube and bits that can get severely hurt. Apart from that, it feels really comfortable to ride that bike. I'm not too much stretched forward, and my knees don't hurt. Lesson learned.

Maltreated alloy seat post

But back to Shawn and his stuck seat post. It's an original Birmalux, made from alloy and probably came with the bike in 1976. Shame only that it won't move one bit, stubbornly sticking to the frame as if its life depended on it. This is most probably the result of the materials (seat post and frame) being cold-welded. Please don't ask me how that works, I only know that it's a chemical reaction--good for romance, not so good for frames and seat posts--that makes both stick together. This poses a big problem for me as I'd like to have the seat in a higher position. Now how to get this done?
There is plenty of advice available, but the Master of Viscounts has said I should try the hot/cold method. Lots of spit (not really) and patience will be required. I just need to find a way to get my hands on a torch. Blimey, I think my neighbours will soon start to worry about their safety. Rest assured, I've used a Bunsen burner in chemistry and I've welded in physics, so I won't burn down the house. I promise.
Once this issue is sorted, I'll have to change the gear cables, and most possibly do the brake cables at the same time. Better to be safe than sorry. I remember that as a teenager, my front brake tore and I cycled straight into the back of my friend. She wasn't really pleased and I don't blame her. In London's traffic it's certainly better to make sure the cables aren't worn. If they tear there's a lot more waiting for me than a friend's soft back. As I mentioned beforehand, I'm also going to build new wheels for Shawn, so if all goes well, I'll be taking him for a spin at London's Prudential Ride in August this year.
As much as I course about the accumulating costs that this bike is inflicting on me, I also appreciate everything I'm learning along the way. Had I bought a perfectly fine bike, I'd never experienced the wonderful feeling of achievement I have when, after lots of hours and elbow grease, something's back in working order. Shawn, being my first road bike, is teaching me the ropes and I'm grateful for it. Keep your blinkers, I'll be just fine without them.

I'm seeing red!

Ruby Red to be precise. A most wonderful man, also known as the Viscount expert par excellence, has gifted me a fillet brazed Aerospace Sport frame. It needed some minor repairs and a fresh lick of paint, excuse me, powder coating, but other than that it was in fit condition. He made me a superb offer for the jobs and now it's mine! It came back from the painters yesterday and he was keen to send me some pictures. And boy am I smitten. This frame is the beginning of my very first restoration project. My plan is to go for white cables and white handlebar tape, but a black seat. I want to use as many NOS (new old stock) components as possible, including the hubs, shifters, derailleurs, handebar, stem, seat post and brakes. Gotta be done, anything else would be an insult to the beautiful frame. It even has a clear coating if I'm not mistaken, and a newly fitted--by aforementioned expert-- (NOS) bottom bracket. I will, however, build new wheels for the bike. It's going to be Shawn's perfect twin.
Are you curious about the looks yet? Okay, here are the pictures he's sent me. Go on, have a little drool. I know I had tears in my eyes and a racing heart.

Skint, but happy

Shed load of bikes

That's what 'getting into bicycles' does to you. Two months ago, I had a mountain bike. Notice the 'a'? Yes, just the one. Now I'm the proud owner of two complete Viscount bicycles, two frames, plenty of tools, and many components, like rims, hubs, spokes, derailleurs, down-tube shifters, pedals, and tyres. Heck, I even sound like I know what I'm talking about. I don't, trust me. And, on Tuesday, another bike will arrive, a beautiful blue Viscount Aerospace, which I believe may be a 'Sport'. I won it on ebay and, from what I could see, it has all the original components, including the wheels. Very happy about this purchase, to be honest, as I plan to make it pretty and send it to my friend in Germany. She's been there for me in very difficult times and this bike is meant to be a gift. She loves cycling and my Viscount euphoria seems to be infective; today, she said that since I've started with the Viscount mania, she's not looked at bikes the same again--every single one she sees is eagerly scrutinised if it could be a Viscount. Made me smile.
Yesterday, I went to see Arup, the wheel builder; he has been building wheels for the past ten years and has a good reputation. I needed to get the exact measures for the effective rim diametre (ERD) to order the spokes. He even let me watch him building and true a wheel, while he explained. It was stunning to witness. I still have no idea what the ERD is and what it's for, but I have ordered the spokes today. They should arrive next week, which means I'll get to start with building the wheels. I decided I want to give it a go myself and when done, I'm going to pop by my local bike shop to borrow occupy for hours their beautiful old-fashioned truing stand. I'm already giggling at myself, because I fear that I'll hand over something that resembles more an object in an elliptical shape than anything else to Arup, begging to make it right. He's the one who'll have to give my wheels the last once over; I doubt I'll get it perfect the first time round.

The Sprint

But it's not only the building that attracts me; it's the fact that every time I ride either the Viscount Aerospace Sport or the Viscount Sprint, I'm rolling through London on a bit of history. Viscounts were only made for a decade (70s to early 80s), and that's what makes them even more special, apart from the special features.
Today I was meeting up with a friend for lunch. We try to do that regularly, I bring the food, he pays for water or a coffee. He's not so much of an urban cyclist and prefers his mountain bike off (main) roads, but he was quite intrigued when I told him a bit about the Lambert/Viscount history. If you're interested, too, here's a link to Busaste's wonderful short caption of it. I, for once, am very happy to keep the Viscounts rolling.

How it began

Beautiful Mafac front brake

Well, actually not too long ago, but let me explain why:
For as along as I can remember I've been cycling. I recall my uncle teaching me how to, and the moment when he let go and I reminded him over my shoulder to not do exactly that. I heard nothing and that's when I learned that I was already riding myself. As I grew older I had a folding bike, a hand-me-down bike my grand-grand mother had ridden, before I got my very first new bike: a 3-gear ladie's in burgundy, which I had for many years. When it broke down I bought my very first own second hand bike and loved it. My yellow Lottie was well-known and was a single speed Dutch-style bicycle. Wonderfully easy to pedal and sturdy. When that fell apart I upgraded to a men's mountain bike. And for the past five years I've ridden my second one. However, I always wanted to have a racer, but never really thought of buying one.
Until April this year, that is. My trusty mountain rider was becoming a tad heavy to ride and I was ready for something new, and while I was at it, fulfilling myself the dream I had since I was a teenager. So I set out to find myself a suitable, affordable bike. I found one in the cellar of an antique/weird and wonderful parts shop in Hackney and it was love at first sight. Yes, it does exist! While it was mainly the colour red that drew me in, once I felt the alloy drop handlebars and sat on it, I was sold. This was the bike I wanted. I left the shop as I didn't have any money on me, and with the thought of having to look around a bit more, but I already knew I'd fallen for it.

Shawn as he's now, but soon to be changed

The next day I went back to buy it. It was time to take a look at the bike in daylight and, what can I say? I
liked what I saw and felt. While the guy who owns the shop set to fix a few things (thinking back he didn't really know what he was doing), I used up a fair amount of his miracle wipes to clean the bike. It had been sitting in the cellar for a while; my belief is that fate was waiting until I was ready for it. With the tyres pumped up, the gears and brakes adjusted, I rode home with a huge smile on my face.
At home, I took an even closer look at my purchase, feeling a bit like a lion who got the antelope and pulled it to the hiding before devouring it. This bike was mine and nobody would take it off me again. Ever!
But what the heck was a Viscount? Never heard of it. I knew it was an old bike and I loved the centre pull brakes and suicide levers, but the brand didn't ring a bell.
Thanks to my friend Google, I soon found out what a gem I'd bought: a Viscount Aerospace Sport, made from lightweight alloy in the 70s--very advanced for that time. I dug a big more and found a forum, or better a thread, where Viscount enthusiasts are mingling to discuss those wonderful bikes.
That's when it all began: the love/hate relationship with those bicycles. Love, for they're wonderful to ride on; hate, because they're very particular in the way they were constructed with press-fit bottom brackets and press fit bearing in the hubs, which makes maintenance a lot more challenging.
I'll post about my steep learning curve and hope to encourage other enthusiasts to give those magnificent bicycles a second lease of life. They truly deserve it.