Why you can't have enough Viscounts

Viscount Aerospace Sport

It was only a few days ago when I sang high praises on the Panaracer Pasela amber-walled tyres. I've ridden mine since October and only had two punctures so far. Correction: three, including today. So you can probably imagine how miffed I was when I had a flat rear. No, don't even think about my arse!
With a shrug, I put the red flash back into the shed and pulled out the blue Aerospace Sport. Went to the shop, played with bikes and wheels all day then, on way back, I thought the squeaking noise coming from the front of my bike didn't sound healthy, so I stopped to investigate. Bugger! That stem was way too far out. How did that happen? I have no idea. Whenever I rode it it was fine. Now that damn stem has an imperial-sized bolt and, unfortunately, I don't have the right-sized tool for it (yet). I'd put it off to buy one because everything was fine. Pushed the bike home, cursing under my breath.
Note to self: get imperial-sized allen keys, woman!
I won't be able to fix both bikes until Sunday as I'm busy with other things tomorrow. But how lucky am I to

Viscount Aerospace Pro

have the Viscount Aerospace Pro still sitting in my shed? Okay, its wheels are a tad on the risky side (spokes too loose and pretty rusty), and the handlebar tape has sort of come loose but, who cares? I haven't ridden that bike in ages, it may be good to shake off some of the cob-webs. As you know, it's my restoration project and needs the wheels cleaned and rebuild as well as various parts re-chromed; I also have new cotton-cloth handlebar tape sitting here, waiting to be used.
Let's see if that bike is actually rideable--I haven't checked. If everything fails, I still have my mamachari ...
Anyway, once the special Viscount tool arrives, I'll give the blue one a proper once over, then swap the stem for a shorter SR, with blue plastic handlebar tape (not sure how it will feel), and service the bottom bracket. When I've got my other bikes built, I'll have the blue one resprayed, too. That'll be six Viscounts in total then. And one Lococo, which means I'll have a bike for every day of the week. How cool's that?

I can barely contain myself!

Quite a few things are happening at the moment and I thought I could share them with you. First of all: I've finally given the go-ahead for an ueber-special tool that will soon sort out all bottom bracket problems of mine and others' Viscounts/Lamberts. It's a combined press and puller tool and I've been gagging to hold this in my hands for quite a while now. There will only be two people in the UK--probably in the world--who have this particular puller and that'll be Busaste and myself. When it comes to those press-fit bottom brackets, I prefer to do it the proper way; of course you can use a hammer and force, but why not press or remove them with as little impact as possible? After all, if the shell's damaged, the bike's lost one of its most iconic and recognisable features. Let me show you again how sexy a bottom bracket can look:

The sexiest bottom bracket!

In my opinion, nothing's coming even close to this beautiful invention. They are a bugger to deal with, though, if you don't have above mentioned tool. Yes, admittedly, I've hammered one out and, thankfully, was able to keep the frame intact, but it took me a serious amount of time to get a new one in and the spindle's not seated properly; missing a millimetre or so. With the special tool, I'll be able to have it as perfectly aligned as in the picture. Did I mention that perfectionism is a bully? I'll be able to 'practice' on my own bikes (Shawn and the blue Aerospace Sport) as both need re-adjusting, and on my friend's bike as he wants to dismantle an older Viscount frame, which gives me the opportunity to 'test-drive' my shiny new tool. If only I already had it ...
Now for more good news: I'm also soon going ahead with my wheel building; in fact, I'll be the new resident wheel builder of a bike shop. Get that, eh? Here's a picture of me re-building a customer's rear wheel. I assume that man's already out and about, enjoying his ride.

I find lacing a wheel relaxing

I'm expecting to be trading beginning of April, so if you're looking for a new set of wheels for your restoration project, please do get in touch: roundandtrue [at] gmail [dot] com Hope I won't live to regret this if orders come in thick and fast. :-) One's allowed to hope, no?

A date that has to be ear-marked!

On the 6th of July last year was the first ever Death Fork Rally (DFR), a get together of Viscount and Lambert owners, initiated by Busaste, the God of all things relatedViscount or Lambert; a walking knowledge base, if you will. From what I've heard and seen, if was a huge success; everyone enjoyed a wonderful--albeit rather hot--day out, and pouring over each others' bikes. Unfortunately, I couldn't  make it, but promised,  myself and the guys--and girl, to be there this year. And boy am I excited to go! I've 'known' the guys from the forum since June last year, and have conversed with quite a few via e-mail, even met some of them, and I can vouch for their loveliness. All of them are welcoming and helpful if you have problems or questions. Nothing's too much for the lot. 

So if you have a Lambert or Viscount, and fancy to meet some other enthusiasts, then please note down this day: 28th of June 2014.

Here's the wonderful poster the lovely wife of Triitout made:

We haven't agreed on an event yet, but it's going to be somewhere in the midlands, with easy access by either train or car, and with a possibility to stay overnight. For further information and updates, please visit: Viscount and Lambert boards.

It would be nice to have you. x

In case you wanted to see what 'happy' looks like ...

... after taking my red flash for a spin, that is. Luke, the ueber-apprentice mechanic at Micycle N1, and I have swapped bikes for a minute; I got to test my non-existent fixie skills, which was only proven by the fact that I couldn't really brake by stopping to pedal. The bike just rolled. Okay, in my defense, it wasn't a road bike conversion, but more a mountain/BMX style heavy bike and I was suitably relieved it has brakes on it. Given the fact that I almost fell off the bike even before I sat on it properly. Riding fixed is indeed something you need to get used to. Next week I'll be testing someone else's fixie and see how I get on. May just borrow it for a spin to see how I get on. Oh dear. I'm an experienced rider, but the pedals just stay where they are when you stop--no 'just positioning' to where it's convenient. Hope I won't crash, as I doubt it'll be much appreciated if I bring it back as a pretzel -- just kidding!
Anyway, Luke had fun with my Viscount and came back with a big grin on his face. That's what happens if you dare to sit on a re-build like that. And here's the proof:

Luke testing my Viscount

Just to show how strong he light the bike is

And there's something else that brought a smile to my face: the file set Lidl's got on offer this week. As you know I'm adding to my tool-collection bit by bit and files are something no workshop should be without. If it's brakes, drop outs, cut off stems or steerers (or torn fingernails!), files are great.

Only 6.99 from Lidl

I learned how to use them in wood work class at school and, more recently, the techniques when filing metal: steady and even moves with one hand on the grip and one at the end of the file to keep it flat, only one direction; best away from you. There, that's my nerdy tip for today done.
Talking about files: I recently filed my brake pads as they had a bit of wear but, although having had them since October, they're still doing a great job. I can highly recommend those pads--grey for alloy; salmon for chrome--and they're also great value while suiting the 'look' of older bikes. My rear brake is NOS Weinmann, though, with original pads; they're momentarily posing a problem: the pads seem to come out, so I'll have to find a solution for that. If I'm honest, I only ever use the front brake but, in an emergency, it would be nice if I actually could use the rear in addition and not have my brake blocks flying forward. Guess I'll have to investigate and see what I come up with. I'll report back, as usual.

'They're all cheap skates.'

Original Viscount hub with 27" rims

That was a statement of a bike shop I popped into today to quickly introduce the wheels I'll soon be offering. Said bike shop was in a posh area, where people with lots of money live. Shocking, I find. My reply was that those, who just want to ride a 'retro frame' bastardised with mix and match components and cheap wheels, aren't my clients. To be honest, I know what it feels like to be skint and I also know that once I gulped when I was told a good set of new wheels would cost me around 120 GBP, but I really wanted the 27 1 1/4 wheels with original Viscount hubs, and if I hadn't been so ambitious to build the wheels myself, I'd have handed the job over to an experience wheel-builder. After all, a good quality set of wheels makes all the difference when you're riding a lot. So, yes, I shaved the costs by researching, comparing, and doing it myself. Possibly luck, too, since I stumbled over used Viscount hubs in fairly good condition, mirror polished them before replacing the bearing myself, and then building the wheels. I think I paid about 110 for the set which otherwise would have set me back about 150 GBP. And I had the enormous pleasure of creating something with my own hands. I was after quality and I got what I wanted. My wheels are still running true, even after almost half a year. Not bad, eh? (Okay, I admit, I had to throw them into the jig for a tiny tweak, but really nothing major, and they were my first pair.)
I doubt this would be the case with those cheapish factory wheels you can order. And those come with low flanges. Terrible! In addition to this, most have an OLD (over locknut dimension) of 130mm, whereas many old frames--like Viscounts/Lamberts--take 126mm. Yes, you can bend a frame, but why not leave it as it is and buy a rear wheel with a hub that fits your bike perfectly? If you have a 27" fork, then get 27 1 1/4 wheels, anything else, I find, is wrong. Personally, I aim at those who want to lovingly restore their bikes, or just change the chrome rims for chrome-look rims, with large flanges.
I want to cater for those who, like me, pay for the frame to be powder coated, with new graphics, with original chain rings, cranks and all the bells and whistles. I want to be found by people who truly love their bikes and not just use them as accessory to look cool. Customers, who insist on a set of wheels for fifty quid, will have to get them from elsewhere. I offer something unique: Vintage Bicycle Wheels for those who appreciate the craft of wheel building.
I told that shop that if everyone would think the big blue and yellow furniture store is the best there is, all those carpenters, who do bespoke furniture, would be out of a job. They aren't, and that gives me high hopes. I doubt that 180 GBP for a good set of wheels is too much when restoring a bike. A good new bike off the peg could easily start at 600, and you don't have anything unique. My red Aerospace Sport cost me roughly (really just an estimate) 300 and that only because the frame initially was a gift and came with the graphics and bottom bracket, and no delivery charges. Mates rates, if you will. (I will thank you properly on the 28th of June, Steve!) I then just needed to strip down Shawn and transfer everything to the new frame.
I plan to note down how much my Aerospace Sport frame will cost me which I'll build up for touring as it'll get a complete overhaul: powder coating, wheels, components (handlebar, group set, seat post, Brooks saddle, the lot.). I guess it'll come in at about 500 pounds.
And my Indy 500 will also get a 'new' pair of wheels, too. I'll use old alloy 27" rims, but new hubs and spokes. The frame's rusty and a shiny pair of wheels would look wrong on it, but they'll be 27"nevertheless. I think they'll also be the first pair of wheels I'll build once the stock's in. Can't wait! Then I can use Sean's bits and bobs he's sent and put the Indy back where it belongs: on the road.

Hey, you on your Viscount. Stop!

This, or something along the lines, is what I'd shout at anyone I spot riding a Viscount. Of course, even though risking to look like a complete twat. Do I care? Not so much; I'm on a mission.
Today was the first really warm--almost hot--day after the winter, and surely, I was out on my red flash, in shorts and the Viscount jersey. How could I not?
I awoke rather early; and was all excited to get out and ride in bright sunshine, under blue sky. Bliss. After first a fruit salad and then a healthy fry up (does that even exist?), all accompanied with about two litres of fluid, I set off towards Richmond Park. I know last time I said I'm tired of the route leading to Battersea Park but, as you know, I'm a direction-challenged person, and I figured from Battersea to Richmond should be easy.

Break in Battersea Park

Well, I never arrived in Richmond Park. Any more questions? No, I thought so. Upset with my lack of orientation I decided to do one or two lapse in Hyde Park, then cycle home over Camden's outer circle. While trying to find Hyde Park, I saw a guy riding on a very familiar brand of bike: yes, a Viscount. I went head to head with him and asked--no, almost demanded for him to stop. You know when I see another Viscount in the wild, I get so giddy, I lose control over my actions. Luckily, he and his girlfriend understood that it's genuine passion pouring out of me, and forgave my 'attack'. I think if my eyes lit up a little bit more, you could start a fire with them.

Lovely blue Viscount Tony Doyle edition

The (un)lucky Viscount owner

It's was a lovely Tony Doyle and seemed to be all original. He had a few problems with his hubs and bottom bracket, but after a quick check I assured him that he needs to get them serviced and it'll be fine.
I've also invited him to the Death Fork Rally 2 which will take place on the 28th of June 2014 somewhere in the midlands. I think the event is still open yet, but we're working on it. By we I mean a few make suggestions and we agree or not. ;-)
Anyhow, I cycled for about 3.5 hours, I think, but had quite a few involuntary breaks (when I got lost again or met someone and had a quick chat).
Oh, and I'll be ordering a blue jersey, soon, as the wonderful Sean has sent the parcel with the rather wonderful shiny--as opposed to my Indy's--parts, which means I'll hopefully cycle around on the blue Indy conversion with a flip flop hub using said donation. It'll be a blast.

... but I just wanted to cycle to Greenwich!

That was the plan. No, wrong; originally I wanted to pop by at scrap yard in Leyton. Didn't really happen. Instead I thought I'd cycle to Greenwich as I haven't been there since 1996--sad, I know--and that despite my having very good memories of my first visit to London. All I wanted was to take the red flash out and enjoy the sunshine--anything to ride my Viscount, really. Yesterday, I went to Battersea, but I've cycled that route enough for now and wanted a change of scene. Unfortunately, I never arrived in Greenwich, which was, once again, down to my inability to orientate myself. I stopped at Borough Market and had the fine idea to buy some special German ketchup, but couldn't find neither the market stall or the German deli's shop. Not even after a few rounds on that damn market. Lost again! Great! Sod it, I thought to myself, the sun's shining, get out of here and on the road. Went through Hoxton and Shoreditch and then made a little turn to the right and eventually ended up in Victoria Park where I stopped for a latte and lemon drizzle.

Anyhow, those relaxed times will be over soon when my mate Ben and I are opening our workshop container in Dalston--hopefully happening by end of this month or beginning of April. It's called Bike Box which will basically be Ben doing repairs and custom builds and me, building 27-inch wheels like there's no tomorrow. I've been riding around on mine since October (longer rides and bumpy roads) and I'm rather happy with how they're holding up. So if you know someone who's re-building an old frame and is looking for 27 1 1/4 alloy wheels, tell him/her to look no further. Of course, if you insist to get your bike done be me, I'll probably not say no. :-)