What a disaster!

Today, I went to pick up the Indy 500 frame, giddy up to the gills; I mean I really couldn't wait to gather all the parts and get started on the build. When I took a first look at the frame I was delighted; the steel hadn't darkened too much in the phosphoring process, and the welds had come out really beautiful with the cold colour. In short: the result were far better than I'd had expected.
As usual, I gave the frame a quick once over, starting at the bottom bracket, and what a shock it was to discover that it had quite an impressive crack! Something that was overlooked. It should have been picked up right after the sand blasting, but somehow wasn't (mistakes can happen, we're all human). A shame nevertheless, particularly as we all agreed that the frame looks fabulous in its naked form.
As this frame is not particularly valuable (it's lugged, not fillet brazed, nor is it Aerospace tubing), I've decided to write it off, rather than getting it repaired. I'll keep it for when I open my own shop (I'm still dreaming about it, yes) to build it up and use it as decorative window display; it's a Viscount, after all, and therefore deserves a special place.

Rather prominent crack

Good thing I got it stripped!

Stunning!

Beautiful gold-framed lugs

Anyway, this means I'm looking for another frame (and forks) for my 'bare steel' project. Of course it has to be a Viscount! No question about that. It also means I'll need some time and patience as Viscounts don't crop up too often--if so, they're totally overpriced. Maybe this means I should get a wiggle on with the Lambert. If only I could find a rear Lambert hub!

It all starts with an idea

I'm talking about the bike build. Especially since I've started experimenting with translating my visions into reality. The process of phantasising about a bicycle, made to your own taste and needs is an intoxicating one; and the pride you feel when everything comes together and people stop you in the street to admire your work ... 

Well, today I've brought the Indy500 frame to the powder coaters. I'm firmly sticking to my idea of stripping it and leaving it naked. Unfortunately, it's possibly not going to be as silver as I'd like to; due to the phosphating (to protect the steel from rusting), which darkens the metal. Still, the weldings will be clearly visible and that's the look I'm after: clean and bare frame and forks. This bike will be a commuter, so it'll have mudguards (I'm looking for a rear one in red) and most likely raiser handlebars (with red grips), taken from this bike:

Of course I'll build my own wheels in 27 1 1/4, and I'll keep it in Viscount style. 

Speaking of which: I spotted one (I assume Sport or Sprint) in Dalston, and had to take a picture. Not sure to whom it belongs, but I think it may be Billy's, the guy who works at Cafe Oto, as I faintly remember him saying that his old Viscount went to bicycle heaven and he'd got a new one. But I may be wrong here. Nevertheless, it's always a pleasure to see this wonderful make carrying people around London (and anywhere else).

And something else: my beloved Viscount Sprint is finally getting its last honour; it'll go to the hands of my friend Ben from BikeBox, who will make it look pretty to entice customers to pop by his container. So I'm saying farewell to one of  my most favourite rides, but with a smile on my face as I'll be able to see it every time when I visit Ben at work. 

Giving it some serious love

For the past few months I've been really busy, with work taking over my life, leaving hardly any time to work on any of my bikes. A clean was just about what I'd managed and I've decided there's no way I can carry on like this, neglecting my planned projects.
Therefore, I'm changing some work arrangements and with it, will be able to free up some time to finally convert my living room into a workshop again (or use a proper one!).
Anyhow, since winter's sneaking up on us, I thought it's possibly easier to commute on a SS/fixie. Yes, yes, throw nuts and bolts at me, but I always said I'd like to convert one of my Viscounts to a fixed gear for my own development as a mechanic.

The Indy has always been my favourite bike to do this and that's what I'm going to start with next week. Unfortunately, I can't make up my mind regarding colour. Originally, I'd envisioned to not do anything to the frame, keep it as rusty as it is so it could be locked outside without attracting thieves, but I can't bring myself to do this. It's a Viscount, after all, and they deserve love and respect. You probably remember that I'd also considered to get the frame sand blasted, primed, and lacquered, showing it naked, welding and all. Could work, don't you think? Or, since I'm going to use the mudguards that came with the Victor (red and silver) I may even play with those colours a bit. Seriously, I have no idea yet. All I know is that it'll be an upright riding position and will have a flip flop hub, in case I struggle to go fixed.
Whatever the outcome, I'm pretty sure it'll look awesome.
And I'll keep you updated, of course.

Viscounts' healing properties

Maybe you saw me today, but more likely not; I was out and about on my red flash. Nothing fancy this time, just a few lapse in Regent's Park's outer circle. Whenever I need to clear my head, or just switch off, I will take out one of my bikes and just go for a ride. Any excuse to show off the bikes, right?

My current work horses.

Nevertheless, I've taken leave this week and did a bit of (long overdue) cleaning jobs on the red flash and the Viscountess. My plan to build up either the Lambert or Indy 500 didn't come to fruition as I desperately needed to relax instead of putting myself under even more strains. Don't get me wrong, I love working on my bikes and it always calms me down, but I wanted to make the most of the wonderful weather, feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, the wind in my hair, and the rhythmic movements of my legs when pedalling.

On Wednesday, I went along the towpath to the Limehouse, a route I always enjoy, without failure, and I hardly met another soul--perfect for just diving into your own little world, mulling things over, while enjoying the landscape. Experiencing it on a trusted Viscount was, of course, the best of all. I know I'm repeating myself, but those bikes are just so comfortable to ride, and I feel like we're basically becoming one. In addition to this, I see people doing a double take whenever I show up with one of my bikes, even the rather battered looking blue Sport gets some admiring looks. I can't wait to get this done up next year to reveal it's real beauty.

So with the now repaired and shiny again red flash, I went to Camden and once I got into the zone, I just let go of anything that bothered me; instead I kept a steady pace and enjoyed the effect it had on me. For the entire two hours I could feel the smile stretching over my face ... wonderful! Whenever I looked down and saw the wheels turning, the smile grew wider: nothing beats a mirror polished hub in the sun, the sound of tyres on the road, the chain running smoothly over the cogs--the whole bike is a dream to ride.

Yep, still going strong! The bike!

I arrived home feeling a lot better and happier. If you asked me, riding one of those bikes should be available on prescription. ;-)

A crash and a month later

Yep, I did it again. It seems I'm prone to yearly self-inflicted crashes. Last year it was on my Viscount Sprint, cycling straight into a bollard and fracturing my hand; on a Friday mid August this year my hand-eye coordination failed and, instead of gripping my handlebar, my fingers grasped into the void and off I came. No fractures, just a big bump on the side of my head and a shock. Got lucky, I'd say.
See, who needs cars or other road users? I'm perfectly fine to injure myself without anyone else.
Anyway, after a day's recovery on the sofa, and lending the red flash, the bike that miraculously survived the incident, to a friend, who then had an accident on a motorcycle the Sunday after mine, wasn't to be seen for a whole month. I cannot stress enough how much I missed that bike. Seriously, if one of my Viscounts isn't where it belongs--in reach and safe--I get agitated. A lot! Particularly this one means a lot to me as it's a frame Steve prepared for me, and is my very first self-built bike, including the wheels. Not to mention the costs. And its parts are basically nicked from Shawn, who was my first Viscount and the beginning of a beautiful love.
Okay, I'm aware that I'm sounding a bit a lot like a crazy person. If you've been visiting regularly and wondered if I'd lost interest in Viscounts because I haven't posted in a two months or so: let me tell you, there's nothing that could put me off those bikes. Absolutely nothing! I rode the blue one and the Viscountess to work and, every time I see another one on the roads, I'll chase that owner up. Or, if an unsuspecting customer walks with one into the shop ... well, take a blind guess. Something which happened just this week. I swear the poor guy didn't know what hit him when I marched out of the workshop, eyes literally popping out of my head with excitement while I bombarded him with facts about his ride. Afterwards he quietly said, 'I'm feeling unworthy of this bike, maybe it's better you have it.'
'Yes,' I wanted to say, 'give it to me!' On the other hand, I thought this would be immensely rude, even though he'd been given the Aerospace through freecycle. Of course it would have been gone to a good home, no arguing that. Ah well. I hope after the information I've fed him, he'll take good care of his newly obtained choice of transport.
Speaking of looking after your bike: my red flash came back to me in a bit of state; for as long as I'd had it, I'd never left it exposed to the elements. My poor boy had been sitting in a garden since August and I can't say I'm too happy about it. In addition to that, he was suffering with a bent front caliper and brake hanger, and an out-of-whack rear wheel.

That not how a brake hanger should look like

Spot the left caliper

No idea what happened, but it looks like he's been squashed with/into something. I doubt it was because of the fall, as the caliper doesn't show any scratches/damage, as you can see in the picture above. There are, however, two deep scratches at the down tube, just behind the shifters (not caused by them!). As you can imagine, I wasn't too amused.
But I did what I had to do: fix it. Went to Micycle to use their workshop and hammer/bend the brake hanger back to almost normal, bend the caliper, true the wheel, give it a good once-over and clean before taking it for a spin to Dalston in order to meet my friend Ben from Bikebox to say hi.

I'm all over in love again!

Those two were rather sweet, taking photos of my bike.

On my way home I stopped at Clissold Park to show off my shiny bike and, while taking pictures, two boys (you can see them walking away in the second picture) were admiring my red flash, asking if I'm selling it. No, sorry, mate, not gonna happen.