Share your story!

Not too long ago, a reader sent me an e-mail, eager to share a picture of his Viscount Sebring commuter, which found its way to him by law of fate. As every Viscount owner I know, he's properly smitten by those bicycles and I asked him to tell me the story of the bike and him 'getting together'. That e-mail inspired me to post a call for submissions for pictures and, if possible, a write-up about people's love affair with their Viscounts or Lamberts and I'll put them on this blog. Let's spread the word; there's really nothing like a ride on those bikes.

Here's John's story:

A rather wonderful pub bike

My local Craigslist bicycle listing showed this Viscount, resplendent in it's 'bright' blue paint pictured in a grassy back yard in somewhat blurry mobile phone pics. The owner was keen to point out it 'Was from the midwest and still had it's stickers to prove it!' I considered his asking price-$60 and thought to myself: I've got one Aerospace G.B. in pieces and one Aerospace Pro frame & fork in my size waiting to become a 'special' project in the near future, what am I going to do with another Viscount/old 10-speed anyways? I emailed the seller and asked for his best availability to see the bike but never followed through on setting a date and time, so I let it 'ride', pardon the pun. About two months passed and I saw the Sebring listed again but thought to myself, 'What am I going to do with another...' you get the point. A week or more went by and something told me to at least take a look at the bike, so I arranged to visit the seller who was about a half hour away from home. I loved the look of the bike and it's blue frame, so it was love at first sight. The seller rambled on about his 'junk picking' of bikes that he was repairing and selling, although 10-speed road bikes weren't really his thing. He pointed out that the bars and stem were swapped out as the originals were missing some pieces, although he had them. Besides one shift cable, and the seat, the rest of bike was original so I struck a deal for $40 and the bike came home with me, no test ride needed. Upon getting it home, I filled the tyres with air and took it for a spin...ah, the Viscount 'Affect' was upon me! It was immediately apparent why I love old road bikes-svelt racers or 'heavy' tourers, they just have a way of 'gliding' along without much upset-so refined! I spent time cleaning off the old grease, swapping out the fossilized brake pads for new, exchanging the seat, and converting the drop bars to flat with lovely oldish DiaCompe brake levers and moto-grips.

What's in the works for the Sebring 'Pub Bike'? I set of 'vintage' Bluemel fenders (proper UK made!). A longer, one-piece alloy seatpost. Alloy rims laced to the original Shimano hubs. New tyres (as you spell the word). A Pletscher rear rack. Maybe one day new transfers over a glossy new coat of paint but we'll see... ;)

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. ;-)