Interchangeability. A big feature of lightweight bikes fron the ’30s through the ’70s was that critical dimensions and thread sizes had been standardised enough (Raleigh apart) for clubmen to spend many a winter hour planning the next upgrades to their beloved steed – either because parts had worn out, because real improvements in components had arrived, or (let’s be honest) fashions had changed. It was all part of the fascination of the sport. Did all this fiddling about ever help us go any faster? Nope.
A rebuild of my club bike as it evolved from ’61 to ’67. The original bike was purchased new in April ’61, fixed wheel but 120mm rear dropouts and two brakes with a view to the future. I used it for a typical mix of schoolboy activities including travel to school, CTC Sunday runs, hostel touring e.g. Dorset-Norfolk-South Coast, schoolboy circuit races (still using fixed, Dunlop Sprite tyres fitted to Weinmann HP rims on BH Solite hubs).
Then in 1964, soon after joining Wessex RC, the bike was fitted with 5-speed gears (Simplex Prestige plastic ones – surprisingly reliable and durable) and I started time-trialling. Sprint wheels arrived after a ’65 summer job,
By 1966 I was living in Bristol and joined Bristol RC. The bike was used for road and circuit races, I upgraded to a Williams AB77 cotterless double chainset. Then the frame was wrecked under a bus. Oooops. Components (even wheels) were salvaged and mounted on a hastily acquired Jensen frame 64-942, then as they were steadily replaced I chucked anything still serviceable into an old Carradice saddlebag until this ’55 Carpenter frame was bought 2011, and hey presto all was back in order again.
So you see, switching and upgrading components was very much part of the fun.
Lively handling. Now used for short time trials and, with different gearing, for club runs, sportives and longer events..
