Mike Walker Enigma Classic 531 English Light Tourer

Enigma! Meaning unknown builder currently.

Got some ideas though.

Believed mid 80s, Yorkshire, (Skipton? Mike Walker?) builder who spent a lot of time filing the lugs on this lovely 531 frame before it saw any paint. 

Previous owner for 30 years, & a credit to him for keeping it in such fine order.

I came across it on Ebay recently & was intrigued; ) (Was looking for something else at the time)

Intrigued enough to take a chance, bid, & win it. Ebay pic below.

In my head this machine needs to drop the cream/white saddle/bar wrap, & use black to maximise contrast with the super, warm yellow frame paint. Called 'Italian Yellow' by Argos Cycles. I'd call it Cadmium Yellow: ) 

Contrasts so nicely with the black. I reckon it needs the yellow to dominate. So, not too much black. It's all about balance. 

Today I try a different Selle Turbo sadddle which is black, but with warm yellow highlights. Might be a step too far, but I try it anyway. If it's uncomfortable it's binned. Pic below somewhere.

That's just appearance though. The frame, forks are top quality & in great condition for a 35yo: )

With a notable history also!
 

First photo op here. First ride to check it out properly.

'Rides very nicely'.

Looks good, feels good, &, by golly, it does me good to ride it. 

What else could you ask for? Progress recorded here, anon.

 

Check the super-fine lug filing details: )

Prugnat lugs, I think, & they have been filed to almost 'melt in' profiles. 

Takes care & time for that one.

Small detail but it indicates care & attention on the whole build.  Not possible on a factory line.

It is just a lovely frame, for me anyway, & I do enjoy 'sorting' these small, visual details. To my particular preferences of course; ) 

Thanks Andrew!

Monday 23 Nov 2020

Three days later, following up on clues/info from the previous owner, I have more details about the machine... Lots!

Firstly, this machine was ridden on an Epic Tour across Canada, & then down the American West Coast to California! 10,000 miles... In the late 1980s. This machine has history, & how nice to discover it now?

Is that a real feat?

There's me describing it as a 'Light Tourer' in the blog title above...

It's well loaded entering California! And still here, literally, in my living room, just behind me as I write... This bike has a genuine 'Wow' factor about it.

It was originally the red you see above. But now this beautiful, warm yellow.

(Courtesy of Argos in Bristol, who do quality, stoved refinishes... Argos can 'pay' me later for that; )

This refinish at 3 years old, is immaculate still.

 

It still has the original Maillard flip flop rear hub, & possibly, even the Mavic G40 rims!!!

After 10K hard miles, 30+ years ago!  You see why I say, 'Wow'!

The Turbo saddle is also almost certain to be original with a date of 1985?: )

What you saying Sean?

Latest pic here one hour ago. Trying a new Selle Turbo to see how it feels. I liked the yellow highlights but...

Saddle is/was a step too far & it's now back to Black Turbo. (It does happily suit my Dawes Debonair though)

Might refit the white bar wrap & white Turbo saddle just to see what it looks like.

Small adjustments still needed for perfection; )  Tyres next. Got a pair of 28 Schwalbe Delta Cruisers that will likely suit.

We can only seek perfection. Now I'm thinking, the black bar wrap needs to be de-emphasised. Yellow/Black (Random style) will be be worth a try?  Speculating here.

I know cosmetics are secondary, but I do believe: If it looks right, it usually is right; ) Got some bar wrap & a good looking Selle Italia XO in the post currently.

Might be a step too far, but seeing it on the bike will be the real test. And sitting on it: )

 

December 10 2020

Got the saddle & yellow/black barwrap, & here it is.

The saddle is a bit 'fussy' I think, but it's comfortable after a 5 mile, 'tread on it' style riding. Very impressed with the ride quality & its responsiveness. Wish I was 25 again: )

You should enjoy this machine Ricky: )

23/06/2023

Got a picture of it today out for a ride in Worcester.

 Looking good Ricky: )

1961 Dawes Debonair 4 sp

 Latest find is this early 60s Dawes Debonair with 4 speed Cyclo RD.

Has 21 1/2" frame & 27" wheels, 4 speed Cyclo derailler, Weinmann brake calipers/levers, Williams chainset & Wrights Olympian saddle.

Looks good to me for the year, & it's getting 'treatment' now.

This one is looking all original except for the bars & levers. (Drops originally)

As found it has these MTB flat bars.

 Intention is to get it riding & see what it's like. Some of these period Dawes are great riders & if this one is good it'll get some more attention. Fitting a pair of alloy rims currently & keeping the rear 4 speed hub for now. The original Cyclo RD needs a 'service' & it has a Simplex 5 speed temporarily.

I've fitted a pair of period Allez drop bars & aero Shimano brake levers for a neat front end.

It is now 'under construction' & will be updated here anon.

 

Alloy wheels make all the difference with this type of machine. Lighter, better handling, decent braking & no rust.

Not ridden it yet but I know it is a little small for me... And, I just found another Dawes (1982 Galaxy 531ST) that looks to be a little too big at 65cm: ( 

I do like Dawes though, at least their Birmingham made machines. Both often let down by poor finishing/prepping before painting. I've had several Dawes from 1950s/60s & many suffer from this affliction.

Trying a themed Selle Italia saddle here. Looks good to me, but not ridden on it yet... Might try some Black/Yellow barwrap later too.

Current intention is to clean up the frame/alloy, etc & Turtle Wax it for now. Pity it's too small for me.

I think a bit of yellow in the barwrap will improve the look. Plus the original yellow cable outers.

Here it still has the Halfords Sport tyres that came on it. Looking like 1990s, if not earlier, but still in good shape actually. The 27" 630 rims are big for this small frame, but look good to me. (Originals were 26" I believe)

 

Raleigh 20 folder custom project

New R20 project here:

 Started out with this neat looking Stowaway.

I already had this brown Raleigh 20 that I bought intending to customise it. (Alloy wheels etc.)

Very nice & almost original, as seen here minus its mudguards & chain guard.

I found some suitable alloy rims, but they are powdercoated green... So not for this bike.

Checking ebay I found this lovely green R20 folder with no wheels!!

Perfect I think, to go with my new alloy wheel-set. My rims are 457 rather than the original Raleigh 451mm. Tyres available in Holland & I have a pair of 457 brown tyres ready & waiting.

Just need 72 spokes to put it all together: ) Therein lies another story. (See below.)

Tyres are 47 rather than the original 37, so a little fatter. Great for comfort & they do just (I sincerely hope) fit into the standard R20 forks & rear end.

So, when the two items are together I'm sure it'll be a very nice, neat & distinctive R20 folder in super condition..

That's the project: )

Rear hub will be either the original SA AW 3 speed, or, a later SA X-RD3 with hub brake! That sounds best to me. Dispense with the long drop, flexible, Raleigh calipers then.

When the spokes arrived for the front wheel I built it up.

With this result: )

Spokes too long. I ordered 220mm rather than 202mm... Back to the drawing board then, or rather the Spoke Calculator.

£20 down the drain. Anyone need 36 x 220mm spokes??

Currently thinking I'll go for a simpler Radial spoking on the front.

And at least I can lace up a 3 cross rim in 20mins now.

A couple weeks later & I have the wheels built up with the Sturmey Archer X-RD3 hub in a Cross 3. Front has a Cross 2. Front wheel has at least a 5mm clearance at the crown to my relief. Rear wheel has just enough clearance for a guard even.(Being optimistic here: )

Set up for me at 6' 1" above & still temporarily using the Raleigh stem. Saddle should be higher, but I have a longer Alloy micro-adjust seatpost on the way. Also looking for a suitable long riser stem, so that I can fit a conventional pair of Allrounders. Looking for an upright riding position here.

The hub brake is an awkward thing to fit into these dropouts! The hub has a 117mm OLN & the bike has 115mm as standard. Clearance for the brake lever & torsion arm is very tight.

Got it ridable today & out for some photos & see how it rides.

A gloomy day amid the showers but it rides very nicely. Brakes are excellent, as expected, & the fat 47 tyres make for a smooth ride. Gears are too low for me with a 20tooth cog, so I try an 18 tooth next.

Quite pleased with this one at this stage. Stem & bars are next for attention, & will be updated at some point. Not seen another 20 like this one...

 

1974 Raleigh 20 3 speed project

Saw this 1974 Raleigh 20 machine on ebay recently looking a bit neglected/unused for a while.

Looked original & complete & so it was. A nice, sunny day out to collect from Hay on Wye was just a pleasure. Pete moaned a bit, but...

These common machines are great for customising.

Mostly dismissed as 'Shoppers' but having a strong, durable, one size frame that'll fit a 12 year old, or a 6' adult. That's why I bought it anyway: ) Check Sheldon Browns site to see what he did with R20 frames many years ago.

Googling 'Raleigh 20 customising' will get many more examples.

My intention is to build it up as 'Standard' to begin with, & then modify it as time & finances permit.

Here it is now, a week later. Out for a ride & photos this morning. All good so far... Rides very nicely.

Now has NOS Pirelli cream tyres (try finding them; ) & an adjustable stem with Allrounder bars, & Turbo saddle. Gears are good, brakes are just normal Raleigh with steel rims... Not brilliant in the dry, non-existent in the wet.

So, the first major upgrade for R20s is alloy rims.

It'll get a longer, alloy, micro adjust seat-post & long reach stem (to fit me at 6' 1") soon: )

The adjustable stem is there currently to figure out where exactly I need the bars. (A little higher & further foreward is my current opinion)

I'll keep the mudguards & chain-guard, bars & stem, saddle just in case a later owner wants to revert to original spec.

I just think they look better, (not so dated perhaps?) without the guards. A bit lighter too: )

When I finally found a pair of alloy rims for it they were anodised green.

These are 457mm compared to the Raleighs steel 451mm rims. I can only find 47 tyres for the alloys so I went for this brown pair that goes well with the green to my eye. (Camouflage? )

The green rims don't suit this brown bike though: (

So it gets built up as I found it.

Shortly after I came across a really nice green Raleigh 20 Folder. With no wheels, would you believe?

Serendipity.

Genesis day:00 Hybrid TownBike

Nice Genesis day:00 here. Pete didn't appreciate it much. (Got diverted by Moulton F frames: )
Getting a rebuild currently & if it rides good it'll get its paint tidied up or maybe powdercoated.

This is Aluminium 6061 frame with steel forks, & well built in Taiwan. (By Giant I suspect)

Paint a bit tired, but it might get a refinish if it rides well: ) Out for a first ride this morning & photos for the record. Rides nicely as seen. Brakes fine, 7 speed system working well. (No FD yet, running on the middle cog here.)

Spec here is:
Shimano Altus entry level RD, capable of reaching a 34 cog MegaDrive rear later: ) Has a 14/24 here.
Shimano FC TY50 triple front 48, 38, 28, with new basic Shimano 7 speed bar top changers.
Campag Veloce brake calipers & Tektro levers.

Mavic Module 3 wheel set with Shimano 600 hubs. Schwalbe 32 Roadcruiser tyres are great on the corrugated roads around here, & good for canal paths & suchlike.

Intended to be an all purpose town bike/carrier/go almost anywhere bike.

Light, tough & cool to ride.

Will climb Hollywell Hill (Worcester, close to the Sabrina Bridge over the Severn, by the Uni: ) easily with a 34 MegaDrive block: ) Pete will never do it though... Ricky might just!

 

30 Sep 2020.

Update is: It now has a new 48 38 28 triple chain-set & the gears are adjusted perfectly.

All the drive is now new, chain set, FD, RD, changers, cables, chain) so it should work fine. 

Shimano Altus basic items, with Deore changers, Sunrace CW. Still have the option to fit the MR 34tooth rear block for Hollywell Hill: )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The new rack fits perfectly & awaits its new panniers.

Meanwhile it will be my local townbike/shopper/light tourer/canal path/gravel bike, etc. And my Orbit Gold Medal is on Ebay to see how it goes... (The Orbit did go to a happy new owner: )

10 10 2020

After some regular daily use it is performing very well. Comfortable ride, light & agile. It just feels good on our local roads, & I know it'll handle Canal Paths & light off-road. 

It'll do light Touring also & then benefit from a front rack for extra load carrying & better balance under load.

Found a Raleigh Triple Pannier bag set on Ebay & it looks very good for the money. (£15 inc. shipping) Three big compartments, 3 small, zips look sturdy & it's probably showerproof... Looks unused & was £40 new. I just need to adjust/modify the fixings, so it can be fitted & removed quickly.  Has 6 straps currently. All relatively flimsy & awkward to use!! Why can't it just clip on & off easily?  

It will soon; )

Next up for improvement is the bars... And I don't like the shiny black chainguard.  Polo Mint Pete?

Sun Parkes

Dating early Sun Parkes machines from SNs is explained here:
Not sure where I found it online, but thanks to the original poster.

Dating Sun Cycles from frame numbers.

Pre 1934 a frame number only code was used, found either at the lower front of the head tube or nearside of the seat lug. Sun factory records being destroyed this code is not yet positively broken at the time of writing. To date all verified Suns carry either an eight, six or five figure number. However, from earliest days, Brown Brothers, who were the largest wholesalers of Sun fittings, produced frames and complete cycles indistinguishable from factory originals (compare 1902 Brown Brothers and 1905 Sun frame illustrations) except fot the frame numbers. As Sun also sold complete frames and cycles to small shops to affix their own transfers up to the early 30s identifying early period Suns without transfers can be difficult.

From 1930 a rolling letter code similar to their motorcycle system was adopted whereby the first letter of the code refers to the financial year running from 1^st April to 31^st March the following year. This is set out here:

A1934/5 B35/36 C36/37 D36/37 E38/39 F39/40

G40/41 H41/42 J42/43 K43/44 L44/45 `M45/46

N46/47 O47/48 P48/49 Q49/50 R50/51 S51/52

T52/53 U53/54 V54/55 W55/56 X56/57 Y57/58

Z58/59

Second (or last if there are three) letters refer to frame building shops and appear as one of the following: C/D/E/F/H or P/R/S/T/V/W. Parkes lightweights usually carry I or L.

Letters are sometimes missed or transposed but this usually takes the model so far out of known production period as to make it apparent. (EG HV 1562 on a Sid Patterson only available in 1952/54 and which therefore cannot be 1941) In three letter groupings, mostly found post 1940 the middle letter, often S or W, may have been used to distinguish Super Vitesse and Wasp models from similar framesets as the code is most often found on these models. Different letters and numbers sometimes found on both seat lug and rear dropout and in this case it is usually the latter which bears the correct one.

Tandems 1927/1958

As Sun were major suppliers of tandem fittings to both large and small manufacturers tandems which show only number codes without original transfers and letter codes without original badges are rarely actually Suns.

1959 onwards.

It is not yet certain whether the code restarted from A in 1959/60 but some Z and B codes, albeit with three letters, are found on models only in production late 1959/62. This gives us the following codes:

A64/65 B65/66 C66/67 D67/68 E68/69 F69/70

G70/71 H71/72 J72/73 K73/74 L74/75 M75/76

N76/77 O79/80 P78/79 P78/79 Q79/80 R80/81 S81/82

T82/83 U83/84 V84/85 W85/86 X86/87

Following careful matching with catalogues, transfer styles and specifications no models have yet been found which do not fit this dating list. However some Worksop Suns adopted long number only codes (EG 156202 - 32270) which are at present still mysteries.

Later Worksop frame numbers are more often found on the bottom bracket shell or at the top of the seat tube, sometimes with the year code letter as a separate offset stamping. 

A useful starting point for vintage Sun/Parkes fans?? 

Here is one of mine...

...during refinish. A Sun. Lovely vintage machine eventually.

Vintage Tandem frame & forks

This is my latest 'project'. An impulse buy really: )
Ladyback tandem frame & forks from just pre war, or just after.

Lots of surface rust, but if the frame is good then that's OK with me.
Don't know the maker. Yet.
(I don't even receive it yet: )

Bars look interesting & the 3 speed quadrant changer is useful. I've got a Sturmey Archer 3 speed wheelset with hub brake which should suit this.

Saddles look bin jobs but might be a guide to its age.
Chain wheels are spiky & well worn, but shouldn't be difficult to replace.
I do like those bars: )


Later, on closer, actual inspection I find the bars bent! But the Dunlop saddle is quite good.
Quadrant changer is a TriVelox. Quite rare.
Head-clip is likely Brampton & the stem is excellent under the surface rust.

Both seatposts are rusty but free: )

Forks are out & in good order. Bearings were shiny & the races smooth.

All good up to now.


April 7 2020

Looking to be late 30s right now & either a BSA or Triumph.
Frame is now dismantled & in process of being derusted. Long job but with plenty of spare time being self-isolated during this Pandemic, it'll get done.

Both BBs are free & I have found a good double clanger replacement chain-set for the rear. Both ends have Williams chainwheels, so not difficult to find.