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?
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: )
