UKC

dating vinatge bike

New Topic
This topic has been archived, and won't accept reply postings.
 davy_boy 28 May 2015
Hi everyone my girlfriend has recently been given an old sun womans bicycle from a family friend.
The bike is an old single speed with rod brakes. there are no brazed fittings on the frame and it has a brooks b2 ladys saddle.
from what i can find on google so far the sun cycle and fittings name was used from 1907 through to 1959 when it became part of raleigh.
Anybody have any ideas what era this bike would be from ? im thinking pre 40's as i have seen bikes after this era using cable brakes.
1
 wbo 28 May 2015
In reply to davy_boy: you could put up a thread on retrobike.co.uk.


I remember bikes with rod brakes in the 70's so they're not a definitive indicator of age

 Greasy Prusiks 28 May 2015
In reply to davy_boy:

Post a picture and I'm up for a game of guess the bike age.
In reply to davy_boy:

I'm sorry, but when you get to a certain age, the phrase 'dating vintage bike' has a whole different meaning: blue pills, shared steradent, whistling hearing aid feedback......

Such a disappointment to be discussing *actual* bicycles.
OP davy_boy 28 May 2015
I will try and get some pictures uploaded. closest i can find is a 1905 "sun" frame bike with bolted rear stays and identical socket type fittings, the newer bikes i can find from 1935 onwards look more modern with seat post clamps welded rear frames etc. Bike is very similar to this but a womans version http://www.oldbike.eu/suncyclefittings/?page_id=13
 Greasy Prusiks 28 May 2015
In reply to davy_boy:

It looks like it's got rubber or plastic grips on the bars? That would put it at a later date if their original.
OP davy_boy 28 May 2015
not sure on there originality i think a few bits have been changed over the years.
had a play about with the spanners earlier and there witworth sized which doesnt help much with the dates though.

In reply to davy_boy:

Does it have a serial number which surely you can date with. If not wheel size or possible markings on hubs or other components may get you to a appropriate age Beyond that I'd be looking at specialist forums.
OP davy_boy 28 May 2015
In reply to John Simpson:

There is a serial number but cannot find any info on google regarding it.
Have asked on retro bikes now so will see what wisdom is out there from the specialists
interdit 28 May 2015
In reply to davy_boy:

The main question is...
... does your girlfriend have the legs to ride this bike hard enough to overtake a bunch of mamils on carbon bikes?

Youtube vid of their reactions would be good, especially if she overtakes them up a hill .
OP davy_boy 28 May 2015
In reply to interdit:

would be even better with the basket on the front at the time
In reply to davy_boy:

I've just spent an hour or so looking for serial number and as you say have drawn a blank, doesn't seem the info has filtered it's way online yet. There has to be a record out there somewhere though.
 sbc_10 29 May 2015
In reply to interdit:

> ... does your girlfriend have the legs to ride this bike hard enough to overtake a bunch of mamils on carbon bikes?
> Youtube vid of their reactions would be good, especially if she overtakes them up a hill .

You mean similar to this .....

youtube.com/watch?v=Jba8gLgGz1g&

OP davy_boy 29 May 2015
Have now found out through the retro bikes forum that the bike is a 1953 lady's tourist roadster model.
Thanks for the help guys its amazing what knowledge is out there in this day and age


In reply to davy_boy:

I was going to guess mid 50's -- It had many of the same features as a grocers delivery bike I used to ride in the early 60's.
 radar 01 Jun 2015
In reply to sbc_10:

The same guy has just posted a pretty good distance on his chopper for the hour. A distance a lot of competent club riders might struggle to better.
 krikoman 01 Jun 2015
In reply to davy_boy:

Imagine all the arses that have sat on that saddle, MMmmmmmm!
New Topic
This topic has been archived, and won't accept reply postings.
Loading Notifications...