A labour of love

As wedding presents go a 50 year old time trial bike ridden in BBAR competitions is one this groom was delighted to be trusted with.

My wife’s Grandfather was some time triallist in his day with a competitive palmares in 100 miles, 12 hour and 24 hour events.

It was with great excitement that I got my hands on the bike last weekend and what an heirloom it is.

A lovely Claude Butler frame, fixed wheel of probably about 76inch gear. Original Brooks saddle and Karrimor luggage along with those lovely old fashioned raked handle bars with drilled out brake levers (the back one still works!).

There is going to be a lot of work ahead to get it back to its former glory but that is the objective using as close to original parts as available.

So this winter there will be a lot of rubbing down and priming along with internet searches for paint matches and stickers. I am thinking of working out a budget and imposing a realistic timescale to get the old girl back roadworthy.

I had never considered a restoration project before , but this is really igniting my imagination.

I will keep you all posted.