1990's Orbit Italia

[Illaveago]

I've read , Dudley, Sheffield , Leeds.

I have been out in the cold this morning washing and polishing up the bike . It seems to have been pretty well looked after. The things which are letting it down are the chrome cranks and forks . The rest of the bike looks pretty good . The brakes are nice and clean , there was a bit of dirt collected on the rear mech idlers, the chain doesn't look that old . I have polished up the frame and that looks pretty good too. The lugs are very neat. I think that the stem is definitely too long . I will leave it as it is until after my first test ride .

 

[Spiderweb]

This is my 80’s Orbit Thompson, 531 frame, built/brazed in Sheffield. I’ve owned this since around 1990.

 

[Cycleops]

Have you ever ridden it @Spiderweb ?

 

[Spiderweb]

Have you ever ridden it @Spiderweb ?

Not for 3 or 4 years!
I remember the last time I rode it I got a puncture and had no pump, a passing cyclist stopped and kindly lent me his.
When I saw this thread this morning I had in my mind that I would take it out on Sunday.

 

[Jameshow]

Not for 3 or 4 years!
I remember the last time I rode it I got a puncture and had no pump, a passing cyclist stopped and kindly lent me his.
When I saw this thread this morning I had in my mind that I would take it out on Sunday.

I'm going to look at orbits for sale now!!

 

[rogerzilla]

The early 90s ones were made at the Peartree Industrial Estate in Dudley. I picked mine up from there in 1992. They later relocated to Sheffield.

Build quality was usually "workmanlike" but the paint was good.

 

[Illaveago]

I have borrowed a front wheel from one of my other bikes and swapped the front tyre and tube over onto the rear wheel . My bike is now ready for its first test ride tomorrow.
As it was complete I took the opportunity to weigh it . It weighs 22lbs which is lighter than some of my other bikes.

 

[raleighnut]

I've read , Dudley, Sheffield , Leeds.

I have been out in the cold this morning washing and polishing up the bike . It seems to have been pretty well looked after. The things which are letting it down are the chrome cranks and forks . The rest of the bike looks pretty good . The brakes are nice and clean , there was a bit of dirt collected on the rear mech idlers, the chain doesn't look that old . I have polished up the frame and that looks pretty good too. The lugs are very neat. I think that the stem is definitely too long . I will leave it as it is until after my first test ride .

The cranks aren't chromed, it's either a paint or anodised finish which has corroded and flaked off. A bit of judicious scrubbing with Scotchbrite or a green kitchen scourer should improve the look

 

[Illaveago]

The cranks aren't chromed, it's either a paint or anodised finish which has corroded and flaked off. A bit of judicious scrubbing with Scotchbrite or a green kitchen scourer should improve the look

I'll have another look . I think it will need a wire wheel as it is bad. I haven't really inspected them closely but they do look ghastly.

 

[Illaveago]

I have been trying to find some info about the company but as others have found out there doesn't seem to be much about . The company seems to have started in Dudley West Midlands in 1982. Frank Clements was involved with the company . I'm not sure if they merged with Sirius or were taken over by them later. They also seemed to have moved to Sheffield at some point .
I'm trying to figure out the age of my bike . It looks like a standard lugged steel framed bike with caliper brakes which I would date to the mid 80's . The style of graphics have changed on their bikes a few times which doesn't help in identifying a year either but I am thinking that my bike is possibly from the late 80's, it's what I am going with at the moment.

 

[raleighnut]

I'll have another look . I think it will need a wire wheel as it is bad. I haven't really inspected them closely but they do look ghastly.

A wire wheel may be too aggressive, that's aluminium. You'd be surprised at what Scotchbrite can shift.

Judging by where the corrosion is I say heel rub started the rot.

 

[chris667]

And they were also made around the Coventry area at one point as were Sirius and a few were made by Tom Bromwich and Lee Cooper whilst he was working with Tom

I believe that would have been made after they moved to Sheffield.

 

[biggs682]

I believe that would have been made after they moved to Sheffield.

Unsure myself I just remembered reading it somewhere

 

[Illaveago]

I have done my first test ride on it . It went well! There are a few things which need sorting but otherwise it is fine. I did 12 miles and through some flooded sections of road. The stem is too long and the bars too wide . I will post pictures later .

 

[biggs682]

I have done my first test ride on it . It went well! There are a few things which need sorting but otherwise it is fine. I did 12 miles and through some flooded sections of road. The stem is too long and the bars too wide . I will post pictures later .

That's a good shake down ride