Chris Barber Team Sun replica bike, c1968

[Spokesmann]

I've been looking out for one of these machines for a while. I recently picked this one up via Ebay for a song. I've seen a quite a few around ranging from downright rough through to overpriced mediocrity. This one looks to be be in good nick overall. It needs some low lever work but nothing too much. This machine had been with the original owner since around 1968.

I have had a friend in Manchester pick this up for me, he will be passing the machine onto me later this week, so the images are taken by him with a few from the original auction. I intend to strip the machine down, clean, service and replace tyres, tubes, blocks and possibly cables. Will need to clean up the frame and replace a few of the frame decals.

Overall thought the machine is nice and original, with an honest patina. Ive red up on some of the history behind this model, but if anyone can add their knowledge to this thread I'd appreciate it.

 

[raleighnut]

Very Nice.

 

[T4tomo]

It certainly isn't a compact chain set!

 

[Spokesmann]

It certainly isn't a compact chain set!

Half step gearing.

 

[T4tomo]

Ah, a bit like a 6 speed Brompton, but on dual derailleur rather than a hub.

 

[ChrisEyles]

Very nice indeed! I love all yellow bikes by default and am envious of pretty much all the bikes you post pictures of on here, but that one is a particular cracker

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like it's got compressionless (gear) cable outers on the brakes as well as the shifters... at least all the old gear cable outers I've come across have those longitudinal striations on, while none of the old brake cable outers do. I've not had any experience with this myself, but if the interwebs is to be believed they can rupture under hard braking force. So might indeed be worth replacing the cables while you're at the resto.

 

[biggs682]

another nice one @Spokesmann

 

[raleighnut]

Very nice indeed! I love all yellow bikes by default and am envious of pretty much all the bikes you post pictures of on here, but that one is a particular cracker

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like it's got compressionless (gear) cable outers on the brakes as well as the shifters... at least all the old gear cable outers I've come across have those longitudinal striations on, while none of the old brake cable outers do. I've not had any experience with this myself, but if the interwebs is to be believed they can rupture under hard braking force. So might indeed be worth replacing the cables while you're at the resto.

They're Period 'ribbed' cable outer, quite difficult to get hold of now (but not impossible)

 

[Mrs M]

Another lovely

 

[Critical]

Another winner Mike....an no doubt you'll do it more than justice

 

[midlife]

Classy . Brings back a few memories

Shaun

 

[mikeymustard]

that's an absolute cracker!

 

[Cycleops]

Very nice, love your phrase " honest patina", borrowed from Arthur Negus maybe? Remember those short guards, absolutely useless.

 

[Spokesmann]

Very nice indeed! I love all yellow bikes by default and am envious of pretty much all the bikes you post pictures of on here, but that one is a particular cracker

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like it's got compressionless (gear) cable outers on the brakes as well as the shifters... at least all the old gear cable outers I've come across have those longitudinal striations on, while none of the old brake cable outers do. I've not had any experience with this myself, but if the interwebs is to be believed they can rupture under hard braking force. So might indeed be worth replacing the cables while you're at the resto.

Hi thanks for your input, but as has been said, these look to be pretty stander cables with the usual ribbed outers.

 

[T4tomo]

Very nice, love your phrase " honest patina", borrowed from Arthur Negus maybe? Remember those short guards, absolutely useless.

Sports mudguards, had them on a Viking I bought as a school kid. They do keep the spray off your brake callipers for what it's worth.