Elswick Hopper Invincible

[funk2monk]

This has just come into one of our yards. Not to sure of this manufacturer other than the shopping bike!!
Looks quite original with Cyclo Benelux gears.
Is it worth a save and a keeper?
Not too much info on internet so asking the experts.
Cheers

 

[biggs682]

Save it @funk2monk
And give it a clean and use it please

 

[Drago]

Low range, unexciting to ride although not horrible by a long stretch.

Thing is it'll never be worth a fraction of the cash needed to restore it, and even new tyres and cables will cost more than it's value, but it's a piece of history and once it's gone it's gone for ever.

So save it.

 

[lostinthought]

The derailleur is an el cheapo and the frame looks equally utilitarian, and it will be a thankless job trying to get it healthy from that state. If it were mine, obviously I'd fix it up, because I'm a romantic. But no rational reason to do so.

 

[Elswick Cotterpin]

It's a mess, but I'd feel kind of compelled to try and do something with it. It's a nice colour and that's a cracking head badge.

 

[DCLane]

There's a catalogue here from 1976 with the Elswick Hopper in - https://www.icenicam.org.uk/library/Elswick-Hopper/Cycle_catalogue_1976-07.pdf
The Invincible model is mentioned here, albeir briefly, in their 1961 advert - https://www.icenicam.org.uk/library/Elswick-Hopper/Cycle_article_1961-01-27.pdf

I've ridden past the old factory in Barton-on-Humber several times.

Like others have put it's probably worth very little. Cleaning it might show the true condition underneath - but by then you might as well change the cables, chain and add tyres. Hey presto, it's a working old bike.

Two questions from me: Does the seatpost move? And are the forks bent, because they appear to be from the first photo?

 

[funk2monk]

Save it @funk2monk
And give it a clean and use it please

Thank you biggs682. I’m a glutton for punishment but can’t see it being scrapped. 👍🏻

 

[Paulus]

If it were I, I would give it a lot of TLC, a good clean and replace what was needed to get it back up and running. Keep the bike going.

 

[funk2monk]

Low range, unexciting to ride although not horrible by a long stretch.

Thing is it'll never be worth a fraction of the cash needed to restore it, and even new tyres and cables will cost more than it's value, but it's a piece of history and once it's gone it's gone for ever.

So save it.

Low range, unexciting to ride although not horrible by a long stretch.

Thing is it'll never be worth a fraction of the cash needed to restore it, and even new tyres and cables will cost more than it's value, but it's a piece of history and once it's gone it's gone for ever.

So save it.

Thankfully have plenty of parts in house so no major expense. Can’t really see something as complete being scrapped so will do my best to make it rideable again

 

[funk2monk]

If it were I, I would give it a lot of TLC, a good clean and replace what was needed to get it back up and running. Keep the bike going.

Totally agree. Will keep you posted.

 

[funk2monk]

It's a mess, but I'd feel kind of compelled to try and do something with it. It's a nice colour and that's a cracking head badge.

Thank you. Will give it my best attention and hopefully enjoy the finished product

 

[funk2monk]

There's a catalogue here from 1976 with the Elswick Hopper in - https://www.icenicam.org.uk/library/Elswick-Hopper/Cycle_catalogue_1976-07.pdf
The Invincible model is mentioned here, albeir briefly, in their 1961 advert - https://www.icenicam.org.uk/library/Elswick-Hopper/Cycle_article_1961-01-27.pdf

I've ridden past the old factory in Barton-on-Humber several times.

Like others have put it's probably worth very little. Cleaning it might show the true condition underneath - but by then you might as well change the cables, chain and add tyres. Hey presto, it's a working old bike.

Two questions from me: Does the seatpost move? And are the forks bent, because they appear to be from the first photo?

Thank you for the comments. I’ve yet to see the bike in the flesh so unsure of actual condition. Once collected I will update.

 

[funk2monk]

Low range, unexciting to ride although not horrible by a long stretch.

Thing is it'll never be worth a fraction of the cash needed to restore it, and even new tyres and cables will cost more than it's value, but it's a piece of history and once it's gone it's gone for ever.

So save it.

I agree. Can’t find another so worth a punt!!

 

[FrankCrank]

Think it deserves an oily rag resto, could make a nice pub bike, or something to leave locked in town with no worries.

Agree with comment about the forks, looks like a frontal to me.