Ian May rebuild

[raleighnut]

I've just ridden it around the block for the first time It's a refreshing change from the carbon and Di2 of the Bianchi

A few more photos now she's finished

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Nice , bars are at a bit of a funny angle for me though.

 

[JhnBssll]

Nice , bars are at a bit of a funny angle for me though.

Genuine question - how are they supposed to be? I bought the bars and stem together on eBay and left them exactly as they arrived as I had no idea what angle they should be at

 

[tom73]

 

[T4tomo]

Nice , bars are at a bit of a funny angle for me though.

You’re not riding it

That’s how those style of bars were ridden, the bottoms parallel to the ground, quite different to the modern drops where we tend to have the tops out to the hoods parallel to the ground.

Great job OP!

 

[raleighnut]

You’re not riding it

That’s how those style of bars were ridden, the bottoms parallel to the ground, quite different to the modern drops where we tend to have the tops out to the hoods parallel to the ground.

Great job OP!

I've been riding this bike since 1974 and have been it's custodian since 76 (It belongs to my cousin Graham really,

The handlebars are set so that when I'm 'on the drops' my wrists are straight, my normal hand position then (as now) is to have my palms on the bend with the thumb pointed forwards as can be seen on the wear to the bartape of my Eguipe.

 

[roadrash]

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

That’s how those style of bars were ridden, the bottoms parallel to the ground, quite different to the modern drops where we tend to have the tops out to the hoods parallel to the ground.

I've always ridden drop-bar bikes with the bar top flat and the drops at an angle. It reduces the reach to the hoods and is more comfortable on the arms. The OP has also got the bars set lower than would be normal for a non-racing rider. Normal set-up was anywhere from bars and saddle level, to bars about an inch or so lower. If the bars are set at a sensible height then the drops are more useable without doing your back in!

 

[raleighnut]

If the bars are set at a sensible height then the drops are more useable without doing your back in!

Yep, that's why I don't ride the Carlton as much these days.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

I will say though. irrespective of the bars set-up, the result is absolutely stunning and is a credit to its owner. No modern stuff will ever equal the good looks of classic steel.

 

[T4tomo]

I've been riding this bike since 1974 and have been it's custodian since 76 (It belongs to my cousin Graham really,

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The handlebars are set so that when I'm 'on the drops' my wrists are straight, my normal hand position then (as now) is to have my palms on the bend with the thumb pointed forwards as can be seen on the wear to the bartape of my Eguipe.

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Different style of drop bars to those on the Ian May if you look carefully.

 

[EltonFrog]

Love that bike. I’m disappointed that it’s finished though, I was enjoying reading the updates.

Great looking bike.

 

[midlife]

Looking good . Bottom of the bars parallel with the road (or a fraction tilted up) with the levers set like this

 

[otek59]

That is fantastic,outstanding workmanship you must be delighted with the results, if any of my rebuilds are half as good as this I’ll be more than happy

 

[Paulus]

I've just ridden it around the block for the first time It's a refreshing change from the carbon and Di2 of the Bianchi

A few more photos now she's finished

View attachment 470691

View attachment 470686
View attachment 470687
View attachment 470688
View attachment 470689

That bike is going to turn heads as you ride along, I hope you are not self conscious. A wonderful machine.

 

[RamoRuon]

I've seen this spray.bike paint .... Has anyone used this before?

Yeah, I've posted my experience with it elsewhere. Long story short, stick with their matte colours, if you're keen on buying from them.

It's a lot more work than you think.

And as chriswoody says, the results are not always what you hoped for, so be prepared for additional costs (especially if you're on a budget).