Sun Super Vitesse

[Spokesmann]

OK, a lot of shots of this new acquisition. Need to do some research on this, but the overall look and feel of the frame, as well as cast lugs and BB shell, suggests late 40s/early 50s (TBC). 531 plain gauge tubing. 22" in size. Looks like its possibly been repainted on top of the black, although the decals which look original are on top of the blue, on top of the black... Bayliss Wiley BB needs some new grease as does the clamp type headset. Still making my mind up on this, but am thinking of GB sidepull Courier brakes, white ribbed cables, maybe blue, Brooks B17 (pre-used), GB bars and stem and Williams chainset. I may use the light blue celluloid guards from the Corinthian on this. The gears would probably have been something like a 3 or 4 speed two cable changer, most probably Cyclo or possibly Huret (??). Not sure about wheels, not sure if I'll even paint it yet!!

Any help on details and dating would be gratefully received.

SOV 13552

 

[biggs682]

That looks very nice @Spokesmann what do you think 26" or 27" wheels ?

Paintwork looks nice enough to use to me

 

[midlife]

Classy decals and box lining . Is the black some sort of undercoat? Way back before my time I was told frames were phosphate coated / bonderised or something like that to prevent rust.

Shaun

 

[wisdom]

Very nice just wants using now.Or maybe spring when it's hopefully better weather.Rolling restoration maybe.

 

[Spokesmann]

That looks very nice @Spokesmann what do you think 26" or 27" wheels ?

Paintwork looks nice enough to use to me

Im going to try 27" if not then 26". I agree on the paint, it is all original so what I can lean up/T-cut I will, then clear lacquer over the top.

 

[Spokesmann]

Very nice just wants using now.Or maybe spring when it's hopefully better weather.Rolling restoration maybe.

Yes most probably. I need to think about parts and a plan of what I need.

 

[biggs682]

Im going to try 27" if not then 26". I agree on the paint, it is all original so what I can lean up/T-cut I will, then clear lacquer over the top.

if you struggle i might have some 26 x 1 1/4 dunlop lightweight steel rims

 

[Spokesmann]

if you struggle i might have some 26 x 1 1/4 dunlop lightweight steel rims

Excellent, Ill bear that in mind!

 

[MarquisMatsugae]

Can't help you on the details but what a cracking find

 

[Spokesmann]

Work continues on the Sun Super Vitesse. Regreased the headset and the BB shell. Both really needed it. The BB was a real bugger to set the lock ring free. A mixture of WD40, tapping and swearing won the day. Inners were pretty rancid with solid grease, grit and grime. It now runs pretty smoothly on clean balls and races and an ample application of lithium grease. The head races are now running smooth, again the lock ring here taking a little light persuation to move. The clip is not threaded. Done a little more cleaning and degreasing the frame. Im thinking of also using the Corinthian light blue guards from a similar period. They look just right. Im hoping to use 27" wheels on this machine, although I have an offer of some 26" steel rims.

The bike will be a usable modern day machine so Im most probably going to fit a 5-speed rear mech to it, although Ill need to apply some cable guides and clips as it has no braze ons. I've got a 'vintage' machine in the 58 Constellation, so I know the pitfalls of using very period gear on the roads ie a modern setting, and the ensuing drama therein one can experience. Im having GB sidepulls for sure as there are no CP brazings on the frame. Chainwheel will be a nice Williams, if I can find one for a moderate price. Putting some guards on the frame already makes it look more of a bike.

 

[midlife]

Coming along . Has the head clip slipped to the side?
Shaun

 

[Spokesmann]

Coming along . Has the head clip slipped to the side?
Shaun

Its not been tightened yet.

 

[Spokesmann]

Added a nice Williams B100 chainwheel which is bang on period.

 

[biggs682]

@Spokesmann i take it the 27" fit ok ?

 

[Spokesmann]

@Spokesmann i take it the 27" fit ok ?

Tight but yes.