Use drops on those bikes that I refurbish to periodish(?) style. This frame had had some butchery performed by a previous owner so not fussed about authenticity and as I only ever ride on the hoods now (it's an age thing) I did this build for rideability/comfort and ease of gear change (bar end levers). Can get just as precious as anyone else regarding authenticity when it is appropriate ie my Jensen, Flying Scot, Hill Special etc but quite happy to build for my own purposes where appropriate as in this case and on my Hercules Kestrel and Mercian Vincitore. The Mercian actually has gone the other way. Year 2000 frame yet most of the componentry is late 1970's. Should cause a bit of confusion to a collector in 50 years timeVery, very nice rbried.
Their shop is close to me in Putney, though sadly closing down I understand.
Can I ask why not regular drop handlebars?
Decals from H Lloyd @ http://www.hlloydcycles.com/ top quality, massive range and very reasonable prices. Wouldn't use anyone else, too many cowboys out there using cheap heavy vinyl. One of my brothers does the spray jobs for me at cost of paint. He is a panelbeater/sprayer in the motor trade. For powdercoating (corroded frames as it is thicker and fills the rust pits) I use PPS in Inverurie £45 cheap as chips but they make a lovely jobGreat build. Nice decal where did you get to from? Was the paint job expensive
Select cyling in "shop by category" and they will come up, there are a few here http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Cycling-/7294/i.html?_nkw=ideale+saddle&_frs=1yeah I'm back can't help my self!
panniers still look nice however cheap they were, even if they were free from a skip
can't find the ideale saddle anywhere on eaby just comes up with horse saddles
If your so keen to hang on to this particular one I can see 3 maybe 4 other bikes in the picture so surely you can spare one. You wouldn't even realise it's gone!
Cheers Ed