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The bike
In previous years, I've ridden a road bike (2021), a tandem (2022) and a recumbent trike (2023). This year, I intend to use a bike based on an ancient handbuilt Evelyn Hamilton* frame given to me by Mick O'Meara, a clubmate in Surrey St Christopher's CCC in 1963.
The build
The challenge to bringing it back to life was that the threads in the bottom bracket had become badly mangled, so I thought it was irreparable. You can see the welding where the bottom bracket had been repaired some years ago. Then I found out about threadless bottom brackets which overcome this problem.
So, having acquired one, I fitted it to the frame - it went in very nicely.
Next, the 32t wide/narrow chain ring and cranks
I have built it up with Campag wheels from my late brother Chris - a considerable upgrade on anything I'd have bought!
| Cog size | Gear (inches) | |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 80.0 | |
| 13 | 67.7 | |
| 15 | 58.7 | |
| 17 | 51.8 | |
| 20 | 244.0 | |
| 23 | 38.3 | |
| 28 | 31.4 | |
| 36 | 24.4 | |
| 46 | 19.1 |
After a wire-brushing, the frame had three coats of silver Hammerite paint - Wickes didn't have any gold in stock :-(
When it was reassembled, there was a problem with the gears - watch the video (opens in new tab)
Gear problemI realised the problem was that I had overtightened the bolt on the lower jockey wheel - loosening it sorted out the issue :-)
So, I am very happy that the bike is nice and light - 10.5 kg, compared to the 13.6 kg of my other road bike, 24 kg of the tandem and 25 kg of the recumbent, and so I should be able to go faster!
1/04/24
While out riding I noticed a knock/clunk at pedalling frequency. I identified the source - it's the bottom bracket coming loose. I removed the cranks and tightened it up - awkward, as you really need a bottom bracket tool for each side and I only have one! Then I realised that the bearing itself is very rough as you turn the spindle, so I have ordered a replacement - and a second bottom bracket tool.
Recently I replaced the handlebars, brake levers and handlebar stem, in order to have a shorter stem - I want a more relaxed upright position. However, I don't like the extra levers on the brake levers, so today swapped them back for the previous levers, and re-did the bar tape while I was about it.
30/04/24
My new threadless bottom bracket from St Johns Street Cycles arrived today, along with a new bottom bracket tool so I can make sure I'm actually tightening up the assembly, not just turning it around in the bottom backet shell. All fitted this evening, so the bike is back on the road ;-)
04/05/24
The JustGiving page is here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tim-devereux-map
Or if you like QR codes: 
(* I was fascinated to learn more about Evelyn Hamilton, who ran a bike shop with her husband in Streatham, London. From the thirties to the early fifties, she broke many distance records; she may or may not have been a member of the French Resistance!!!)