Classic & Vintage - Hetchins Magnum Opus (Long Overdue)

I'm still getting a few things dialed in (brakes and shifting mainly), but on relatively flat terrain, it's a very smooth rider. I just got back from a 25 miler with a young lad who's one ride away from earning his cycling merit badge.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jfJf3GdX2mQ/Soyd2hcnnwI/AAAAAAAABVU/y7zXjzbPRjM/IMGP2231.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jfJf3GdX2mQ/Soyd2bXKkuI/AAAAAAAABUk/DTKgoFXiWaU/IMGP2230.JPG

Purdy. :thumb:

I can't view the pics here, I had to open a new browser window.

Why is the rear brake line on the right of the seat post?

I can't open the pics. :cry: is it a curly stay?

Purdy. :thumb:

I can't view the pics here, I had to open a new browser window.

Why is the rear brake line on the right of the seat post?

I wondered that myself. That's where the braze-ons are.


I can't open the pics. :cry: is it a curly stay?

yes'm. When you're back to Camp Hill, let me know. I'd be happy to let you see it and take it for a spin if you'd like.

Maybe smaller pictures would work better?

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jfJf3GdX2mQ/Soyd2bXKkuI/AAAAAAAABUk/DTKgoFXiWaU/s640/IMGP2230.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jfJf3GdX2mQ/Soyd2hcnnwI/AAAAAAAABVU/y7zXjzbPRjM/s512/IMGP2231.JPG

Could it originally have had centerpulls?

Holy wee-oww, that looks very nice. I was starting to think that I had missed this thread at some point. What width are the tires?

Looks really nice. Suicide FD. More pictures, please. :thumb:

Holy wee-oww, that looks very nice. I was starting to think that I had missed this thread at some point. What width are the tires?

Those are 1-1/8" Pasela Tourguards (thanks nlerner).

I've no idea on the brakes. This is a 1954 frame, and I believe side-pulls would have been the thing. Maybe someone made a set with the pull on the opposite side? That hanger on the front was left on there by me, because when I first built it, I was going to put Weinmann centerpulls on.

OH MY! that is one beautiful bike. I love beautiful lug work. I may take you up on that offer one day. I'll bring my Rigi for you to see

Beautiful...

A '54 probably would have been fitted with centre pull brakes as they were not usurped by side pulls until much later.

Wee need more pics.

I love the rod shifter up front, my '57 Pug has one and it is far from being suicidal and actually works quire well.

Really nice. Are the brakes Universals? Weinmanns I think would pull from the other side.

... A '54 probably would have been fitted with centre pull brakes as they were not usurped by side pulls until much later.

I was told either Universal 51's (side pulls), or GB Avant Courer (also side pulls) would have been "the thing". I'm definitely open to something else.


Really nice. Are the brakes Universals? Weinmanns I think would pull from the other side.

It's got a set of Universal 68's that Gilberto so graciously sent me. I'm sure I could get them to function much better with fresh pads and a bit more fiddling. The direction of the pulls (especially in the rear) seems - how to put this nicely - unconventional.

Universals are nice brakes...

More pics ?

Universals are nice brakes...

More pics ?

The sun may still be up where you are... :lol:

I'm working the night shift this week, so it's going to be at least tomorrow before I can get anything more.

The direction of the pulls (especially in the rear) seems - how to put this nicely - unconventional.

Well, for that English oddity, you send the cable under the top tube from the stop and to the left of the seat tube.

Beautiful. My dream bike.

Well, for that English oddity, you send the cable under the top tube from the stop and to the left of the seat tube.

Thanks. I'll try that.

More pictures! We vote for more pictures!

WOW!! That is a beautiful bike. If those brakes don't change their tune, let me know and I'll take another set up when we meet up in a few. :D

Looks great!

I think you want GB sidepull brakes. There were several different models in the 50's, and I don't suppose it matters too much which you chose; use what you have until something turns up in the right condition at the right price.

the brake pulls look unconventional?? look at those chainstays he didn't bother to straighten them before the repaint LOL

Wowee zowee! That thing is making me swoon! Did you do a respray on that beauty? Let's get some more pics!!!

This is why I love English bikes. That is stunning! Nicely done sir :)

My holy grail. And with a suicide FD no less. Truly my Grail....but not my size.

Beautiful.

I took a look at my 1952 Brown's Brothers catalog. GB Hiduminium calipers had the cable receptor on the right side. It is the same for the Doherty, Webb and other brands. You need to get rid of that Italian crap and put on proper English gear. :D

Figures, those Brits drive on the wrong side of the road too.

Beautiful bike. Do you intend to ride the frame in the rain?

I took a look at my 1952 Brown's Brothers catalog. GB Hiduminium calipers had the cable receptor on the right side. It is the same for the Doherty, Webb and other brands. You need to get rid of that Italian crap and put on proper English gear. :D

Figures, those Brits drive on the wrong side of the road too.

Thanks for the research. Perhaps I'll put the Weinmanns back on until I find something a bit more age appropriate.

Ride in the rain? Hadn't thought of that, but a fair question given the mudguards. I'll likely avoid doing that, but sometimes showers do come from out of seemingly nowhere.