Poacher123

Hello,

New to the forum and new to cycling so I apologise in advance for any wrong terminology or complete lack of knowing what I'm talking about. I've inherited a bike from my girlfriend's late father, he earned himself some serious monies in London and had a taste for the expensive. All I know is he had this custom built likely 30+ years ago. As I say I know very little about bikes so I'm just looking for some opinions or perhaps someone can shed some more light on what I'm sitting on.

I'll try describe it as best as I can. Clearly Condor branded with Reynolds 753 written in various places, retro colours. I understand this is a London-based bike firm still making frames/bikes today? Other parts/brands I can see include.. Cinelli handlebars, Shimano pedals, Campagnolo gears, spokes and wheels, Armadillo tyres and a Rolls (?) seat. Pictures attached, please request more if needed!

Clearly needs a lot of TLC and I'm deciding on whether I'm going to clean it up and use it myself or pass it on to someone else. I was surprised to find everything is still working fine.

bikemig 

Sweet bike. Condor cycles is still in business; I used to walk by the bike shop when I lived in London and loved the bikes. I'm sorry about your family's loss.

This is, as you guessed, a high end racing bike. You may want to sell it if you're not into riding that much and pick up something more appropriate for general riding.

Poacher123

Nice one. Any idea how old we are talking? Am I in the right place i.e. classic and vintage haha?

jetboy 

looks like 1987ish to me. others might be able to give you the month. very sweet. If i were you I'd sell it to me. (fun paradox there ..)

SJX426 

Welcome to C&V! You have a very nice high end bike in all aspects. Yes it is designed for racing, but I use one to commute on and love it. Some more pictures would be good like the rear gears and the rear derailleur. Straight on shots are best when possible.

Can you find a SN? If so, you might be able to find out the date from Condor.

How many speeds does it have? Or how many sprockets on the rear wheel?

Paint scheme is like what was done in the 80's as is the group. The Brakes are highly sought after and can bring a nice some of cash. Look for other labels on the parts like the brakes, levers, crank arms and RD.

You may want to go to Velobase and checkout what you have. The Brakes might be these for example.

jimmuller 

Only if you want to end up owning a dozen bikes.

That looks like a very nice bike. Does it fit you?

Chrome Molly

You are sitting on a fine bike. My 731 version is a favorite among favorites in my lineup.

Chrome Molly

And if you are new to wrenching on bikes find a caring professional, not a typical bike shop.

Spaghetti Legs 

Pretty sweet bike as well as unique. I have an Eddy Merckx in Reynolds 753 and it rides beautifully. If the bike fits (looks like it's for a tall person 6 ft +), I would keep it as it would be really fun to ride.

bike_forever

I'm sure that beauty is a handmade bike.

My most favorite bike is one that I recently picked up a Bob Jackson "753" Jubilee Limited Edition frame. This is #44 of 60 ever made of this special Reynolds 753 tubing and then handmade into a road worthy frame by Bob Jackson Cycles of Leeds, England.

Ed.

Oh, you dog, you. There's no hope for you, but to send it to me. I'll even take it freight collect!

Welcome. I have a 753 SBDU Raleigh Team Pro, which I've been riding for 30ish years. If this bike fits you, you should ride it. If it doesn't, I refer you to my first line. In any case, don't ever leave it outside and out of your sight. Wonderful bike.

Kactus

Very nice bike. I think 1987 is probably pretty close. Not only was this bike built using the best available tubing, Reynolds 753, it was outfitted with the most expensive equipment available at that time, Campagnolo C-Record (including Delta brakes). Your girls father had very good taste in bicycles!

Poacher123

More pictures as promised.

I have now put some effort (4 long hours) into cleaning off the obvious dirt and rust. Was terrified to take anything apart after the previous warnings.

Anyway, here's some more phots that people requested earlier. Cheers for your help so far!

+ It does fit me, I think we plan on taking it down to Condor to have them give it a full service as they will clearly know what they are doing and it might make a nice trip down to London.

Then I'm going to turn it into a fixie.







joking.

Chombi

Yes, you indeed have a very nice bike there!
It as all the right boxes ticked!
Heat treated Reynolds 753 frame
Campagnolo C Record/Delta Gruppo components
The size is not so big (Maybe 58cm to 60cm set tube), which makes it attractive to more cyclists
Color's nice
Nice period "Rolls" saddle.
Wish you posted pictures of the labels on the wheel rims and the hubs so we can also give an opinion those.
Only things I'd change for sure are the very out of place looking Shimano platform pedals and possibly the down tube shifters, if they happen to be Campagnolo "Synchros" which were notoriously hard to adjust properly to make the rear derailleur shift well enough.
You are one very lucky guy to inherit such a bike!

Salubrious

I only saw the joking part after I clicked on reply...

753 is one of the best steel tube sets out there. Reynolds was very picky about who they even sold the raw set to, so much so that they had to be certified. So the frame is above average construction for a high end frame and the tubing is also lighter and springier.

BTW, the Deltas **do** stop if adjusted correctly. If the levers in the side of the body sit flush, the brake isn't set up right and won't have as much braking action. They have to sit out a little, as seen in the photo so maybe someone knew how to set them up. Also, new brake pads will work wonders (Kool Stop makes a salmon colored pad that works really well on these).

unworthy1

Hah! You caused a few heart-attacks with that little jibe...and we can't afford to lose any more members!
Next time, include:"...and drewing off those tacky bits that clutter it all up, then spraying a quick flat black paint over...everything..." That'll KILL!

scozim 

No kidding, my jaw dropped and then I saw the word joking. Great looking bike and an awesome way to get into the cycling scene. As someone else said, be careful or you'll end up with a nice stable of classic steel bikes - it's hard not to.