Any Viscount experts?
08-06-10, 08:26 PM
#1
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Any Viscount experts?
what can you tell me about this based on these two pics:
it's down the street and they want $150 for it. I'd like to be a little better informed before i go check it out. I don't know anything about viscounts.
it's down the street and they want $150 for it. I'd like to be a little better informed before i go check it out. I don't know anything about viscounts.
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08-06-10, 08:34 PM
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When they were popular I heard that the steerer tube was aluminum and some cracked at speed. No way of knowing whether it was true. They are supposed to have a great ride. I have seen old ones in bike racks with the original forks in them.
08-06-10, 08:40 PM
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My Aerospace Pro
Looks like an Aerospace Pro. See if if it has any remnants of the top tube decal.
Still has infamous Death Fork.
Cranks have been changed.
Looks like it still has the OEM Middlemore saddle.
Stem is extended past safe line.
Looks like an Aerospace Pro. See if if it has any remnants of the top tube decal.
Still has infamous Death Fork.
Cranks have been changed.
Looks like it still has the OEM Middlemore saddle.
Stem is extended past safe line.
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08-06-10, 10:09 PM
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sure looks like an original "death fork", but the crankset is a (Stronglight?) replacement, and seems pretty nice, too... I'd certainly check it out given that asking price, especially tempting if the BB has been sorted out and you could use the "death fork" as a bargaining ploy (you'd HAVE to buy a replacement fork 
) Take a magnet to test the fork: no stick makes it aluminum (and "deadly")
) Take a magnet to test the fork: no stick makes it aluminum (and "deadly")
08-06-10, 10:14 PM
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No doubt. It IS the Death Fork.
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08-06-10, 10:17 PM
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-There are different versions of the "death fork", do a search to find more information on it if you are interested, as I remember some may be "deadlier" than others.
-You may also want to check what an original Viscount crankset looks like, as I believe one of the prime reasons to own a viscount is that crankset with the round cut out chainrings.
-You may also want to check what an original Viscount crankset looks like, as I believe one of the prime reasons to own a viscount is that crankset with the round cut out chainrings.
08-06-10, 10:20 PM
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08-06-10, 10:22 PM
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08-07-10, 06:53 AM
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My Viscount has the same color scheme (including the death fork), and I won it on eBay for $55 plus shipping--that's an indiciation of their going price! I don't see a Stronglight crank set on the one you're looking at, but be aware that if it has the original pressed bearing BB, it'll likely need new bearings. They definitely have funk value though.
Neal
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08-07-10, 06:56 AM
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heres a few pics of my 2 viscounts.they have original death forks,cranks ,etc.yours has the red "v" dust caps missing.you will probably never find them.
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08-07-10, 07:10 AM
#11
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thanks for all the info guys! i'm not going to bother with it since it's not got its correct crank and so forth. Plus I need another bike like I need a hole in the head. If anyone has interest in it let me know because like i said, it's a few blocks away. Here's the ad:
https://allentown.ebayclassifieds.com...sg=OUT_OF_AREA
https://allentown.ebayclassifieds.com...sg=OUT_OF_AREA
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08-07-10, 08:59 AM
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I have a spare one of those Viscount crank sets (minus the bolts that attach the big ring to the spider) if anyone is looking for one.
Neal
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08-07-10, 11:23 AM
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"-You may also want to check what an original Viscount crankset looks like, as I believe one of the prime reasons to own a viscount is that crankset with the round cut out chainrings"
I rode one of these for over 15 years. One of the first things I did was to replace that poorly constructed and flimsy crank set with a nice SR set. The main reason to own one of these bikes was the frame!
https://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j7/A1095US/Lambert/
I rode one of these for over 15 years. One of the first things I did was to replace that poorly constructed and flimsy crank set with a nice SR set. The main reason to own one of these bikes was the frame!
https://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j7/A1095US/Lambert/
08-07-10, 05:16 PM
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Looks pretty much original except the crank has been changed to Shimano 600. It even has the "death fork" -- you may want to figure in the cost of replacing the fork as well.
08-07-10, 06:33 PM
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the seller sent me an email about two hours ago and said I could have it for $100. I'll wait a few days if they still have I'll try the 'death fork' approach and see what happens.
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08-07-10, 06:44 PM
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I believe it is too large for that. the bearings are press fit like the early Merlins, Spectrum and Fat Chance bikes. just a matter of haveing the right skill and parts
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08-07-10, 09:11 PM
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$100.00? Even with the death fork, that's a fair deal.
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08-07-10, 10:18 PM
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08-08-10, 01:45 PM
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additionally, the original spindle was square but NON-tapered, intended to only fit on the OEM crankset. So you can easily find replacement cartridge bearings to press in, but a 2º taper spindle with the correct dimensions and shoulders (or grooves for snap-rings) to replace the original is a tough one. Threadless cartridge (like VeloOrange) is the easiest solution.
08-08-10, 02:46 PM
#21
Death fork? Naaaah!!
The later Viscounts used a tapered spindle in the BB. It's no trick to tap out the old cartridge bearings and press/tap in new ones. I did mine (and both hubs) in the fall.
And that is indeed the dreaded AL "death fork"(on the OPs picture, not mine).
I saw one of these hanging on the wall of a Cape Cod bike shop last week, about 58cm. A C-note would have taken it, but I already have one and 58 is too big.
Top
And that is indeed the dreaded AL "death fork"(on the OPs picture, not mine).
I saw one of these hanging on the wall of a Cape Cod bike shop last week, about 58cm. A C-note would have taken it, but I already have one and 58 is too big.
Top
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08-08-10, 02:52 PM
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Neal Lerner and I saw one at the Larz Anderson show today, I think it was $125, complete with "V" pedal caps.
Scott
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08-08-10, 03:09 PM
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something else popped up so I don't have the funds for this. there was another Viscount on Philly CL this Am but not nearly as nice for $225.
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08-08-10, 04:24 PM
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If it's the original hubs, they're made by Viscount, high flange alloy w/ sealed cartridge bearings.
Neal
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08-08-10, 06:21 PM
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THAT is really good to know...when was the approximate date they went to tapered? Would any frame with this sort of paint scheme be "later" enough?
