Artmo 

I was considering having my beloved Maclean repainted, upgraded and converted to fixed, but I think it would be cheaper to buy a ready-made bike. Consequently, I think I'll sell the Maclean, but I have no idea if there's a demand for such a bike and if there is, what price to ask for it. Can anyone give me some advice? Thanks.

TheOtherGuy

Yes, there's a market for it, if it's not in bad shape. I don't have a MacLean yet....!
Since it could be/probably is a collector item, I say you're better off finding a frame suitable for a fixie, and leaving the MacLean alone.

USAZorro

I know that I would like to see pictures (and I suspect many others would as well), even though the bike is not in top form. Any chance of posting them?

Poguemahone

"my beloved Maclean repainted, upgraded and converted to fixed"

The terms of endearment here make me think you are not ready to sell this bike. I also tend to think nice, complete bikes from this period probably shouldn't be fixied (fine to do if you've just got a frame or the bike is beat), nor should they be "upgraded". Keep in mind, however, you are on the retrogrouch forum here, so take that under advisement.

Me? In your shoes, I'd find a cheap older frame to fixie. They're about, easy to find. And I'd keep the MacLean, because if you sell it, you'll be sitting around one day wondering why you sold your beloved bike. Alternatively, you can buy a Bianchi Pista or one of those inexpensive Merciers as a fixie... and keep the MacLean.

T-Mar

Well stated Poguemahone. Many are the days that I regretted selling my MKM, Jeunet Pro and Legnano Corsa.

USAZorro, there are some MacLean pics on the Classic Rendezvous site.

USAZorro

Indeed there are, but only of one model (with the one advertisement). I'm eager to see how this gentlemans' old friend compares.

Artmo 

If I knew how to post pictures here, I would. Specs are

24" (60cm) frame; chrom/moly by Accles & Pollock, UK. Paint is peeling in places and there are a few superficial rust spots, but it's otherwise fine. Equipped w/Campag record front and rear changers; TA double crankset; 6 speed block; Cinelli bars; Weinmann 27" wheels on Maillard large flange hubs; Brooks saddle (cracking); Weinmann center-pull brakes; Lyotard platform pedals with toe clips and straps; tires need to be replaced. The whole bike needs a good cleanup, but I rode it a short distance the other day and it didn't fall apart.

However, from what you kind people have told me, I think I'll keep it for now and buy a Bianchi Pista. That's if my wife doesn't go nuts at the number of bikes in our garage.

By the way, where can I get side-pull brakes for 27" wheels to replace the Weinmanns?

Poguemahone

"That's if my wife doesn't go nuts at the number of bikes in our garage."

Oh, well... does she have lots of shoes or anything like that? Heck, the MacLean is a rarity, and reading your posts, you do have some attatchement to it. I think you've made the right decision to keep it.

I believe Shimano still makes a long reach sidepull caliper, but I would look for something more in line with the bike (ie vintage)

Pictures can be posted in this manner: just below the "Quick reply" area (in which I am now typing) there is a click that says "Go Advanced". Click on that. Once there, find the click labeled "Manage Attachements". A window will pop up, and you can search your computer for a photo to attach. The photo needs to be under a certain size (100 KB? I dunno... I find my camera at the lowest res takes them about perfect for posting).

Like the others, I would like to see the bike.

Artmo 

I'll have ago at taking/posting pictures at the weekend. Going out to dinner in a few min. I've just had a look over the Maclean and cleaned a few bits. Aaah, memories! The frame needs repainting, but I think much of the rest will clean up. It's not in its orig color anyway - that was black with white lining, but I had it done in red after an accident and new forks aeons ago.
BTW I know what your name means in Irish

John E

As do I, since my wife has been studying Irish, the language of her ancestors.

Artmo 

Well, here goes with the photos; I hope they don't clog the system

T-Mar

As are we all. However, I thought the pics at Classic Rendezvous might give you just enough of a 'fix', until Armto can post his pics.

USAZorro

Indeed. The fork and the stays have to be amongst the thinnest I've seen. Almost looks too fragile to be real - but real it is.

Poguemahone

My name means something? Heaven forbid, I just typed in a few letters at random when I signed up, I swear.

Beautiful bike. Since I notice it is not Zorro's or Otherguy's size, and in fact mine, I do suggest putting me in the will.

Now buy the Pista, stick a brooks on it... in twenty years or so, it'll likely be a fondly rembered classic.

Artmo 

I know you swear, or your name does. Tks for the compliment re the bike and tks for the advice. I have been lovingly(!) cleaning her today. I rode her up the street - bliss!!! I'm jut about to re-do my will

TheOtherGuy

Pencil stays were really "in" during the '50s... Got 'em on a '52 Hetchins (super thin!), and a Belgian Lion Rapide. Both also have lots of fork rake, but a really plush ride.

USAZorro

I've seen plenty of Hetchins' - which are very elegant, but I have trouble accepting the curly stays. I know some people find them to be exceptionally desireable, but somehow, I think of them as unnecessarily quirky. I know the workmanship is about as good as it gets, and I find them gorgeous in every other respect, but... chalk it up to personal tastes.

Don't recall ever seeing a Belgian Lion Rapide. Google search only turned up motorbikes. Do you have pictures? Sounds like it may be quite a rarity.

USAZorro

Artmo. Beautiful bike. No way you should have even thought of letting that go. A little clean-up, adjustment and maybe new cabling/tubes/tires, and you have another good 40 years or more left in that magnificant bicycle.

TheOtherGuy

My Hetchins with the pencil stays isn't a curly, it's a straight stay model; a '52-'53 (no one's really sure - but Hetchins records say it was first sold in '64...!) Experto Crede. The Lion Rapide's a '57 (but built with '70ish components), and though showing plenty of "patina", a great rider.

USAZorro

I like them both. What's hanging from the front of the saddle? Something for repairs?

TheOtherGuy

Nah, that's my magic cork... I'm superstitious. It's a charm that gives me extra energy... Should be a Champagne cork, but wine was cheaper. It's a local thing that's Ted Ernst inspired: "In days of old, when bike riders were bold, and a fixed gear was all they'd need,
with lots of torque they attached a cork, and rode away with speed."...

There's more about the cork in the CR archives here:

https://search.bikelist.org/getmsg.as...10311.1253.eml

USAZorro

[QUOTE=TheOtherGuy]Nah, that's my magic cork... I'm superstitious. It's a charm that gives me extra energy... /QUOTE]

I recall that bit of lore from a month or so ago.

lotek 

i have a cork hanging off my Serotta (1981 Brooks saddle so it's classic!).
Have a champagne cork waiting for the Zieleman to show up.

Marty

USAZorro

As I don't drink, you guys have me at a slight disadvantage.

Artmo 

[QUOTE=USAZorro]I've seen plenty of Hetchins' - which are very elegant, but I have trouble accepting the curly stays.

I rather like the curly stays - they are distinctive, tho' quirky. What I never got to like are the Bates bent forks.