Bicycle Addict

I am trying to find out what size stem the Gaston has, I want a Guvnor but can not afford one so Linus it could be, I would like to fit a more retro looking fork.
Does anyone have one? I would like to know the distance between axle and brake bridge.
Thank you guys

lostarchitect 

The stem info is on their website. 100mm.
https://www.linusbike.com/products/ga...detailed-specs

Bicycle Addict

Thank you I just went back in to the site and it let me bring up the detailed specs, which it would not do before. I wanted to find out if they were 1 inch stems

Velognome 

You should build one on the cheap then: 1 Raleigh Sport or similar steed $75 + $100 for a slightly used Brooks = $150 Guv nor look alike (ish)

Bicycle Addict

Yes!! I have been chatting to a guy that has a 30's BSA frame fork headset and BB, I just have to convince him that I will look after it!? Of course I will! I should know in the coming months.

debit

Very sexy bike.

surreal

I agree, except that it's $100 for a slightly new Brooks-- it may not have the same Ti rails as the B17 on the Guvnor, but.... https://www.modernbike.com/itemgroup.asp?IGPK=2126176127

-Rob

PS- nice GH-6 on that Raleigh

surreal

Also PS- some cream EA3 Delta Cruisers would amp up the Guv-factor on a Sports like that....

Velognome 

^ Agreed, the Cream Delta's would be very Pashley indeed.....but I just can't . Got me on the Ti rails, but I'm saving weight by not carrying a water bottle

Bicycle Addict

I think the bike is great and should stay as it is in its simplicity, couple that together with owner satisfaction in bike makes it a success as a build, don't change a thing and it is fine without the TI status symbol(just my opinion on anything less than very light roadbikes). The only thing I would ever consider doing is going Black WHEN cables need changing.

Ralieghs and the like are heavy bikes, that is one of the reasons they last so long thicker tubes equal long life against rust, a mates Grand father still rides his 1920 something Sunbeam that his father had since new.

Velognome 

Agreed, it is a weighty little beast. I'd imagine better wheels would make a huge improvement but that would break the $200 build budget. I think a Raleigh Super Course would be a better frame to build off of, lighter and more sizes available. but then again more $'s sourcing things like an IGH wheel set and Northroad bars, the Sports was a cheap build...just take stuff off and flip the bars.

Bicycle Addict

I find the fact that you can just remove the guards(fenders) chain guard flip the bars and bang totally different look all within the purchase cost, bar cost of renewal/fixing old parts, very appealing

Bicycle Addict

BTW Velognome are those bars new manufacture or NOS? How do you find the ride position?

Velognome 

Those bars are standard, as supplied on every Sports, genuine Northroad Bars, I just flipped them. The riding position is a bit odd at first as the bars are low and close. They inspire a "vintage I'm going fast" feeling. It's just a fun bike to hack around on.

surreal

Just to clarify: I wouldn't change your bike, @Velognome . I'm just saying that cream delta cruisers are an integral part of the Sports-to-fake-Guvnor recipe.... and cheap, too.

Velognome 

Gotcha, I've concluded that it's better to stop short than go too far on the Guv thing....more inspiration than imitation.

Bicycle Addict

All round good looks, any other people gone this way rather than cash out for the Guv, or Gaston, Velognome has convinced me I will try this rather than buying new, probably on a 70's sport frame I have and then redo it properly when I can get hold of a 20's - 30's - 40's BSA or Rudge

Bicycle Addict

Actually I will use this Carlton that I bought tonight with the other one in pic for $10 NZ on an auction site over here.
Here is the auction pic.

I may well go the Delta Creme route or some Michelin World Tours, or just 700c's with cheap CST gumwall(skinwall) tyres

Velognome 

Nice, a northroad bar, saddle and some wheels and your set. Are you going fixed, IGH or keeping the derailleur set up?

bikemig 

I really wish I hadn't seen this bike. Now I'll have to find an old school frame like this so I can build one up! This looks cool and it's a smart way of repurposing a raleigh sport. Good job on taking over this thread btw, .

Bicycle Addict

The derailleur set up looks original I may go that way I do not know at this stage, I am stoked I had one of these a while ago, but it was too big, now I have this.
As long as the big 4 do not put up too much of a fight (Stem/Headset/BB/Seatpost) we have a pretty solid vice at the shop so I should be OK
Some big hammers and some lumps of 4x2 too, should things get difficult.

Velognome 

Didn't intend to Hijack, sorry. Just wanted to give Bike Addict a less expensive & vintage route.

bikemig 

Teasing never travels well on the internet. It is clear you weren't trying to hijack the thread. I just thought this was a really neat way of repurposing a Raleigh sports or similar era vintage bike. I like finding projects like this because then I'll look around for a frame or bike to repurpose.

Bicycle Addict

Hijack!! Where?? All good Velognome has indeed provided me with some "vintage" wisdom hence the bike purchase above, as far as this thread goes come one come all, hijack away!? More the merrier!

Velognome 

"hijack" was tongue and cheek....a full blown event would have included pictures of the collection, family vacation pictures and a C&V Epistle.....This thread, like the forum, is a great place to learn and see from others....Now, Bike Addict, go build that Guv-nor and post some pictures!