Yes, recently re-watched "The Producers". Finally finished up a project I'd alluded to in other threads without specifics, a 1950 Hetchins - either a SuperSport or a Nulli Secundus. Based what I've read over at Hetchins.org both were in production in the period this frame was made and the only way to differentiate is from the sales records. But "a rose by any other name" as it were, it's lovely and my final grail. The frame popped up in late October and I jumped, no regrets though I will say that this build, more than any other to date, took a lot of out me in many ways and I'm a bit burned out. Finding mostly correct parts was an odyssey in itself, and I learned way more than I ever thought I would about English gear from that period. I outfitted it with a Titan stem and handlebars (which I had in the stash), BH Airlite hubs, CB Italia rims, a Reynolds seat post, GB Hiduminium brakes and Superhood levers, TA pedals (for now), and Brooks Swallow saddle. I used repro ribbed brake housings.
A first for me in several ways other than the frame. The Chater Lea headset was fun to set up, fortunately the bearing surfaces are in excellent condition. I know wood rims were largely supplanted by 1950 but I could not resist after seeing other bikes with them, they were an interesting experience to build and I had some issues getting spoke lengths right. The cork pads - well they work. The Simplex RD setup was frustrating at first and then suddenly clicked for me. I converted a nice 4sp model to 5sp with some bits from a ragged out derailleur, and to my surprise it shifts very nicely. It took awhile to dial it all in but at last it's pretty much there.
I've done a couple of short shakedowns but today was the first real ride. With a 74.5 degree HT angle it's definitely lively, but not that bad. With 48 teeth up front and 24 max in the rear I have some fitness work to do to tackle even the moderate hills we have here in Elvis Land without blowing a gasket. With luck I can source a Chater Lea or similar with 46 teeth, and I have a Juy 51 which I may try out later and see if I can go to 26 max in the rear... Two issues remain to be worked out. One is an intermittent clicking in the BB area, I've tightened the cotters and removed all play from the BB so not sure what's up. When it does it happens with the DS crank at top and beginning the down stroke. And my DIY Coloral semi-replica rotated during the ride so it became as pictured, I may need to make a small rod to connect from the bottom of the cage to the handlebar clamp bolt to stabilize that. But overall a great way to bring in the Spring and start the new riding season in earnest.
