Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,786
Likes: 6,189
From: Manhattan & Woodstock NY
Bikes: 2024 A Homer Hilsen, 1992 Paramount PDG Series, 1991 Mercian King of Mercia, 1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 1969? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1970 Raleigh Pro Mk I
Originally Posted by bulgie;[url=tel:22864025
22864025[/url]]Nice looking bike! I see it has the "track" crown like on the one in post #37 by
Dylansbob . Super cool sand-cast "faux two-plate" design similar to the Fischer popular with Italians like Masi, but I think yours is British-made, possible Davis. His crown has indents in the blades like those normally seen on chainstays, does yours also? That would allow quite fat tires, but it seems unnecessary for anything like a normal road tire. Only other forks I can remember with indents in the blades like that was on some old Schwinns like a '50s World, and a Paramount tandem. I might have to try that sometime for a 650b conversion... <gears turning in my brain>
Your geometry looks to be on the steep side — do you know the angles?
Is the TT sloped, higher in front? Could be camera angle. If it is sloped, and if you don't happen to prefer it that way, you could add rake to the fork, lowering it. Plenty of room in the brake slots to raise the pads. Of course that would change the handling, but for the better in my book. Controversial subject, I know. Especially with the added complication of "undoing the original builder's vision" or whatever, plus the possibility that the chrome could crack, so file this one under "crazy ideas". I'm just spitballin' here.
Have you tried a longer chain? I think it might shift better, with the cage rotated clockwise the upper pulley would be closer to the freewheel. I know, with an NR, you sometimes have to play with the chain length to get it to shift to a decently-low gear for old guys, like 28t or more. Is that what you have one there? 26 maybe? Anyway, apologies if you're already at the optimum length for your gears.
Now go get some dirt on that bike, it's too clean!
Mark B
Thanks…now let’s see, so much to cover... I got this bike from another forum member late summer of ‘21 I think. They were confident that it’s a model 76 but after some research and conversations with the marque enthusiast with the Vintage Cycle Club in England, the answer is a definitive shrug, best guess being a late 60s - early 70s San Remo Mk. II, based on tube diameters and build details. In any event the fork is essentially track tubing, fully round section with lots of clearance, no dimpling. I think it’s level and I don’t know the angles but it is actually a very stable ride, almost like my 72 PX10. Except for the seat stay wraparound detail it very much resembles the bike described in this article which reports having 74+ angles:
I refinished it because there were a lot of areas of surface rust. I haven’t really paid much attention to the chain, it’s the one that was already on it. I recall that it shifted fine but I may have a look at that and the freewheel. It’s at my house upstate and I won’t be there until late Thursday or I’d go count teeth and report back 😁
It’s next up in my ride rotation, I do plan on putting on wider tires than the Michelins it came with. I have a pair of Rene Herse 32s that might fit fine.
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2025 Lynskey Elysium, 2024 A Homer Hilsen, 1991 Mercian King of Mercia, 1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1970 Raleigh Pro Mk I, 1969? Falcon San Remo
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport