I thought I'd update this thread since the Armstrong is back on the road! This time, with a fixed-wheel vengeance. I found a good-condition '70s Super Champion Modele 58 w/Normandy hubs wheelset with a rear track hub, fixed/fixed, and in good shape in terms of the cones and bearing surfaces front and back. I thought, what a perfect set up for the Armstrong, and I already have a few of these hubs knocking around and parts are-a-plenty for these hubs since they were made in various guises from I think the 1950s to the 1980s. I've been thinking of setting up another fixed-gear because I notice the absence when I don't have one! This straight-gauge 531 frame is perfect for fixed-wheel riding. I had a used folding Pasela PT in the bin so on it went. I haven't been able to locate any folding 27" Paselas for some time, just the wire-bead version, which is too bad because I think they ride a bit better.

The handlebars are 1950s French flat moustache. I like how narrow and moustache-like they are, unlike modern moustache bars which are very wide. Basically the closest I can get to those Raleigh Lenton Tourist flat bars from the '50s. Nitto stem and seatpost with a little setback, and stainless steel chainwheel and Surly cogs if I recall right. I do own a period Williams cottered crank/chainset, and the correct bottom bracket spindle and cups, but the very narrow q-factor of those style cranks doesn't agree with my body. So, a mix of modern and old it it shall be. 44T up front and 18T on the back gives me 66" with the 27 x 1 1/4 tires, which will work nicely I think as a commuter on multi-use paths and in city traffic with a heavyish work bag on the back. The other side has a 17T cog for 70" if I decide later on I'd like a higher cruising speed on longer rides without the laptop and lunch and clothes and such. I'm not 100 percent on the position of the brake levers just yet, so no bar tape until I'm set on a spot. Brakes are mid '50s GB Sport Mk3. They need new pads, I'm thinking of those Kool-Stops in the Weinmann style to insert into the original blocks.