Mid-80's Franklin - before
02-23-18 | 09:18 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Somewhat slow older guy
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 275
Likes: 16
From: C-bus, OH
Bikes: '83 Trek 311, '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '06 LeMond Poprad, '07 LeMond plastic bike, '97 Serotta CSI, '90 Bridgestone MB-1, '90 Bianchi Project 7, '24 Lynskey GR350 and a few others.
Mid-80's Franklin - before
Thought I'd post this here, as you don't see a lot of these. Custom build from Franklin Frames, Columbus OH. This one has massive wishbone seat stays that Jack tells me he used for large or powerful riders. I believe that he built a series of race bikes for Team Columbus this way.
Just took this out of the shipping box and plonked it together for a quick test- rides very nicely. It will get a full strip-and-clean, and perhaps go back to Franklin for touch-up and reset the rear spacing to 130mm. The smoke finish actually has a hint of purple or gold in it - should shine up nicely.
Just took this out of the shipping box and plonked it together for a quick test- rides very nicely. It will get a full strip-and-clean, and perhaps go back to Franklin for touch-up and reset the rear spacing to 130mm. The smoke finish actually has a hint of purple or gold in it - should shine up nicely.
Good to have an Ohio frame makers bike back home.
02-26-18 | 08:58 AM
#4
If I own it, I ride it
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,685
Likes: 821
From: Cardinal Country
Bikes: Lejeune(14), Raleigh, Raysport, Jan De Reus, Gazelle, Masi, B. Carré(4), Springfield, Greg Lemond, Andre Bertin, Schwinn Paramount
Great score. First Franklin I have seen with the wishbone stays. Now I want one even more.
02-27-18 | 08:49 AM
#7
Thread Starter
Somewhat slow older guy
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 275
Likes: 16
From: C-bus, OH
Bikes: '83 Trek 311, '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '06 LeMond Poprad, '07 LeMond plastic bike, '97 Serotta CSI, '90 Bridgestone MB-1, '90 Bianchi Project 7, '24 Lynskey GR350 and a few others.
I'll get better photos up soon. The builder tells me that he used these seat stays for "heavier or stronger riders." At least I come closer to the former, but not the latter.
I also believe this bike to be very close to what he built and supplied for a local race team, Team Columbus in the mid-eighties, except that the team frames were yellow & black. I have to get the serial # to Jack, and hope to have more info (tube set, etc.) soon.
I also believe this bike to be very close to what he built and supplied for a local race team, Team Columbus in the mid-eighties, except that the team frames were yellow & black. I have to get the serial # to Jack, and hope to have more info (tube set, etc.) soon.
