Bringing Holdsworth Professional back to life
10-09-19 | 08:07 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,337
Likes: 6
From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: 1962 Carlton Franco-Suisse Custom,1968 Raleigh DL-1/Tourist, 1971 Holdsworth Professional, 1973 Holdsworth Mistral,1973 Raleigh Gran Sport,1974 Raleigh Grand Prix, 1993 Trek 2200 Composite, 2011 Trek 7.3FX
Bringing Holdsworth Professional back to life
I figured I would create a new thread here in the proper forum instead of using the appraisal forum thread. You can catch up on how I acquired this bike here and see pictures
TL;DR, Purchased a 1971 Holdsworth Professional that has seen a ton of miles, this one enjoyed a lot of love and has the scars to prove it. This is my second Holdsworth and the first time i've seen a professional in person hence why i couldn't pass it up.
It's a 58cm which is usually right on the line for me but the price was right and i'm willing to make it work. I know i will get my money back if i have to move it along.
So far i've removed the ugly rack and bottle holder, replaced the handle bars + stem with a longer cinelli stem and wider 3ttt bars. The ones that came with the bike were not original, they were SR and i'm not quite sure what was original on it. Installed new hoods, and purchased a nuovo record rd to replace the suntour that came on it. New chain and tubes. Tires are ok for now. Replaced all housings and cables with jagwire. Any suggestions on brake pads for Campy Nuovo Record? I also need a seat post bolt as the quick release was not original.
I have no intentions on repainting this bike or doing much in terms of restoring it, other than cleaning and tuning. Whats the best way to protect the nicks in the paint? i've used clear nail polish in the past. Any other tips to pass along while I bring her back to life is appreciated.
TL;DR, Purchased a 1971 Holdsworth Professional that has seen a ton of miles, this one enjoyed a lot of love and has the scars to prove it. This is my second Holdsworth and the first time i've seen a professional in person hence why i couldn't pass it up.
It's a 58cm which is usually right on the line for me but the price was right and i'm willing to make it work. I know i will get my money back if i have to move it along.
So far i've removed the ugly rack and bottle holder, replaced the handle bars + stem with a longer cinelli stem and wider 3ttt bars. The ones that came with the bike were not original, they were SR and i'm not quite sure what was original on it. Installed new hoods, and purchased a nuovo record rd to replace the suntour that came on it. New chain and tubes. Tires are ok for now. Replaced all housings and cables with jagwire. Any suggestions on brake pads for Campy Nuovo Record? I also need a seat post bolt as the quick release was not original.
I have no intentions on repainting this bike or doing much in terms of restoring it, other than cleaning and tuning. Whats the best way to protect the nicks in the paint? i've used clear nail polish in the past. Any other tips to pass along while I bring her back to life is appreciated.
10-09-19 | 10:20 AM
#2
Mr. Anachronism
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,110
Likes: 291
From: Somewhere west of Tobie's
Bikes: fillet-brazed Chicago Schwinns, and some other stuff
Wow, very nice!!!
Is that Batman holding it up for the pic?
Is that Batman holding it up for the pic?
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"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
10-09-19 | 08:19 PM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,893
Likes: 352
From: Oakland, CA
Bikes: centurion cinelli equipe, look hinault 753, Zunow z-1, 83 stumpy sport
yeah grail bike! make mine 60cm but like you i'd settle for a 58 if I could ever find one (at least one I could afford). you can wax the bike to keep out water from the nicks so rust does not grab ahold.
very envious. always wanted on of those...
very envious. always wanted on of those...
10-09-19 | 09:04 PM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,367
Likes: 8,278
From: Seattle area
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Nice catch (reading prior thread) and nice way to bring it back to life.
Would love to have a Pro.
I have a Holdsworth Special in 58cm.
My perfect size is 60cm,
and the Special is one 58cm frame I have I wish was 2cm larger,
altho with chainstay adjusters removed the 1010 dropouts allow a very stable (without the touring feel) ride.
Would love to have a Pro.
I have a Holdsworth Special in 58cm.
My perfect size is 60cm,
and the Special is one 58cm frame I have I wish was 2cm larger,
altho with chainstay adjusters removed the 1010 dropouts allow a very stable (without the touring feel) ride.
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Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
10-10-19 | 12:45 PM
#5
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,337
Likes: 6
From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: 1962 Carlton Franco-Suisse Custom,1968 Raleigh DL-1/Tourist, 1971 Holdsworth Professional, 1973 Holdsworth Mistral,1973 Raleigh Gran Sport,1974 Raleigh Grand Prix, 1993 Trek 2200 Composite, 2011 Trek 7.3FX
I have a 60cm 73 Holdsworth Mistral that I absolutely love, that one also has a good story if you want to read about it here. I was worried about this one being on the smaller end, as i've recently culled the herd on a few bikes that were always on the small side. But lastnight was the first time I finally rode her and I think the fit will be fine, still need to dial in the handlebars and seat but I definitely have enough room.
