Hi

I'm a new member here but not new to vintage bikes as I have accumulated a few over the years including a Holdsworth Mistral bought new in the early 80s that I cycled down the length of the Nile on (fitted with GP4's!!) - and yes I still have it!
I have a 50s Hetchins which I believe is a Magnum Bonum which I would like to upgrade the current components to ones more suitable for the bike.
I would love to hear what thoughts you have on components suitable for a mid to late 50s bike build and any good sources for those parts (preferably in EU or UK) other than Ebay.
I have always leant towards Campagnolo on my bikes but appreciate that may not be the preferred option here.
I would love to post a picture but as this is my first post I am not able to as far as I can work out - if there is a fix then I will add a photo for information.

Many thanks in advance

Dominic

I will soon be using Campa Gran Sport on a late 50’s Hugo Rickert. Universal brakes & levers. Ambrosio stem, bars are unmarked (but comfortable). Campa crank is not era appropriate, but appropriately worn in appearance.
edit: note= headbadge and der claw just in old pic.



Needs some polishing

I should add.

VeloBase.com can be used to search components by decade.
Search feature near top left of page.
Pick your component,
scroll to bottom of search,
Select preferred decade.

Sorry if redundant.

I recommend finding components best from:
1. Become a paid Forum user and make your requests in the C&V Sales sub-forum,
that's where the sellers hang.
2. Just participate in C&V trading thread.
3. other places that may be local with used parts you can see and touch. USA is community co-operatives
4. online places, buying from people with a history and credibility.
5. Luck.
6. Donor bikes. (but tough for 50's bikes)

Thanks Wildwood - great info and yours looks like a lovely set-up! I appreciate such a quick response

[MENTION=534787]obstando[/MENTION] - you said Hetchins -
post some pics where you can.
We can link and pic assist.
Then you will get the experts.
Just a hack here, sometimes busy at it.

If it were mine:

1. I would identify the year the frame was built and confirm the model see Identifying a Hetchins
2. Once this is established then go look for the nearest catalogue before the frame build year Hetchins catalogs & brochures
3. Then look at the components used by owners of similar period bikes Hetchins Gallery--the wall of fame
4. Verify that the components were available at the time by using the Holdsworth Aids catalogues Holdsworth Aids Archives - Three Speed Hub
5. There is valuable information on components at Classic Lightweights, and well worth spending time there https://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/components/
6. Join the Hetchins Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/63484018406/

As I'm a new member it doesn't allow me to post images or links - if you know a way around that I'll post pics

Thank you BB - I have asked the Hetchins register guys to confirm. I don't have the serial number with me (nor the bike) but they should have my details from a while back as I'm sure I had the production date confirmed years ago. I'm aware of some of the sites you mention so will have a good scour and have joined the FB group - thanks for your help

10 posts, 48 hrs.
patience grasshopper.

or get creative.

You haven't indicated where you live, This can have a bearing on component sourcing.
But if you like reading about this period
Reader's Road Bikes Forum | Retrobike
https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/238801/ and other individual threads
and sit in on the conversations in Dale's Garage at Lightweight Classic Vintage bicycles you need to ask to join the group (button on the right side) and follow the rules!

BB - I am based in Ireland but my bike is in the UK so I have Europe as a market place realistically (delivery to either location can work). I think taxes and shipping would mean the US is not really viable.

eBay UK has everything you need for a classic British lightweight from the '50s, even as high-end as a Hetchins. I'm not sure why you'd be particularly adverse to it. Many of the best vendors there for such things are active members in the community and very knowledgeable.

In any case, most British bikes of the time were primarily equipped with British components, as there was a huge and competitive market. I would search for that stuff before delving into imported stuff from France and Italy, which was also influential but less common.

Campagnolo and Simplex gears are the main exceptions. Well regarded throughout the fifties with Cyclo-Benelux being the only really good British alternative.

Start at velobase.com and use the search function for whatever parts you're after, narrow the search to 1950s and made in England, and you'll get loads of results.

Head over to the classiclightweights.co.uk site to read about many of the period companies, technology, and to peruse lots of examples of built up bikes from the era in the "readers' bikes" section. And always keep asking questions when necessary!

Cheers!

-Gregory

Dominic's bike:

If it looks that good and functional now I would not be in any rush to restore it to any former glory. I'd carefully and patiently collect parts one way or another and continue enjoying it as is for the time being! Just lovely.

-Gregory

Gregory - thank you for the kind words - that is exactly the plan (chainset and gears will keep me happy for the foreseeable future)

H**Y CRAP!

That's freakin awesome.

Wow that is a fabulous frame, I would go very slowly and carefully on swapping any parts into that!

The only things on that bike that bother me are the fenders and the crank.

That RD has to go too IMO, its killing the curly stay vibe.

I dig the covered jocky wheel

And while a Campy Record/SR build would be just dandy as always, I would follow these guys lead.





Hetchins Duel

Or this guy.

This was inspired by the Hetchins duel head setups.



The old and the new, the ying and the yang, the good, bad and the ugly, you decide.

I get that but it goes with the crank and like you said, the cranks gotta go.

So the green Hetchins is 50's, did you have it redone or?

This is how I bought it from the previous owner and I believe he had owned it for some time and had the frame refurbished and added the components

[MENTION=534787]obstando[/MENTION] - Add pictures to your albums in your profile.

Gorgeous bike!