Viking Wolverhamptom
 

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I saw this haphazardly chained to a tree in the park so I had to take a closer look.


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b86a399a26.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7370421ae0.jpg


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6a72f9d53a.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...09220aaabd.jpg


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b38d51603a.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b119649d03.jpg


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e720607b1d.jpg

Judging by the GB stem and brake levers, fork crown, dropouts and the generous clearance between tires and frame, it appears to be an early 1970's frame that was modified and repainted.

what the heck is up with that rear brake..?

It's a post-mount type, but looks like someone swapped in a BMX u-brake. Probably works well.

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lug pattern Prugnat 62/s

crown Vagner DP

ends set Cyclo, rather than the similar Campag or Agrati patterns

headset TDC "Italia"

suspect cycle a bit earlier than suggested

plant closed in 1967 rendering an "early 1970's" product unlikely

advert of 1964 -

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/cSkAA...dN/s-l1600.jpg

Viking, main

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Understatement of the day.

Yeah. Even the most casual bike thief would see the chain does absolutely zero to secure the bicycle to the tree.

Cool bike.

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advert of 1950 -


https://graces-guide-s3-live.s3.amaz...HBK-Viking.jpg


advert of 1955 -


https://graces-guide-s3-live.s3.amaz...9Cy-Viking.jpg

https://gracesguide.co.uk/Viking_Cycles


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Thank you for the very informative post.

My knowledge of bikes starts in the early 70's therefore my guess

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the three fittings which stood out for me as likely to be original and earlier than that time were the stem, headset and brake levers

cycle's original brake calipers may have been the GB Coureur 66 model

https://velobase.com/CompImages/Brak...53B76FA40.jpeg

this edition launched 1961

frame is nicely done and probable to be at least 531 plain gauge

disclaimer: have no knowledge/experience of the Viking marque

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The Raleigh branded front brake, Shimano yoke hanger and lack of brazed-on posts suggests to me that the fork was replaced.

I love brazed-on centerpulls!

Brazed-on CP brake posts were pretty uncommon on mass-production bikes, I wonder what's the deal with this frame.

I think the center pull braze-on modification was done around the time of the paint job. Judging by the components, I'm guessing it was done in the 80's or 90's