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-   -   Mystery frame (https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/1287823-mystery-frame.html)

James.McLachlin 01-22-24 08:14 PM

Mystery frame
 
I need to create two more posts before I can upload pictures. The frame appears to have serial number R860807. Sticker is for Reynolds 531 and internal seat tube diameter is 27.2mm. The dropouts are Campagnolo. The bike componentry is a Japanese mix.

James.McLachlin 01-22-24 08:18 PM

The frame has underneath the down tube an internal cable routing and bottle holder mounts. There is a chain pin holder on the drive side seat stay.

James.McLachlin 01-22-24 08:20 PM

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c1973207e5.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b3061fcf46.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c6251c4dcf.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...98a0995903.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...cf79866c86.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b02d1aac6e.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9f1b1aa12c.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f96ef465cc.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f2884b8a4c.jpg

James.McLachlin 01-22-24 08:23 PM

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3d813e2805.jpg

juvela 01-22-24 09:34 PM

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screams of an anglophone origin

earliest fitting worn appears to be the Sansin Matsumoto front hub

frame looks to have been created in the early eighties

a veritable "dog's breakfast" of kitting, much of it below calibre of frame

lug pattern appears a BOCAMA Competition pattern with cutout Nr. R1

perhaps our framebuilder members will recognize the work, or perchance our master of detection MauriceMoss will see a combination of details which point in a particular direction...


-----

Mad Honk 01-23-24 06:01 PM

What a nice find! With just a few upgrades this touring bike will be a wonderful ride. The Shimano brakes are tandem quality for stopping, and there are plenty of bosses for racks and fenders. I'm not sure what it is, but it would be a keeper here in my shop. Smiles, MH

unworthy1 01-23-24 11:27 PM

"a veritable "dog's breakfast" of kitting, much of it below calibre of frame"
True, and this doggie (whatever the breed) deserves better eats starting with a decent crankset, then better wheels... it looks like it was a serious touring rig at one time!
you say the ID of the seat tube is 27.2 but there's a shim in the tube for an (undersized) seat post?
the grommet in the down tube may be for wiring as in a lighting system possibly with a generator

MauriceMoss 01-24-24 04:11 AM

James.McLachlin Could you post a clear pic of the serial number? Is there any chance of a leading letter "P," possibly faintly stamped or maybe obscured by the cable guide?

In any case, I think this is a Revell 'Romany' touring frame with most of the original components replaced.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2da7b2d719.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0bb94202d7.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...98828041e3.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...87db692cda.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a56e11626b.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f3e069f277.jpg


Even though the mystery frame looks like a repaint, it's actually the original finish, as it appears in one of their catalogs (not sure of the vintage of this catalog - the frame looks slightly different (no rear brake hanger)).

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3152f83b34.jpg

The lugs used here are Haden Royal Sovereign and the crown is the Europa model.

Revell used multiple sources for their frames, including Mercian, Dave Yates (M Steel/Joe Waugh) and Nigel Dean among ones I've seen mentioned. This particular Romany doesn't look like a Nigel Dean or Dave Yates to me, but whether it's a Mercian or some other contractor built frame, I wouldn't know.

James.McLachlin 01-24-24 09:38 AM

Thanks all for your feedback - my son initially suspected this was a Revell Romany but we could not find a suitable picture to verify. Nice find for $100 CAD!

unworthy1 01-24-24 10:52 AM

M. Moss for the WIN!
Again!
:thumb:

EDIT: curious about one detail: alongside the bottom WB bosses and cables there could be electrical wiring for lights, but also appears to be "something else": maybe a dark plastic splash or crash guard or extra weather-proof cable housings?
Anybody have a clue?

rols229 01-25-24 12:04 AM

I know the feeling, James... I have 5 more to go. That is a very nice find, indeed.


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