Mystery frame
01-22-24 | 08:14 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 16
Likes: 4
Bikes: Cervelo Renaissance (2002?); 1987 Kuwahara Cascade, 2015 Cannondale SuperX, 1981-2 Colnago Super
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.
01-22-24 | 08:18 PM
#2
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 16
Likes: 4
Bikes: Cervelo Renaissance (2002?); 1987 Kuwahara Cascade, 2015 Cannondale SuperX, 1981-2 Colnago Super
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.
01-22-24 | 09:34 PM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 15,369
Likes: 4,393
From: Alta California
-----
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...
-----
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...
-----
Last edited by juvela; 01-23-24 at 07:30 PM. Reason: spellin'
01-23-24 | 06:01 PM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,976
Likes: 3,216
From: Bloomington, IN
Bikes: Paramount, Faggin, Ochsner, Rossin, Ciocc
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
01-23-24 | 11:27 PM
#7
"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
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
Last edited by unworthy1; 01-23-24 at 11:33 PM.
01-24-24 | 04:11 AM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 540
Likes: 761
From: Los Angeles, CA
Bikes: None in ridable condition
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.
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)).
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.
In any case, I think this is a Revell 'Romany' touring frame with most of the original components replaced.
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)).
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.
01-24-24 | 09:38 AM
#9
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 16
Likes: 4
Bikes: Cervelo Renaissance (2002?); 1987 Kuwahara Cascade, 2015 Cannondale SuperX, 1981-2 Colnago Super
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!
01-24-24 | 10:52 AM
#10
M. Moss for the WIN!
Again!
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?
Again!
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?
Last edited by unworthy1; 01-24-24 at 01:58 PM.
