Is it correct that the Humber Clipper in the picture was produced in 1950?I'm going to repaint the Humber clipper in yellow and put it together as a Campagnolo G.S set.

I have one more question. If I choose a wheel set of 700C, I don't know if I should go with a long reach or a short reach brake.

Let me start by saying that the Humber Clipper is not a particularly valuable or sought after (as in collectable) bike. I say that in response to the OP's first post/thread regarding the bike in question.

I have been there and experienced much of what concerns the OP. My first ever vintage road bike was a Sekine Medial, a very nice bike, in my completely unschooled opinion. I stripped the bike of all components, paint and art. I repainted the bike. I put it back together and tuned it up as best I could, back then.

I took the bike out for its first ride. With-in a very short period of time and distance covered I learned that the bike was way too big for me. I learned that it pulled hard to the right, a symptom I now know is indicative of a bent frame and/or fork. And, though it would not have occurred to me at the time, destroying original paint/art is NOT a good idea. This is the bike that taught me so much - my first vintage road bike restoration...


So what would I advise?

First understand that, unless you have the parts needed already, getting the Clipper road worthy will set you back lots of $$$. Second, if the OP wants to pretty the bike up, meaning paint and art, there goes more $$$. If work has to be farmed out, you guessed it, more money. I got this Torpado for free and the only things I had to buy were tires, cables, chain, hoods, handlebar tape, paint (I paint my bikes with a one inch paint brush) and art. So this free to me bike...


...set me back a few hundred dollars CND and I had all of the components already tucked away in my vintage bike components stash. From free to all that $$$, doing all the work myself, to come up with this bike that I lost money on when I sold it...



Had I needed to buy wheels, a saddle, steering stem, handlebar, brakes - this list goes on for a while, then I could easily add hundreds more unless I bought a doner bike. All that said...

The Humber Clipper will cost more to refurbish or restore than it will ever be worth, in dollars and cents (perhaps sense is the best word). However, the fun of finding, researching, building and then riding the bike will make the entire effort worth while. You know why I say that?

Because I am going to the local department store, today, to buy three cans of this (one red, one yellow and one green)...




I will use the 1" paint brush to paint this old Legnano...



Once completed, I will have more invested in the bike than it will be worth. But that does not bother me. And you know why..?

Because I am having fun and that, to a man who is close to eighty years old, is really really important. Enjoy the moment - you only get to use it once.

Hand painting bikes can be quite fun, I've completely repainted two so far: but they did need a repaint - absolutely no chance of "keeping the patina".
Paint can cost a bit, especially if you need to research the technique or mix a particular colour.
So you are not going to make money doing it, but you could have a lot of fun.

I practised painting on a £20 1952 Bertin frame, and I still use it for testing paint.
So the Humber could be your first forray into painting ....

Another 3 days scheduled for the paint to harden ...
My 1953 Holdsworth Whirlwind hand painted using several brushes

Thank you for the detailed explanation. ☺️☺️

I think I drew it really well. I envy your skills 😊

That's a fine example of a post-war British 3 speed. The braze-on pulley was usually found between '52 and '59. The bike was designed for 26" (EA1's) wheels but will take 700c wheels. Mudguard clearances can be very tight. Short to medium length brakes will work. I'd build it with a Sturmey hub if it were mine. .If you want to go that way, post your progress in the For the love of English 3 speeds

clubman is spot on though I have that braze-on pulley on my 1950 Raleigh Lenton Tourist.

From the 1952 Humber catalog:



My Lenton Tourist was also originally spec'd for EA1 wheels, but I've fit it with 700c wheels, 32mm tires, and fenders without issue. I'd call the brakes medium reach.

Another word of encouragement for what I think could be a nice bike, the braze on pulley mount was definitely around in 1950, I have all three framesets from that year, the Raleigh Lenton, Humber Clipper and Rudge Aero resprayed up and hanging on the wall.

KHD : I have a 49 Humber (not a Clipper) that I repainted with Rustoleum spray and some brush work. Turned out great IMO. Mine also has the braze on pully mount, and I have duplex forks.

Nice frame, and an unusual one to find today. I'd be inclined to clean and preserve that original paint and decals rather than re-paint.

This thread might be turning into an object lesson about the danger of seeking a little advice, and getting far more than one asked for or expected. I love the Royal Warrant on the headbadge; just don't be surprised if a representative of the House of Windsor shows up with some directives about how to proceed!
My advice: don't even think about removing that cable pulley. But if you do, please let me buy it from you -- I have a frame that is missing one.