Macleans Featherweight Cycles - Any Experience?
 

Hey all,

I am stating to investigate the possibilities surrounding a 1950's Macleans Eclipse frame and fork, and I was wondering whether anyone had any experience of owning/riding one? I checked out the Classic Lightweights site already, but I was hoping to poll the always knowledgeable Bike Forums members.

Slainte!

PS: Here is the specific frame in question - its a bit tatty, but I am in no rush to either acquire something or immediately start a build/restoration. This is purely reconnaissance at this point.

http://hilarystone.com/images/sale%2...s/Macleans.jpg

Mcleans are nice, but like any vintage frame, there are some limitations. I'm building mine up using period parts. The drivetrain is a hybrid, Sturmey FG Hub with a Cyclo derailleur. Here are some pics. of the work in progress. BTW, I'd snag the frame before someone else does!

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3746/9...ec78f58d_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8...51a62d99_c.jpg

I had never heard of Maclean, but that is unsurprising based on the sheer number of English manufacturers from that period. So, you would say that it is worth checking out?

That looks like a great project and will be gorgeous when completed!

Send it my way. I have a nice AW wheelset looking for a home.

That MacLeans looks like a very nice frame and I would snag it if it were my size and suited the build I had in mind.

Specifically, as for the build... this frame is set up for a bar end shifter. That's a little unusual for a bike of that vintage. I'd set it up with a three (or four) speed hub and a derailleur, pretty much the way Velognome is doing his. Also, it's set up for a sidewall dynamo on the left fork blade. That's also a bit unusual, especially for an English bike (they had a preference for dynamo hubs). I'm not partial to sidewall dynamos, but that's mainly because I dislike the way they clamp to the frame. The brazed on mount is cool.

If you don't want to run a sidewall dynamo and a bar end shifter, I'd say this is not the frame you're looking for.

i have a maclean featherweight kd994 can anyone give me more info on it any help appreciated

There is a page on Classic Lightweights dedicated to the builder.

thank you

if you are needing more information, please consider joining the Veteran Cycle Club. Then you can contact the Maclean Marque Enthusiast, to register your frame on their records and get more detailed knowledge.
see Marque Enthusiasts