A shed for old English single speeds. Any more?
08-14-08, 12:31 PM
#1
Viscount
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A shed for old English single speeds. Any more?
Just got this shed find.
Royal Enfield Lightweight Sports made during the war (1939/45)
Most factories turned over to munitions manufacture then but RE made bikes for the war effort.
This is one of them.
Only it has had so little use it is amazing.
Entirely original down to pedals, brake blocks, and super paintwork.
Worth a look!?
All I have done to it is touch up the paint on the outer rear mudguard/fender and cleaned it.
Nothing else.
Has tyres showing little/no use but marked "War Grade".
Check the Brooks saddle!
And the decals:
The bike is just amazing for the year. Even the cat came over to check it out:
Made like a gun!
Royal Enfield Lightweight Sports made during the war (1939/45)
Most factories turned over to munitions manufacture then but RE made bikes for the war effort.
This is one of them.
Only it has had so little use it is amazing.
Entirely original down to pedals, brake blocks, and super paintwork.
Worth a look!?
All I have done to it is touch up the paint on the outer rear mudguard/fender and cleaned it.
Nothing else.
Has tyres showing little/no use but marked "War Grade".
Check the Brooks saddle!
And the decals:
The bike is just amazing for the year. Even the cat came over to check it out:
Made like a gun!
08-14-08, 12:47 PM
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Wow! That's a beauty. The tooling on the saddle is remarkable. Very nice find.
Neal
Neal
08-14-08, 06:14 PM
#3
Disraeli Gears
Of course Enfield was an armaments manufacturer, too, no? Were the rims painted black? Quite the stealth machine. Truly relaxed geometry.
08-14-08, 06:22 PM
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All you need is a chain guard. That's really something special.
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08-14-08, 08:19 PM
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Yeah, were the rims painted black? how has that held up to the brake pads?
08-15-08, 02:42 AM
#6
Viscount
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The rims are painted black but obviously have a little rust on the contact surfaces.
Nothing that a little use won't remove though.
Having the tyres off revealed immaculate white cloth rim-tape underneath and no rust whatsoever.
Royal Enfield did make armaments of course, but they were one of the few bicycle manufacturers to continue production during the war, I'm told.
Obviously bicycles were needed during the war for ARP and so on, what with the petrol shortages etc.
I've not done much research on it yet, but I will do shortly.
It is complicated because if you enter RE in google you get 99.9% Royal Enfield Motor Cycle sites and leads!
I got this machine along with a similarly aged Rudge and they had both been unused for many, many years.
We simply pumped up the tyres and rode them 5 miles or so home!!
Even had a 'tussle' with a young guy on a mountain bike.
He didn't like us passing him at all!!
And USAZorro you are right about the missing chain-guard.
The fixings are there but no guard!
Not found any pics yet to see what the original looked like.
All I have done to it is give it a good clean and treated some surface rust on the rear guard, so it is a remarkable find.
The Rudge is a little rougher but in line for treatment next.
It has the Handed chain-wheel and a lovely brass head-badge, and could be pre-war.
It's great to rescue these old machines from storage/possible oblivion.
Will post some more pics of both shortly if there is any interest
Nothing that a little use won't remove though.
Having the tyres off revealed immaculate white cloth rim-tape underneath and no rust whatsoever.
Royal Enfield did make armaments of course, but they were one of the few bicycle manufacturers to continue production during the war, I'm told.
Obviously bicycles were needed during the war for ARP and so on, what with the petrol shortages etc.
I've not done much research on it yet, but I will do shortly.
It is complicated because if you enter RE in google you get 99.9% Royal Enfield Motor Cycle sites and leads!
I got this machine along with a similarly aged Rudge and they had both been unused for many, many years.
We simply pumped up the tyres and rode them 5 miles or so home!!
Even had a 'tussle' with a young guy on a mountain bike.
He didn't like us passing him at all!!
And USAZorro you are right about the missing chain-guard.
The fixings are there but no guard!
Not found any pics yet to see what the original looked like.
All I have done to it is give it a good clean and treated some surface rust on the rear guard, so it is a remarkable find.
The Rudge is a little rougher but in line for treatment next.
It has the Handed chain-wheel and a lovely brass head-badge, and could be pre-war.
It's great to rescue these old machines from storage/possible oblivion.
Will post some more pics of both shortly if there is any interest
08-15-08, 03:47 AM
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That is a rare find indeed, I rescued a similar aged mens model which was just short of being a total wreck, the condition of your is amazing. you pictures help fill in some blanks for me regarding decals and lining etc.
from the mounts left on your bike I think the chainguard would have been a "hockey stick" shape not a full quard, it would have terminated just after the mounting bracket on the chainstay and not been full length... wartime shortages etc.
The chainwheel set may be a later replacement as Royal Enfield usually had a chainwheel motif containing 3 artillery pieces which during the war would have been painted black like the rims and handlebars.
an amazing piece of history, thanks for sharing the images
Regards
385xza
from the mounts left on your bike I think the chainguard would have been a "hockey stick" shape not a full quard, it would have terminated just after the mounting bracket on the chainstay and not been full length... wartime shortages etc.
The chainwheel set may be a later replacement as Royal Enfield usually had a chainwheel motif containing 3 artillery pieces which during the war would have been painted black like the rims and handlebars.
an amazing piece of history, thanks for sharing the images
Regards
385xza
08-15-08, 05:27 AM
#8
Viscount
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That is a rare find indeed, I rescued a similar aged mens model which was just short of being a total wreck, the condition of your is amazing. you pictures help fill in some blanks for me regarding decals and lining etc.
from the mounts left on your bike I think the chainguard would have been a "hockey stick" shape not a full quard, it would have terminated just after the mounting bracket on the chainstay and not been full length... wartime shortages etc.
The chainwheel set may be a later replacement as Royal Enfield usually had a chainwheel motif containing 3 artillery pieces which during the war would have been painted black like the rims and handlebars.
an amazing piece of history, thanks for sharing the images
Regards
385xza
from the mounts left on your bike I think the chainguard would have been a "hockey stick" shape not a full quard, it would have terminated just after the mounting bracket on the chainstay and not been full length... wartime shortages etc.
The chainwheel set may be a later replacement as Royal Enfield usually had a chainwheel motif containing 3 artillery pieces which during the war would have been painted black like the rims and handlebars.
an amazing piece of history, thanks for sharing the images
Regards
385xza
All the rest of the bright-work is nickel plated, but I assume the chrome plated chain-wheel was an old stock pre-war item.
No proof, just instinct telling me this you understand.
Why would anybody replace a chain-wheel when it had so little use?
A little research may tell more though.
I'm about to write to the Marque Enthusiast at the V-CC who may well have the answers.
Great bicycle though.
Royal Enfields are few and far between and this one is a rarity, I'm sure.
I assume the guard would be a hockey-stick type but I want to see some catalogue pics before fitting an inappropriate type.
BTW if you need any further pics just let me know what you need.
Last edited by viscount; 08-15-08 at 05:29 AM. Reason: Additional text.
08-15-08, 06:43 AM
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Great find Vis, the headbadge is a true masterpiece.
And yes, we want more pics. Did you really have to ask?
I was just given a lead on a place that has a "pile"
of bicycles, out in a rural area near my house. Supposedly an older gentlemen with a penchant for collecting what he calls scrap metal. Naturally, we're gettting more rain than we've had in months today.
My quest for a gentlemen's 3 speed continues.
And yes, we want more pics. Did you really have to ask?
I was just given a lead on a place that has a "pile"
of bicycles, out in a rural area near my house. Supposedly an older gentlemen with a penchant for collecting what he calls scrap metal. Naturally, we're gettting more rain than we've had in months today.My quest for a gentlemen's 3 speed continues.
08-15-08, 06:49 AM
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tx,
I ran into about 100 bikes at the lake in Terrel where we teach scuba diving! the owners wife thought it
would be a good idea to make some money. They were mostly walmart style mountain bikes. One
sears 3 speed and a trek 850.
marty
I ran into about 100 bikes at the lake in Terrel where we teach scuba diving! the owners wife thought it
would be a good idea to make some money. They were mostly walmart style mountain bikes. One
sears 3 speed and a trek 850.
marty
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08-15-08, 07:17 AM
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Once I do a recon run, and take first dibs
I'll post up anything interesting. I'm going on word of mouth here, so the size of the fish may have grown in the telling of the tale, lol.Didn't know you teach Scuba. I've got over 200 dives in the bank.
08-15-08, 09:04 AM
#12
Viscount
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Great find Vis, the headbadge is a true masterpiece.
And yes, we want more pics. Did you really have to ask?
I was just given a lead on a place that has a "pile" of bicycles, out in a rural area near my house. Supposedly an older gentlemen with a penchant for collecting what he calls scrap metal. Naturally, we're gettting more rain than we've had in months today.
My quest for a gentlemen's 3 speed continues.
And yes, we want more pics. Did you really have to ask?
I was just given a lead on a place that has a "pile"
of bicycles, out in a rural area near my house. Supposedly an older gentlemen with a penchant for collecting what he calls scrap metal. Naturally, we're gettting more rain than we've had in months today.My quest for a gentlemen's 3 speed continues.
Talking of Gentlemens (I wouldn't have anything else) 3 speeds have you seen this one?
Cost too much to ship over there unfortunately.....
Couple more pics here of the RE though.
I did take the chain off to give it a clean.
Wasn't really dirty but it needed oil.
If only it was a mans bicycle....
08-15-08, 09:27 AM
#13
Unique Vintage Steel
If that headbadge isn't already included on VeloBase.com, any problems with me snagging it to add? Beautiful bike there, something like what I'm considering to add to my collection soon so I have something more relaxed to ride with my wife.
08-15-08, 10:37 AM
#14
Viscount
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I would have gotten round to listing it shortly anyway.
Only got it last Monday and I've been cleaning/checking it since.
Not enough time for everything.
Never is.
Be pleased to send you some higher definition pics anytime if you want for your fine site.
I also got a fine Rudge brass head-badge on the other one of the pair.
That'll be on its way shortly.
Just waiting for some sunshine here!
08-15-08, 01:02 PM
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Oh my. I could save my shipping pennies for something like that. I'm a sucker for shiny objects
08-15-08, 01:04 PM
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How's the Townie working out for the Spousal Unit?
08-15-08, 02:57 PM
#17
Unique Vintage Steel
Viscount - feel free to add it yourself if I don't get to it first. My time adding things to velobase have been sporadic lately. Though others have more than picked up the slack!
The Electra is doing great for Margaret. She's up on two wheels and riding pretty well. She's taking a short break while it's so hot and she has some important auditions coming up she doesn't want to get hurt before.
The Electra is doing great for Margaret. She's up on two wheels and riding pretty well. She's taking a short break while it's so hot and she has some important auditions coming up she doesn't want to get hurt before.
08-15-08, 06:48 PM
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Viscount what is the saddle? Is it the B-18? I just ordered one of those to put on my wife's Herc...the one I got off of pastorbob NH.
Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
08-15-08, 11:05 PM
#19
Viscount
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[QUOTE=wahoonc;7281426]Viscount what is the saddle? Is it the B-18? I just ordered one of those to put on my wife's Herc...the one I got off of pastorbob NH.
Aaron[/QUOTE
It's a B75 Aaron, and I've not seen this version before, with the tooling.
Pretty sure it's original, but not sure how to date Brooks yet.
It has a 2 letter stamp underneath, but I need to look at it again to remember it.
I bet somebody on here knows the key!
Aaron
[/QUOTEIt's a B75 Aaron, and I've not seen this version before, with the tooling.
Pretty sure it's original, but not sure how to date Brooks yet.
It has a 2 letter stamp underneath, but I need to look at it again to remember it.
I bet somebody on here knows the key!
08-15-08, 11:18 PM
#20
Viscount
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Should get some time this weekend.
I have just got another quite rare Gundle catalogue if it fits within your range.
(Trade/Carrier Cycles that is)
PM you about it later.
08-16-08, 12:40 AM
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Well, if you had any doubt she's worlds smarter than the rest of us, the taking a break during this heat should be proof positve. That mid-70's morning this week had me wondering how to get in a ride, do two weeks of lawn work, and paint the house before noon. Gotta be hard to not ride that thing though, it's pretty cool.
Wish her luck for me on the auditions!
08-16-08, 12:44 AM
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08-16-08, 08:05 AM
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Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
08-16-08, 07:12 PM
#25
Viscount
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