[CR]More Viking

(Example: Framebuilders:Norman Taylor)

From: <Hughethornton@aol.com>
Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2006 17:17:41 EDT
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]More Viking

A while ago I purchased a Viking frame that I am trying to identify. It looks like a Severn Valley but is heavier than you would expect of a 531 butted frame and appears to be straight gauge tubing because of its smaller seat post size. Apart from that, it has Nervex professional lugs and the same seat stay treatment as a Severn Valley. It has a bridge for rear center-pull brakes and the dropouts are Cyclo -- these are stamped dropouts with the later type gear hanger that would take Campagnolo gears, Benelux sixty whatever and similar -- basically the shape designed by Campagnolo in about 1950 that became the standard we have now.

I would appreciate any information as to what this frame might be. My guess is either that Viking cheapened the Severn Valley by using cheaper tubing or that it is a model or two down the range (but not too far down because of the lugs). And it has the fork lamp boss that I dislike, but that appears to be prized by so many others.

By the way, did 531 plain gauge and 531 butted tubesets have the same fork blades and stays? It has been said that the forks and stays were not butted although the tubing decal was designed to give the impression that they were.

Hugh Thornton
Cheshire, England