Thanks for the reply. I had already uncovered that basic info.
Over the years, I have combed through literally hundreds of web sites and libraries trying to uncover any information on this particular bicycle model. I can't find anything! I was only able to find one book about the Sun Cycle & Fittings Company and it's out of print with no libraries in the USA having a copy.
I guess this is such a rare bicycle that not much is known about it...
I've been able to determine that it is not even close to your run of the mill ordinary Wasp, but an actual competition model or limited production competition model replica. What I was looking for was someone with expertise in this company and time period to be able to tell me what I have. Right now I'm afraid to have any restoration work done to it for fear that I will ruin its value (admittedly the finish is in rough shape at this point) or any hope to get these decals replicated. When I have it restored, I want it to be exactly like the factory issued bicycle. I've contacted a gentleman in England who knows a little about these bikes and can provide some of the decals, but he doesn't seem to know any specifics about this model. I've called or visited no less that 10 bicycle shops here in the USA that supposedly have experience with vintage bicycles, but none of them have had any idea either. At this point, I'd be happy to even pay an expert a reasonable fee to research and tell me what I have.
If you know anything about these (1955 - 1962) Sun Wasp competition bikes, please send me a note.
Thanks in advance,
F. Chad Shepherd
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
>
>
> Sun started out as lamp manufacturers in the latter half of the 19th
> century, graduated to cycle fittings, and then to complete machines.
>
> The highly successful Wasp model was a good quality, lightweight cycle
> which was offered in various guises from the late 1920's to the
> mid-1960's.
>
> Sun was owned by the Parkes family (the F. C. Parkes was the top of the
> range lightweight, bearing the name of Sun's Managing Director) until the
> company was sold in the late 50's, finally becoming part of the Raleigh
> group.
>
> Having written this, I've just checked Classic Rendezvous, and if you
> refer to:
>
> http://www.classicrendezvous.com/
>
> you'll find more information.
>
> Neil Foddering
> Weymouth, Dorset, England
>
>>From: "Chad Shepherd" <chad.shepherd@sbcglobal.net>
>>Reply-To: Chad Shepherd <chad.shepherd@sbcglobal.net>
>>To: "Classic Rendezvous" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
>>Subject: [CR]Questions about Sun Wasp
>>Date: Thu, 19 Oct 2006 19:58:44 -0500
>>
>>Hello all,
>>
>>I just subscribed to this mailing list.
>>
>>I've got a vintage lightweight I purchased about 15 years ago and have had
>>it stored in my garage since then. Last month I started riding again and
>>my primary bicycle broke down so I pulled out this bike (Sun Wasp) and
>>have ridden it ever since. I've put about 200 miles on it in now and I'm
>>continually amazed at its light weight and smooth operation. It sure
>>would be nice to know its origin and have it restored to its former glory.
>>However, I'm not even sure it is worth the expense of a restoration.
>>
>>I would be very interested in your thoughts on the origin of this bicycle.
>>I could hardly find any information on the internet and all I have been
>>able to put together is from one or two web sites. I contacted a
>>gentleman in GB to see if I could purchase replacement decals and he
>>thinks it may be a 1955 - 1962 Sun Wasp champ du monde model. I know it is
>>in rough condition (that's how it was when I purchased it) and it has
>>several components that are not original, but it rides great and many of
>>the components are original. Any information or contact for individuals
>>that could assist would be most appreciated.
>>
>>I've put pictures out on a website where I have access. The URL is
>>www.kp2.com/sunwasp/chadsbike.htm. I can take other pictures if that
>>would help.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>F. Chad Shepherd
>>St. Louis, Missouri, USA