According to Dale's CR guide, a pricelist for Viking from 1960 shows
parallel 72 degrees and what appears to be 2-1/2" rake: http://www.classic
rendezvous.com./British/Viking/Viking_1960_cat.htm
I've got a Severn Valley still being fine tuned at: http://community.websh
ots.com/album/467095695EuzmVr so I've been following this thread quite
closely. Craig Montgomery in Arizona, who also owns one, told me that he
noticed some wheel flop. I've noted a very stable ride that seems to
appreciate larger tires, thus the 27x1-1/4's on it right now. Very cushy!
The combination seems to make roads undulate rather than bump. The rear
triangle seems a bit tighter than I would have expected with my limited
knowledge of 60's bikes, but clearance for mudguards would make it snug
for removing the rear wheel. More info. about Viking is available at the
website: http://www.localhistory.scit.wlv.ac.uk/
Regards & happy trails,
Dan Artley in Parkton, Maryland
Archive-URL: http://search.bikelist.org/
Dear Jeremy, In the 60's the old-uns were mostly riding their pre-war mounts for general club riding and touring. The younger element or more up to date were riding a typical touring bike of the times, 72 head 71 seat, wheelbase 42", fork rake 2.5", and bracket height 10.5". The more adventurous would have been on massed start frames with mudguard clearance, 72 parallel, fork rake 2.25", wheelbase 41", bracket height 10.25" to 10.5" for general riding and racing. Hope this goes some way to answering your query. Best wishes Mick.
--- Jeremy Lieberman <jeremylieberman@nyc.rr.com> wrote: Mr. Brown, The first link you provided seems not to work, is the first bike sold? About the Viking, that really looks like a top flight bike, really clean lugs. Question during that period (early 60's) you quoted Cyling magazine as saying the bike was one "for the racers", yet the bike looks relaxed, might it ride like touring-all day bike anyways? If not, what did brits consider a all day- ride comfortably type of bike in those days? Thanks, Jeremy Lieberman NYC, NY _______________________________________________
Thats all for now. Keep those wheels spinning, in your memories if not still on the road. Be lucky Mick Butler Huntingdon UK.