[CR] Introduction and English Frame Identification Help

CR List Members -

First I'll take a moment for a short introduction. My name is Tony Opperman and I have the privilege of living in Williamsburg, Virginia where the terrain is gentle and the paved shoulders abundant. I've been a "lurker" for several months and wish to thank all of the CR regulars for their posts which have been extremely informative and a pleasure to read. I've re-learned things that I used to know and even more new things about our on-topic interests. My daily rider is a 1973 Raleigh Competition (with Capella lugs, Frame # A5632) that I've had since age 15 - mostly original except for a modern, dual-pivot rear brake, clipless pedals, and a Shimano Crane front and rear derailleur I installed ca. 1979. I'll be reinstalling a replacement Huret Jubilee front and rear derailleur soon, leaving only the rear brake and pedals as the nod to modern technology. The recent posts about Capella lug use by Raleigh was fascinating and helped explain something I've noticed about my Competition's lugs for some time.

Today I'm also seeking any thoughts from CR members about the identity of an old English frame that I recently acquired at an estate sale. Its characteristics point to an English origin along with the fact that the deceased owner may have been a transplanted Brit himself. I've posted photos of the frame at the following location: http://idisk.mac.com/aopperman-Public?view=web. It has most of its seemingly original components (below), but was repainted with some mid-grade Japanese components (bottom bracket, crank, derailleurs) probably in the early 1980s. Unfortunately all decals were removed during that repainting and I've found no remnants or ghosts while preparing the frame for a better paint job. But I regret not going through every file cabinet and desk at the estate sale for documentation or photos and instead spent too much time in the garage looking for tools and any remaining original components. That's a lesson learned.

While many of the items listed below seem common to English bikes from the 1950s and early 1960s, I'm hoping that the combination of the serial number and seemingly unusual rear drop-out may provide just enough evidence to suggest the identity of the frame builder. Here's the profile:

Frame size: 24 inches (seat tube, C-T), 23.5 inches (top tube C-C), 7 inches (head tube) Handlebars: M. Kint, A. Schottee/S. Maes (alloy) Stem: Titan (chromed steel) Seat post: Strata (alloy) Seat: Brooks swallow (?) Brakes: "GB Coureur" Hiduminium side-pulls Rims: Ambrosio tubular Hubs: Campagnolo (not quick-release) Shifters and Cable Guides are brazed-on Shift levers: Campagnolo Serial Number: 2159, on both rear drop-out and steerer tube Drop-outs: ??? Lugs: Nervex Pro (?) Pump prongs: brazed-on back of seat tube Frame weight: 4 lbs., 2.7 oz. Fork weight: 1 lb., 15.2 oz. Original color: prossibly brilliant orange (remnants found under more recent red paint)

The frame is in very good condition except for a crack in the right drop-out that I hope can be spot-welded by a skilled bicycle repair shop. I'd like to rehabilitate the bike and get it back on the road with its original components. A general "English" attribution would be fine, but I'm hoping that perhaps someone could take the identification one step further. To look at my photos at the above link, click on the arrow to the left of "Frame Photos" to open a drop-down list. Then click on the arrow at the far right of each photo entry to open the image. Apple's Mobile Me is a little more cumbersome than other photo posting sites and I appreciate your patience in the couple extra clicks.

Thanks to all for you help and for your regular contributions to the CR list!

Tony Opperman
Williamsburg, Virginia
USA