Well, it's been nearly a year since I picked up these two bikes, but I think they are both finally rescued
I took out the 1937 one for it's maiden voyage today, a lovely ten mile pootle through the country lanes around our village. When I picked up a bit of speed over some bumpy ground the bike's bell started spontaneously dinging, to me it sounded like it was very pleased with it's new wheels and paint job and all excited to be out enjoying the country lanes again. (I was also quite pleased to be back on a bike myself after a mountain biking crash a couple of weeks ago - though I can definitely feel it in my knee right now).
I had quite high hopes for this one with the larger frame and 28" wheels, and I wasn't disappointed - it rides like an absolute dream. The riding position is markedly more upright than the 26" wheel sports model, which I like, and the beautifully smooth ride makes up for the extra few pounds you can feel you're lugging around. Having a three speed hub totally makes up for the difference in weight, and makes the ride a lot more enjoyable when you hit a hill, and the old style shifter is great fun to use... plus there's that lovely tick-tick-tick in the background.
Everything's running very nicely indeed so far, just need to tweak the chain tension up a little. The gearing is still a touch high for me, it is basically a two speed with a silly-high top gear at the moment. I think I have a 19t sprocket on at the moment, and will probably treat the bike to a 22t one for xmas - with luck I may even be able to get away with using the same chain. The dynohub and front light are up and running and I've ordered a suitable rear light to wire up as well (since it'll be getting dark pretty early soon and I'd like to take the odd evening ride). An LED conversion may be on the cards later down the line.
