1957 Humber roadster

[Rhythm Thief]

As some of you know, I work on bikes part time for a local charity. I tend to buy stuff I need - penetrating oil, brake cleaner, that sort of thing - from Screwfix with my own money and claim it back, but occasionally something I like comes in and I take payment in bikes rather than cash. Which is how I've ended up with this.
I've done a good bit of work on it, including fitting new tyres, getting the 4 speed Sturmey Archer working properly and rebuilding the headset, but I'm leaving this scruffy and am planning to use it as a knockabout town bike. I've never owned a traditional gent's roadster before but I have to say that now I'm of a certain age, I love that very upright riding position! The Brooks has seen better days but is still very comfortable.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Other plus points are that the dynamo lighting still works, although it's not quite as bright as the SON Edelux II setup I use on some of my other bikes. In fact, if anything it gets darker when you switch the lights on.

 

[raleighnut]

As some of you know, I work on bikes part time for a local charity. I tend to buy stuff I need - penetrating oil, brake cleaner, that sort of thing - from Screwfix with my own money and claim it back, but occasionally something I like comes in and I take payment in bikes rather than cash. Which is how I've ended up with this.
I've done a good bit of work on it, including fitting new tyres, getting the 4 speed Sturmey Archer working properly and rebuilding the headset, but I'm leaving this scruffy and am planning to use it as a knockabout town bike. I've never owned a traditional gent's roadster before but I have to say that now I'm of a certain age, I love that very upright riding position! The Brooks has seen better days but is still very comfortable.

Get a bit of proofide on that saddle, also you can rub them down with 'Wet & Dry' (actually developed for the Leather industry) to smooth any big scuffs/ridges I'd use (and have) 1000 grit.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

I'll do that, I think I have some Proofide at home. The wet n dry tip is new to me though, thank you!

 

[FrankCrank]

As some of you know, I work on bikes part time for a local charity. I tend to buy stuff I need - penetrating oil, brake cleaner, that sort of thing - from Screwfix with my own money and claim it back, but occasionally something I like comes in and I take payment in bikes rather than cash. Which is how I've ended up with this.
I've done a good bit of work on it, including fitting new tyres, getting the 4 speed Sturmey Archer working properly and rebuilding the headset, but I'm leaving this scruffy and am planning to use it as a knockabout town bike. I've never owned a traditional gent's roadster before but I have to say that now I'm of a certain age, I love that very upright riding position! The Brooks has seen better days but is still very comfortable.

Don't know why you'd wanna ride round on a scruffy old clunker like that.
Tell you what I'll do, I'll take if off your hands for free, just to save you that embarrassment.
No need to thank me.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Its first real test ride was - naturally - to the pub for a cheeky after work pint. It rides pretty well, apart from the saddle being fitted the wrong way round so the clamp faces forward, and the standard Sturmey four speed thing of being an absolute pig to get into first gear.

 

[raleighnut]

I'll do that, I think I have some Proofide at home. The wet n dry tip is new to me though, thank you!

Don't use water with the Wet & Dry a smear of proofide lubricates it nicely then clear any 'clogging' out with white spirit. Try not to get too much white spirit on the saddle but a bit won't hurt. Just like sanding wood go with the grain of the Leather i.e. along the saddle.
I once worked at a place that made adhesives and polishes for the shoe industry (when we had one) and shoe polish is made by mixing melted waxes with white spirit and pigments.