Bicycle fairies at the bottom of the garden!

[brokenbetty]

I just found this at the end of mum and dad's garden!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/3958538871_7d91bebb3d_b.jpg

 

[badkitty]

Awww....that's sweet. I was just cleaning my Balmoral Hercules not 10 minutes ago. She's a slightly different red to yours but very similar. (must find a photo of her, and put it up)

So are you gonna keep it?

 

[brokenbetty]

Awww....that's sweet. I was just cleaning my Balmoral Hercules not 10 minutes ago. She's a slightly different red to yours but very similar. (must find a photo of her, and put it up)

So are you gonna keep it?

Not sure - I'll have to check no-one wants it first, plus I'm not sure my bike skillz iz up to restoring it...on the other hand it is my size, and I'd like to try out a big ol' utility cycle for a change

How does yours ride?

 

[badkitty]

Oh usually really lovely. She was the bike that got me back into cycling.If she'd been awful I would never have persisted.

I love my Balmoral very much. I don't take her crashing through the woods like I used to because I got a mountain bike (and then a road bike , then a tandem, etc etc .). She's the same age as me - 38, and I have every intention of still riding her when we are both 60. So I need to look after her a bit. But they are rock hard bikes, and will put up with a lot.

She's now my station and town bike, and hopefully will last a long time yet.
Definitely a bike worth saving.
If you don't want it and fancy selling, let me know.

 

[brokenbetty]

Definitely a bike worth saving.
If you don't want it and fancy selling, let me know.

Will do

I should find out tomorrow if I'm allowed to rescue it or if it's already spoken for

And if I decide to take on the project I may call on you for Bal-consultancy

 

[badkitty]

Will do

I should find out tomorrow if I'm allowed to rescue it or if it's already spoken for

And if I decide to take on the project I may call on you for Bal-consultancy

Oh dear - that's you sunk then!

I've just put a pic of mine up on my profile...(sorry for not linking etc, but I'm not supposed to be here..got a soggy daughter to dry...am a bad mummy... )

I need to point out that I didn't have to restore mine - she was left to me by a friend who died. So I'll probably be no help whatsoever on a practical level, but will egg you on like a good un!

 

[alecstilleyedye]

that's a nice old bike brokenbetty. if you put a shout out on the forum, someone in your area with bike mechanic skills may well be able to help out.

if you're anywhere near macclesfield, pm me…

 

[brokenbetty]

Oh dear - that's you sunk then!

I've just put a pic of mine up on my profile.../quote]

Oooh, pretty

Mine (well, hopefully mine) is 66

I've just had a quick fiddle and it looks more rescueable than I thought at first. I can change between 2nd and third gears and the pedalling is really smooth in both (well it is upside down anyway, not risking putting any weight on it til I've looked properly at the wheels)

I can't get first but it feels like a cable / shifter adjustment rather than a gear problem.

The mudguards are beaten out of shape and quite rotten, but I bet new chrome ones would look lovely

Ooh, I hope I'm allowed to keep it!

 

[Black Sheep]

I restored my road bike from a rusty heap in my uncles shed, if your anywhere near coventry give me a PM or want any advice or help.

with regard to first, it could just be that its a little stuck, most hub gears are an oil filled unit which could just need a top up and use to free it up.

I've a few maintinance books I'm happy to type guides from if needed.

 

[brokenbetty]

Oh dear - that's you sunk then!

Ah, but having someone who can take photos of a working version will be a huge help when I hit all those "how is this bit meant to fit together?" questions - you are on the hook now!

 

[brokenbetty]

Black sheep and alecstilleyedye - sadly nowhere near either of you, but that won't stop me calling out for help when things get sticky (or oily, or clanky....)

 

[BigonaBianchi]

I like old bikes..just cant be arsed with them...get a brand new Beligerant Bianchi

 

[brokenbetty]

Yay - I get to keep the bike

ooo, now I have two ancient bikes to mess up

how did that happen?

 

[rich p]

What's going on with that rear mudguard?

 

[brokenbetty]

What's going on with that rear mudguard?

It's come away and been shoved back on over the brake mount I think.