Don Farrell

[Montsegur Horsefly]

Latest purchase, a rather attractive 531 frame from Don Farrell of Edgware (although frame build was likely outsourced I do believe). Some lovely detailing and will hopefully scrub up nicely. Will replace bar tape and levers for something more fitting, possibly some GB Coureur 66 to match the centre-pulls, although these don't come cheap. The bike was last used as a single speed and tempted to go down this route.

 

[Cycleops]

That is very nice. I remember Don's shop in Edgware very well, used to go there sometimes but my local was Alan Shorter in North Finchley.

 

[spiderman2]

That is very nice. I remember Don's shop in Edgware very well, used to go there sometimes but my local was Alan Shorter in North Finchley.

just up the road from me,not many good bike shops around here now.

 

[midlife]

Nice . Have you got a pic of the chainset?

 

[Drago]

Didn't know he made bikes.

Seriously though, looks a lovely frame. Watching with interest.

 

[raleighnut]

Nice

 

[biggs682]

i watched that go on e bay and was tempted myself

 

[Montsegur Horsefly]

i watched that go on e bay and was tempted myself

I was the only bidder, but didn't hit the reserve. Emailed him and did a deal without the Giant wheels which I didn't really want.

 

[biggs682]

I was the only bidder, but didn't hit the reserve. Emailed him and did a deal without the Giant wheels which I didn't really want.

Fair enough

 

[Montsegur Horsefly]

Done. Turned it into a five-speed with a vintage Sun Tour rear mech and single downtube shifter. Added new wheels, tyres, cables etc. Really pleased with how it rides. Feels really responsive and seems like it wants to shift. Gonna be sad to see her go...

 

[biggs682]

@Montsegur Horsefly looks nice and well done

 

[Cycleops]

Looks superb. Takes me back to my youth. That qr seat post clamp wouldn’t have been original would it?

 

[wonderdog]

Is it too late to suggest that you send it to Australia as ship hold ballast? We have quite a lot of cast-iron lace on our verandahs that came over that way from Old Blighty. Lovely looking machine but perhaps deserving of period correct skewers - what are the hubs?

 

[Montsegur Horsefly]

Is it too late to suggest that you send it to Australia as ship hold ballast? We have quite a lot of cast-iron lace on our verandahs that came over that way from Old Blighty. Lovely looking machine but perhaps deserving of period correct skewers - what are the hubs?

Yes, the wheels and hubs are modern alloys. I've used the company before and I wanted quick and reliable replacements to get the bike up and running. I waved it off yesterday to a very happy buyer. I almost changed my mind and ran down the street after the car, but clocked my wife looking at me with shame in her eyes...

 

[FriendofBillW]

For anyone still tuning in to this thread...

That looks beautiful. My old late Dad would have loved it. Right up his boulevard. Drilled out chainset... Stronglight?


Don Farrell also used to hand build wheels. My dad used to get the components mail order (Campag Record large flange hubs, alloy rims by Super Champion?) and DF would add the double butted spokes, with a few spares thrown in, and send them back - packed to survive a nuclear war - perfectly (and I mean perfectly) built, trued and the rear 'dished for a gear'. Quite an art as you'll know if you ever tried it yourself.

From memory he charged £30 the pair in the mid-'80s. 'Worth every tanner' as dad used to say.

Happy memories.