I found a bike at my granddads

[Dale8990]

My granddad recently passed away, whilst cleaning his things I found this bike, it maybe worthless but I just thought I would check with some people who know about bikes as I'm clueless, thanks in advance!

 

[biggs682]

Welcome @Dale8990 and what a nice surprise although sure you would rather have your grandad

Looks a nice enough Viking for sure

Depending upon the age and make there might be some date codes on the hubs and or brake calipers

What are your intentions for it ?

 

[Dale8990]

I'm not really sure right now, I think i would like someone to own it who could appreciate it as much as I'm sure my granddad did.

 

[Dale8990]

These are the only other markings I can find, he was ill for a long time before his passing so I don't think it's had much use in the last 15 years... so there is a fair bit of rust around.

 

[Sharky]

Might be some clues in here

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/identifying-viking-frame.43007/

 

[Cycleops]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I've never seen a Viking with gold anodised parts, it may be quite rare. No great value but might to nice to fix it up as a memento of your grandfather. Shouldn't cost too much and when it's done you can use it. Does it fit you? Looks to be about a 22" frame. How tall are you and what's your inseam measurement? Sorry to get so intimate with you on your first post .

 

[Mrs M]

 

[pawl]

It would e nice to give it some attention and ride it occasionally in memory of your grandfather.

Sorry to hear of your loss

 

[pawl]

Oops sorry cyclops I’ve more or less repeated your response

 

[Cycleops]

No probs @pawl I'm sure many will have the same idea.

 

[biggs682]

These are the only other markings I can find, he was ill for a long time before his passing so I don't think it's had much use in the last 15 years... so there is a fair bit of rust around.

A quick google search shows the "sportsman" rear mechanism was released in the early 1960's

I'm not really sure right now, I think i would like someone to own it who could appreciate it as much as I'm sure my granddad did.

I would think hard as once it has gone you might struggle to get back

 

[Dale8990]

I'm struggling to find out much about it, i don't want to start renovating it until I know it's not going to de-value it

 

[tom73]

Well if you've no need to move it on just yet. Why not hold on to it well you have a good think? You've nothing to lose and maybe more to gain by keeping it and enjoying it. See if it fit's you if it's right get a bike shop to give it a once over then take it for a spin and enjoy.

 

[Dale8990]

I might just do that @tom73

 

[netman]

Wow, what a beaut! Looks like possibly a Hosteller model? Early to mid 60's would be my guess, but you'll find more Viking info including some serial numbers here http://classicvikingcycles.com/c1965-viking-hosteller-model-sn-174971/
Just a gentle clean with lots of foamy car wash and a sponge, new tyres and tubes and it'll be good to go I reckon! Just be gentle with the anodising! Nothing abrasive on that!