Les Vince Cyclemaker of Bath info.

[Stamford]

I,m just trying to research the history before I decide what to do.I don't think I will keep them as I think they would benefit froma total overhaul ,and I do t have the time.I would like to get at least one on the road and take it for a spin.I,ll see how things are looking once I've cleaned them up.

 

[Illaveago]

Are we playing a spot the difference competition?

How many have you spotted so far?

They look nice . I'll take a better look now.

 

[Illaveago]

How do the frame numbers compare? It would be interesting if they are sequential. Any ex members of Bletchley Park may be able to break the coding used.
They are very interesting .

 

[classic33]

I've an L.R. Vince, born 1904, died 23rd9 April 1973. Buried in Bath.

Name also comes up for Bath, New Hampshire, USA.

 

[Illaveago]

I've an L.R. Vince, born 1904, died 23rd9 April 1973. Buried in Bath.

Name also comes up for Bath, New Hampshire, USA.

Quite possibly the top one. I'm having a think! That would make him 26 in 1930. The First World War decimated the male population, meaning that a lot of jobs were taken on by younger men. A picture of the back of the shop in Walcott Street was taken in the 30's.

 

[biggs682]

I,m just trying to research the history before I decide what to do.I don't think I will keep them as I think they would benefit froma total overhaul ,and I do t have the time.I would like to get at least one on the road and take it for a spin.I,ll see how things are looking once I've cleaned them up.

Please please do not touch the paintwork on either just give them an oily rag wipeover and some new cables etc etc

 

[Stamford]

One of the serial numbers is visible the other has been painted over.Also,the difference in components is also strange,I stand to be corrected.The bar tape and background colour where the badges are different on each bike.Both have nice old cranks that look the same sizes,one without markings and the other Simplex Proffesionel.The stems are different lengths ,one unmarked the other GB Kromo.The front derailleurs are totally different,one (Shimano 600)is adjusted via downtube shifters and the other has a lever to be operated by hand.Both saddles are the same and the wheels.I think the similarities may suggest the same rider for both Bikes,maybe one for road riding and one for Touring as it looks like one had a rack fitted.I totally agree the paint is beautiful.If it were just a case of an oily rag I would go ahead,but they're crying out for some re-chroming and real attention.If anyone wants some detailed photos,please let me know

 

[Illaveago]

The rust on the chrome may clean up with some Hamerite Rust Removing Gel. I have been surprised by what has cleaned up using it.

 

[Stamford]

The top tube on one bike has a decal with "Northgate" on it.Maybe the rider?
Also ,the rear wheels are the same for each bike.Normandy,made in France on them.The front wheel hub on one bike has corroded and the other has Ambra Superga,Made in Italy and a motif of an eagle with a wheel in its claw.

 

[Illaveago]

Northgate could refer to an area of Bath. I think Walcott Street is where the old Roman wall used to run along enclosing the city of Bath.

 

[Illaveago]

I've just checked on the map and Northgate Street is where they were located.

 

[Illaveago]

Are the head tube transfers the same on each bike? I was just wondering if they were given different names from historical areas of Bath?

 

[Illaveago]

So the Northgate has chromed fork ends , fork tops and rear stays. It has semi wrap over seat stay and possibly slightly fancier lugs.

 

[Illaveago]

The short handlebar stem looks like a W14 " Shap". The GB Kromo range were in use from 1953 to 61.

 

[biggs682]

I,m just trying to research the history before I decide what to do.I don't think I will keep them as I think they would benefit froma total overhaul ,and I do t have the time.I would like to get at least one on the road and take it for a spin.I,ll see how things are looking once I've cleaned them up.

what ever you do please consider myself as very interested in one or both of them