Senior Ryder
Active Member
- Location
- Left Coast USA - Oregon Beaches
@biggs682
@Dean Griffin
@Bill Soens
@Rob Elliott
@sittingbull
@Sharky
@DonSchwann
@Tony Smith
Hi folks,
This is an update on the current status of the Bill Soens #777 bike (frame?). As earlier stated, I acquired this bike last September. Initially, I gave it a quick check and tune up so I could ride it. I found the bike to be quick, efficient and reasonably comfortable. During these early rides the only issues were that the handle bars were too narrow and the seat was uncomfortable. Everything else worked well.
During a trip to the local bike co-op for wider bars, I picked up a Weinmann 730 side pull brake set with drilled levers to replace the Dia Compes, and a new seat post. While changing out these components, I also swapped the freewheel for one with a wider ratio. Plus, added a comfortable saddle from another bike. I put quite a few miles on the bike in this configuration before the doctor restricted my cycling in late October.
While under this restriction, I searched for period correct components, but these are hard to come by. They are either in very poor condition or are extremely expensive. Because of this, I decided to do what some refer to as a restoration +1. This process uses the next generation of the same brand/level of components while maintaining the originality of the bike.
The bike is now equipped with a Campagnolo Nuovo Gran Sport drive train (similar to the one on Dean Griffin’s bike), the lovely Milremo stem (original?) & GB bars, a fluted seat post and Weinmann 605 brakes. It’s still rolling on the Campagnolo Triomphe/Mavic wheels that it came to me with. Since the frame has braze-ons for barcons, I’ve added them. Although they aren’t period correct, I choose Suntour barcons because they are readily available and function better than earlier Campagnolo ones. In the pictures, it has a leather saddle, vintage style gum wall tires. The handle bars tape is a leftover from a previous project and is not right, but it’s growing on me. A nice brown faux leather or cork would probably look more appropriate.
I’ve spent the last couple of weeks rebuilding the bike with the acquired components. I started by stripping it down. Then I removed the very few rust spots. Next, I touched up the bare metal spots and the larger chips in the paint. After letting these dry, I rubbed out and polished the paint. It may pass the “10 foot” test, but at 5 feet, it looks like a well used old bike. After this, I reassembled the bike with the “new” components. I’ve put a few miles on it and it’s all dialed in. I’m always impressed with the way things come together on these projects. Unfortunately, my doctor has me off the bike for the next few weeks.
On a side note: This bike appears to have been repainted. There is thick white paint under the thinner blue paint. Also, the transfers/decals may not be correct. According to information from H. Lloyd Cycles, the transfers are more applicable to a Jim Soens bike. It is their opinion that Eddie Soens labeled bikes had the complete name on the down tube and the head badge included the full name and/or the Boaller Road address. I would appreciate those with more Soens knowledge chiming in on this info. Hopefully, Bill will see this post and respond.
Thanks and regards,
Van Pennington, AKA Senior Ryder
@Dean Griffin
@Bill Soens
@Rob Elliott
@sittingbull
@Sharky
@DonSchwann
@Tony Smith
Hi folks,
This is an update on the current status of the Bill Soens #777 bike (frame?). As earlier stated, I acquired this bike last September. Initially, I gave it a quick check and tune up so I could ride it. I found the bike to be quick, efficient and reasonably comfortable. During these early rides the only issues were that the handle bars were too narrow and the seat was uncomfortable. Everything else worked well.
During a trip to the local bike co-op for wider bars, I picked up a Weinmann 730 side pull brake set with drilled levers to replace the Dia Compes, and a new seat post. While changing out these components, I also swapped the freewheel for one with a wider ratio. Plus, added a comfortable saddle from another bike. I put quite a few miles on the bike in this configuration before the doctor restricted my cycling in late October.
While under this restriction, I searched for period correct components, but these are hard to come by. They are either in very poor condition or are extremely expensive. Because of this, I decided to do what some refer to as a restoration +1. This process uses the next generation of the same brand/level of components while maintaining the originality of the bike.
The bike is now equipped with a Campagnolo Nuovo Gran Sport drive train (similar to the one on Dean Griffin’s bike), the lovely Milremo stem (original?) & GB bars, a fluted seat post and Weinmann 605 brakes. It’s still rolling on the Campagnolo Triomphe/Mavic wheels that it came to me with. Since the frame has braze-ons for barcons, I’ve added them. Although they aren’t period correct, I choose Suntour barcons because they are readily available and function better than earlier Campagnolo ones. In the pictures, it has a leather saddle, vintage style gum wall tires. The handle bars tape is a leftover from a previous project and is not right, but it’s growing on me. A nice brown faux leather or cork would probably look more appropriate.
I’ve spent the last couple of weeks rebuilding the bike with the acquired components. I started by stripping it down. Then I removed the very few rust spots. Next, I touched up the bare metal spots and the larger chips in the paint. After letting these dry, I rubbed out and polished the paint. It may pass the “10 foot” test, but at 5 feet, it looks like a well used old bike. After this, I reassembled the bike with the “new” components. I’ve put a few miles on it and it’s all dialed in. I’m always impressed with the way things come together on these projects. Unfortunately, my doctor has me off the bike for the next few weeks.
On a side note: This bike appears to have been repainted. There is thick white paint under the thinner blue paint. Also, the transfers/decals may not be correct. According to information from H. Lloyd Cycles, the transfers are more applicable to a Jim Soens bike. It is their opinion that Eddie Soens labeled bikes had the complete name on the down tube and the head badge included the full name and/or the Boaller Road address. I would appreciate those with more Soens knowledge chiming in on this info. Hopefully, Bill will see this post and respond.
Thanks and regards,
Van Pennington, AKA Senior Ryder
. Whilst I try not to comment on colours as its all personal choice I hope the handlebar colour does not grow on you LOL
