Sun Snipe Plus - c1965

[geo-l]

Hi All.
I have just joined the forum after reading about spokesmans sun snipe plus. I have just taken down my garden shed in which I had stored my 1965 Sun snipe plus for many year.
I bought the bike brand new and it still has all original parts fitted including the Brooks saddle. There is I am afraid quite a bit of rust on the chromed areas and needs new tyres.
I was going to scrap the bike but may now turn it into a project. Geo

 

[raleighnut]

Hi All.
I have just joined the forum after reading about spokesmans sun snipe plus. I have just taken down my garden shed in which I had stored my 1965 Sun snipe plus for many year.
I bought the bike brand new and it still has all original parts fitted including the Brooks saddle. There is I am afraid quite a bit of rust on the chromed areas and needs new tyres.
I was going to scrap the bike but may now turn it into a project. Geo

You know it makes sense, go for it

 

[geo-l]

You know it makes sense, go for it

Thanks for the welcome. I don't want to take over spokesmanns thread I may post pictures on a new thread. Great looking bike spokesman

 

[Spokesmann]

Look forward to seeing the machine - before and after!

 

[geo-l]

spokesman I took the bike to a cycle shop yesterday to get the bike assessed for new wheels, tyres and inner tubes. The shop owner seemed to think the bike would cost too much to repair and that I would be spending money on sentiment, I now have a decision to make. ebay for spares / repair or local tip. Geo.

 

[raleighnut]

spokesman I took the bike to a cycle shop yesterday to get the bike assessed for new wheels, tyres and inner tubes. The shop owner seemed to think the bike would cost too much to repair and that I would be spending money on sentiment, I now have a decision to make. ebay for spares / repair or local tip. Geo.

Pretty standard reply from a lot of cycle shops I would ignore this and rebuild it, but then I don't like most 'modern' bikes.

 

[HovR]

spokesman I took the bike to a cycle shop yesterday to get the bike assessed for new wheels, tyres and inner tubes. The shop owner seemed to think the bike would cost too much to repair and that I would be spending money on sentiment, I now have a decision to make. ebay for spares / repair or local tip. Geo.

That depends on your definition of "too much to repair". Sure, at bike shop prices, including labour, it might come out at the price of a cheap bike (which I'm sure he'd love to sell you!) - but done yourself with parts sourced on the cheap it doesn't have to be too expensive at all!

Start up a thread and we'd love to help you out! As a bit of a guide, you could probably get this bike running with new brake pads, cables, chain, tires, tubes, wheels for around £100 and a bit of elbow grease - much cheaper than buying a brand new bike, plus the obvious sentimental value the bike has to you!

 

[Spokesmann]

spokesman I took the bike to a cycle shop yesterday to get the bike assessed for new wheels, tyres and inner tubes. The shop owner seemed to think the bike would cost too much to repair and that I would be spending money on sentiment, I now have a decision to make. ebay for spares / repair or local tip. Geo.

Please don't be offended, but the LBS owner is an arse. what he was probably saying to you in code was it was too much like hard work.

 

[biggs682]

spokesman I took the bike to a cycle shop yesterday to get the bike assessed for new wheels, tyres and inner tubes. The shop owner seemed to think the bike would cost too much to repair and that I would be spending money on sentiment, I now have a decision to make. ebay for spares / repair or local tip. Geo.

i might have some useable 27" wheels if you wanted some even better if you are local to me

 

[Cycleops]

I have to say that is beautiful, even though it is my least favourite colour for a bike.

 

[geo-l]

i might have some useable 27" wheels if you wanted some even better if you are local to me

I live in Scotland but I have family in henshaw and croylands road Wellingborough. I will try and post a picture of the bike for a 2nd opinion.

 

[sidevalve]

As to the OP - we are not worthy - that is fabulous ! As for the bike shop not wanting the resto job, commercially they may be right. After all if you ask any restorer of classic m/cycles or cars they will admit the final value is very rarely even half the cost if you include hours spent. Get the bits from E bay etc and do it yourself - happiness may not be a cigar called hamlet but in could well be a bike restoration project !

 

[AndyRM]

@Spokesmann, that is a thing of beauty. Appropriately coloured given my envy!

 

[Spokesmann]

I have to say that is beautiful, even though it is my least favourite colour for a bike.

The colour has grown on me.

 

[Spokesmann]

Nearly finished this build now. I just have to replace the steam with a more appropriate Gb version. Fitted new tyres today as well as adding toe clips. A copper finish Crane bell added thats finishing touch. A few images of the bike as well as a few details.

Non drive side.

I have had this old Wrights saddle for nearly 40 years. It was originally on my very first Carlton - my 1973 Continental.

The Huret Alvit...