Viking Severn Valley

[michbike]

Hi, this is my first post so I’m trying to learn the ropes. Anyway, I picked up this Viking at a swap meet, and I’m trying to ascertain its identification. Here are a few pictures. Discussion to follow after procedures are learned. I believe this to be a 1966‘ish model based on cable braze-ons that are suitable for bar end shifters. SN 200847. Nervex lugs, curved bridge, Campagnolo drop outs and round-oval-round chainstays.

 

[Cycleops]

Very nice. Hello and to CC.

 

[biggs682]

That's a nice looking frame and welcome

 

[Illaveago]

Hi and welcome .
I own a 1977 Viking Severn Valley but it is the later company from Northern Ireland . I also own a 1963 Viking Conquest .
There is also a Face Book Viking group with a frame data base which may also help.
It is from around that period as it has that type of head badge . Earlier models had an oval metal badge with the Viking ship on it.
They are nice bikes and the company has a very good history .

 

[Illaveago]

It looks like the rear dropout is for the Cyclo Benelux rear derailleur from what I can see .

 

[michbike]

It looks like the rear dropout is for the Cyclo Benelux rear derailleur from what I can see .

Thank you for your suspicion on the rear dropout being for the Cyclo Benelux Rear derailleur. I’m wondering what feature made the connection for you. I’ve attached a closeup of the bicycle’s hanger, and there is a small hole that seems like it could interface with the Benelux model‘s (pin?) pictured in Disraeligears.co.uk. Pictures attached. The hanger mount is standard 10mm x 1mm thread.

I am uncertain what drive train to install. I’m thinking Stronglight 49 crank with a small inner ring because I’m old and slow. Your thoughts?

Thanks

 

[Illaveago]

Thank you for your suspicion on the rear dropout being for the Cyclo Benelux Rear derailleur. I’m wondering what feature made the connection for you. I’ve attached a closeup of the bicycle’s hanger, and there is a small hole that seems like it could interface with the Benelux model‘s (pin?) pictured in Disraeligears.co.uk. Pictures attached. The hanger mount is standard 10mm x 1mm thread.

I am uncertain what drive train to install. I’m thinking Stronglight 49 crank with a small inner ring because I’m old and slow. Your thoughts?

Thanks

I think I'm wrong. From your other pictures it looked like the mounting was stepped, sticking out from the frame . Yours looks more like a normal dropout for a derailleur.

 

[Illaveago]

Well I have just found that the head badge was introduced in 1960, so it is post that date .

 

[Illaveago]

Thank you for your suspicion on the rear dropout being for the Cyclo Benelux Rear derailleur. I’m wondering what feature made the connection for you. I’ve attached a closeup of the bicycle’s hanger, and there is a small hole that seems like it could interface with the Benelux model‘s (pin?) pictured in Disraeligears.co.uk. Pictures attached. The hanger mount is standard 10mm x 1mm thread.

I am uncertain what drive train to install. I’m thinking Stronglight 49 crank with a small inner ring because I’m old and slow. Your thoughts?

Thanks

I would say for that period Campagnolo Gran Sport would have been the one to go for. It's what people were putting on their wish list . Simplex Prestige were around at the time , light being made of plastic and smooth and silent but fragile . I had one on my Sun Mist, a friend broke it .

 

[Stevemwilliams]

Lovely Viking Severn Valley. Frame number 200847 is one of the very last Viking Cycles Ltd from late 1966, early 1967 just before they went bust.

 

[michbike]

Here is an update on the rebuild of Severn Valley, SN 200847. I am working to bring back to its 1966 or 1967 configuration. I’m making assumptions of what was available for the original build. I found the frame and fork, with some extra parts at a bike swap last May. Priced at $75. However, finding the correct vintage parts is a bit of a price challenge.

1. Wheelset is Campagnolo wide flange with Fiamme 27-inch clincher wheels
2. GB spearpoint stem
3. Viking handlebar
4 Campy bar end shifters
4. Mafac Dural Forge centerpull brakes
5. Stronglight 49 crankset that will eventually have 42/30 rings (not race configured, but I’m old)
6. Campy Record headset (steel)
7. Campy 1052 Front Derailuer
8. Campy 1044 Seatpost 27.0
9. Atom freewheel (made in Italy) 14t, 28t 5-speed

I’m temporarily using
1. Dia-compe brake levers
2. Shimano Tourney rear derailuer
3. new and used, not vintage, cables and housing
4. scrap box pedals
5. comfortable saddle

A question - with a small front chainring set, will a Gran Sport handle the 28t freewheel?

I just had the bike out for a short ride - feels nice. I don’t think it’s been ridden for about 45 years.
Comments and suggestions welcome.

 

[ASrovers]

Hi asking please would you happen to know the year and the model please of this Viking Bike.
also have old Vintage carradice saddle bags