About

A sixty-something cycling enthusiast, amateur old bike restorer and photographer from NSW, Australia. I am also interested in Australian steam locomotives, although these are not a part of this blog’s brief.

I am mainly interested in transport and town bikes, Australian roadsters, older road bikes, commuters – and classic or vintage models of these in particular.

152 thoughts on “About”

  2. I love your bike restorations. I have a Speedwell Classique that needs some restoration. It is in Gloucester, upper Hunter. Do you do restorations for others?

    Reply ↓

  4. petermc, I stumbled on to a very nice looking but used Brooks B33 saddle… Are you familiar with this model and is it comfortable? It’s black and I thought I might grab it to alternate with the brown ‘original ‘ saddle that comes on my soon to be delivered Gazelle Tour Populair…Think it’ll look good on this bike….?

    Reply ↓

  5. I haven’t tried a B33, it’s heavily sprung should be v. comfortable and ideal for the Gazelle, particularly for heavier riders. They look classy too.

    Reply ↓

  6. Hello,
    I stumbled upon your site just now and love it! I’m keen to find and restore an old road bike frame (a small one – my ‘regular’ road bike is 51cm) to be my ‘around town transport’. What I possess in terms of enthusiasm is balanced by my lack of experience and knowledge… do you have any suggestions for where to begin? I live in Warners Bay and would love any recommendations for local gurus who might be able to help me.
    Thanks!
    Michelle Ellis.

    Reply ↓

  7. Hi Michelle,

    That’s a tricky question, at the moment I am using lightweight road bikes from the 80s and 90s – I use them for 25-35k rides. If you are only going short distances even the heavier steel bikes like my 80s Road King can be fine.

    Newer bikes are still reasonably easy to get parts for, and for practicality I like cotterless cranks and 700c wheels, but the older bikes often have more character.

    If you haven’t any tools you’ll need to start getting some, I would look around for a while to see what old bikes and prices are out there, and figure out what you like the look of.

    I am happy to help if you are stuck on something.

    Peter.

    Reply ↓

  8. hello sir.

    i am really inspired by this blog and right now, i’m thinking of restoring an old bike. well, i’ll just let the bikeshop do some installation since there’s one near my house.

    i’m starting to bike to work with a folding bike since i only travel for about 10 miles everyday, and i just started biking again after about 20 years of no bike.

    i think it’s about time for me to get on a big wheels.

    and thank you for this interesting blog site.

    Reply ↓

  9. Hi! I’m a Gazelle enthusiast from Germany just came across this while looking at basil catania users on their gazelle. I’m amazed by your blog. Will get back to read more, now heading to work!
    Moe

    Reply ↓

  12. Hi Peter,

    I have just bought a yellow 1980 Malvern Star (Moscow 80 sponsored type)
    Do you think this is worth restoring? It is pretty good condition, apart from a touch of rust. I am from Adelaide, any ideas on anyone who could help me?

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Kristy,
      I’m afraid I don’t have any experience with this model, but if you like it, and it’s your size and has a straight frame it could be worth restoring for yourself. From a sale or profit point of view it’s hard to say. Does it have a lightweight frame and alloy wheels & components or is it a base model in all steel ?
      I don’t know the scene in Adelaide but am happy to help with advice if I can.
      Peter.

      Reply ↓

  14. Hi Peter,
    My Feb 21st Gazelle TP posting has remained in this status: “Lou
    Your comment is awaiting moderation”. Just a heads up….
    Regards, Lou K

    Reply ↓

  15. P.S. Lou, I’m not sure why wordpress keeps asking for approvals for your comments, normally after one approval they are auto-accepted. Will keep watching for this. Apologies again ..

    Peter.

    Reply ↓

  16. Hi Peter I have just been reading about your Raleigh Caprice restoration. I have bought my granddaughter one which is the metallic turquoise the same colour as the one in your article. Please could you tell me what this particular colour is called or the number and whereabouts I can buy it from as there are a few places on the frame and mudguards that need touching up, I would be very grateful for any help you can give me on this. Kind regards, Brian Wallis

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Brian,

      Sorry, I don’t know what the colour is called and I think it would be difficult to match off the shelf- i.e. cheaply.

      Perhaps an automotive repairer might help with a match. I simply clear coated mine as it was, once any surface rust had been neutralised.

      Reply ↓

  17. Hi Pete, thanks for coming back to me so quickly I will have a go at doing the same as you did, if that doesn’t look too good I will try and find a paint spray that is a good match. Thanks again. Kind regards, Brian

    Reply ↓

  18. Cheers, Brian – sometimes it’s all in the mind that things have to be spotless !
    Better to have things mechanically good ( in my case ). A clean, de-rust and polish does wonders too.

    Reply ↓

  19. I have a friend who has a ladies Speedwell Classique with the stamped number 33o171 on the bottom bracket. She plans to do a gentle restoration aiming to use it for gentle rides, we were wondering any idea how old it might be. It does not have either a plastic or metal S on the head tube.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Sue,

      70s to 80s at a rough guess – if the saddle is original and has a plastic base the date of manufacture may be stamped underneath. Similarly, brake levers may be stamped if made in alloy. There is probably a clue on it somewhere.

      Peter.

      Reply ↓

  20. Thank you Peter, I found a hint on the Bicycle network that suggested I could also date it by the kit attached, it has shimano hubs and that has a date code site. Also the speedwell site suggested the stamp on the BB could indicate it was from 1971. So I think you may be right and think it is a 70’s bike too. Many thanks.

    Reply ↓

  22. Hi Peter,

    Great Blog,

    Like yourself I have an interest in old bikes and am currently cleaning up a Speedwell Special Sports, 1965 on the Sturmey Archer hub.

    Do you ever get together with other enthusiast in Newcastle, I live on the other side of the Lake.

    Ian.

    Reply ↓

  23. Thanks Ian, I mostly ride around on my own, though there may be an organised Spring ride in Newcastle next month. The Special Sports are really nice bikes, there is a collector of them at Hawks Nest I have met who has several examples.
    Peter.

    Reply ↓

    • I own an early bmx frame ( charger ) made in 1978 circa, for Leisure cycles (Regency Park, Adelaide)
      Was wondering if you know who actually built the frames , and sold them, cheers Vaughn.

      Reply ↓

      • Hi Vaughn, I really don’t know, but I would guess that Ricardo cycles may have built it. They were the major Leisure Cycles brand and a large part of S.A. bicycle history. Cheers !

  26. Hi Peter,

    I’m starting to restore an old bicycle, a Graecross Pro-Ten Ladies Commuter. I’ve been doing some reading and would like to pick your brains before I start taking the bike apart/buying new bits, do you have an email I can contact you on?

    Cheers,

    Chris

    Reply ↓

  27. Hi there

    I love your bikes. They look amazing. I have an old bike that I would love to get restored. Just wondering if you have any ‘how to’ videos on youtube?
    Thank you.

    Regards

    Derrick

    Reply ↓

  30. Hi Peter;

    Great site mate-very interesting/inspiring to this newbie bike re-builder!!!

    I’ve been riding bicycles for 40odd years but never pulled one apart-until mid last year. Now I’m hooked!! I really like the old racers & mixte’s. (got a ’79 ‘Custom Built Cycles’ mixte on the bench at the moment.) Today I picked up (for free!) an old (I think 1940’s) loop frame Super Elliott & an old Rudge (with the hand on the chain ring) with what I believe is a Sturmey Archer 3 speed Dynohub. Cant wait to get stuck into these!

    Anyway,keep up the good work mate! Looking forward to the next instalment!

    Mitch

    Reply ↓

    • Thanks for the encouragement, Mitch ! It sounds as though you have some great projects going there. Classic bike re-cycling becomes addictive, it’s true…there are plenty of challenges and a lot of satisfaction to be had.

      Cheers, Peter

      Reply ↓

  31. Great blog. You always take the mickey out of yourself as a bike mechanic but I think you do great work on your bikes, puts a lot of blokes who do it as their day job to shame.

    I like that Cecil Walker of yours, but do you ever have to worry about corrosion inside the tubes with those light steel frames once they pick up age? The tubes are pretty thin on them. Thanks, john.

    Reply ↓

    • Thanks very much John, I try !

      Cecil’s frame is remarkably light, I believe it’s all in Reynolds 531 but the stickers were almost gone, there was just enough to identify it from a bit of remaining green colour and the shape. I sprayed the inside frame and fork with aerosol fish oil before building it up. That’s the best I can do for it. I also neutralised the surface rust and keep a close eye on it for any further corrosion. Cecil is slowly going through some changes, including wheels, to bring him back to a more period look. I will post again when he’s ready. Cecil has a pretty easy life now, so hopefully he’ll keep going a long time yet !

      Cheers, Peter.

      I will post again

      Reply ↓

  34. Thank you so much for sharing your bike finds/restorations, keep on doing what you’re doing, it’s appreciated! Kind regards from the UK.

    Reply ↓

  35. I have a vintage Gazelle Populair. I’m trying to find out how much it is worth, and what year it is. Is there any way to tell, or a website I can view pictures of older models? It is the dark green, the plastic on the rear tires is clear, and the material covering the chain is black.

    Reply ↓

    • I’m not sure about value, they are so rare around here Jonathan. It may be possible to work out the approximate model year from any code numbers stamped or cast on the original components, that’s what I do with most of my finds. I don’t know of any sites offhand I’m afraid.

      These bikes have changed little over the years, at least in outward appearance.

      Reply ↓

  36. G’day Pete;

    After reading through your blog (Yes, from the beginning), & a couple of others from the UK & the USA, I’ve been inspired to take the plunge & start my own. There’s not much to see at the moment, & I’m still getting my head around WordPress, but it’s an interesting process none the less. If anyone wants to have a look, it’s at http://www.mybikesmj.wordpress.com . (Yep ,shameless plug I know!) Anyway, keep the cool projects coming!

    Cheers ,Mitch

    Reply ↓

  37. Hi Peter;

    While tweeking my blog site just now, I added your site to my blogroll. Then I thought I should have maybe asked your permission first (I’m not sure of the etticete on this). So I guess I’m asking if that was ok. If not, its no worries, I will remove it asap.

    Cheers, Mitch

    Reply ↓

  38. I can’t see any problems Mitch, but thanks for asking. I have to admit I don’t normally ask people myself !
    I think it’s taken for granted as a ‘like’.

    Cheers, Peter

    Reply ↓

  39. Hi Peter;

    I have a quick question for you-I came across an old frame a while ago & I don’t know what brand it is. It has a black “M” within a white shield, on the seat post (there’s a pic of it on my blog if that helps). The only other sticker is a Leisure Industries sticker. I know they were a big bicycle frame maker in Adelaide, but I couldn’t find much info on them on the internet. I asked this question on the Bicycle Networks Australia forums, but no luck there either. It’s no big deal really, but I’m just curious, as I’ve never seen this symbol before.

    Cheers mate!

    Mitch

    Reply ↓

  40. Don’t know Mitch – as you say Leisure Cycles had several brands. Ricardo and Turbo are the only ones I have personally come across. I will let you know if I find out.

    Cheers,
    Peter

    Reply ↓

    • Think I used a fine jeweller’s screwdriver Will – could it be rusted on ? Some penetrating or releasing agent might help, or soak in kero if it’s hard grease. Good luck, nice project.

      Peter.

      Reply ↓

  42. Hi Peter, I saw this site after searching ‘vintage cecil walker’ in google. I recently bought a 1975 Cecil Walker bike on eBay for $100 and put some time and money into restoring it. It has the same code format as you mentioned in your posts – 75008 on mine. I have some pictures and more details if you want to exchange info.

    Here is a picture of the bike, the seatpost is temporary while I source the period correct one!

    Cheers
    Andrew

    Reply ↓

    • Nice bike Andrew – looks like a sports tourer with that triple chainset and the rear wheel clearance. I’m currently reviewing mine, getting ready for a change of components as the bottom bracket is worn and I’ve sourced a more correct wheel set for it too . Will post some more on it when it’s done. Glad you left the frame original ! What size is yours ?

      Reply ↓

      • 56cm square frame. It actually came with first generation Dura Ace gears and crankset, and I tripleized it because the rear derailleur is a long cage and now has better gearing (the old chainrings were quite big – 54/45, new is 30-40-50 and 14-28). The handlebars and stem are Cinelli Mod 65 and 1A, so very nice parts all round. I replaced the wheels that weren’t original and were in bad shape, and it didn’t come with a saddle/seatpost.

        I’m pretty sure the frame is 531, no seam in the seat tube or head tube. But it’s probably straight gauge, the mainframe weighs 2.4kg, and for 880g, about the right weight for non-butted.

        I think it’s more fun to go period correct on these frames. Friction shifting works well and adding 700c wheels would make it great riding bike if I wanted to spend more money.

      • Nice ! My CW is a little too small for me, but I want to keep it anyway. That 54/45 is pretty serious flat road gearing !
        Mine works better with 700C wheels – too much toe overlap for 27″ on a small frame. The Cinelli mod 65 (Criterium) is a nice bar ( have them on my Vectre, though the Giro d’Italia (66) is better to rest on the tops of for long periods ( they have flatter, straighter tops ).

  46. Hi Peter,
    Just thought I’d let you know that I love reading your blog, and have been doing so for the past year. I am a 22 year old in Adelaide and I find it to be a great source of inspiration for my own restoration projects. I particularly like that you give some lower end bikes a new lease on life, when so many others would leave them for scrap. Keep up the good work!

    Reply ↓

  48. Hi guys, my name’s Paul, not an enthusiast myself, but my dad left me an old, rusty Hercules model pushbike, I’d say at least 1950’s vintage, bought in New Zealand and moved over here when I was a kid. It’s structurally sound although in need of a major restoration. I have zero clue about any of this stuff, but if there’s anyone in Brisbane who would like to give it a loving home free of charge, please drop me a line at paul.gibens@gmail.com. I’d just rather see it go to someone who will care for it rather than out on curbside pickup or under my house for the next bazillion years!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Paul,
      I would suggest that you put an ad in the Facebook site “Retro Cycling Marketplace Australia” – there are many viewers from Brisbane watching the site, I’m sure you will find a home for it there. Put a modest price on it to cover your efforts.
      Peter.

      Reply ↓

  51. Hi I’m looking to restore a couple of 20 ” redline ramp bike rims there not in that bad condition bad just need stripping and a re chrome and back together . All the spokes are fine ,Can you help me out ? If not can you please suggest someone who can help me Cheers Ken ..

    Reply ↓

  53. Hi Shannon – I kind of like the older SunTour derailleurs & have come across a few of the tough ‘Honor’ RD model, but probably the condition is more important than the actual model at that age. Have you looked at the Velobase site ? There’s a good range of models and years shown there. Nice looking bike btw.
    Peter.

    Reply ↓

  55. Yeah, I realised the front was so figured might as well match them. T’was a stroke ok good luck that someone offered one straight away. Cheers.

    Reply ↓

  56. Hey cool blog. Since I am likely picking up a complete Boulder 550 tmr for 35 euros, your blog was very interesting/instructive! Keep posting! I am a Dutch pro bike mechanic, retrogrouch etc, living in Berlin. My latest blogpost/podcast also happens to be on bikes if you are anyone is interested. 🙂 Cheers.

    Reply ↓

  57. Hi I’ve just come into possession of a white 80 s Delta apolla beautiful condition super lightweight, haven t found an owner yet amwondering what its value would be
    Thanks Jo

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Jo – it’s a long way from a top of the line Apollo so I don’t think it would be worth a vast amount, but Apollo bikes in really good nick are kind of special anyway. Couldn’t give you an exact value without seeing it – check out the usual market sites for ideas.
      Peter.

      Reply ↓

  59. There is a facebook site “Retro Classic Marketplace Australia” that could be useful to find someone, although it depends on where you live as to how useful it would be regarding pickup.

    Reply ↓

  62. Hi Peter
    I just stumbled across your blog while looking for parts for a 1954 Speedwell restoration that my father is undertaking. Nice blog!
    I’m hoping you may be able to help find some information on a wheel for it. He is chasing a 40 spoke, 28″ coaster hub rear wheel. Would you know of anywhere that might sell something like this or anywhere that I could look for him? Even just the hub would be a good start.
    Cheers and thanks for the blog.
    Dave.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Dave, and thanks ! The hub would be something like a BSA New Eadie – that’s what is on my 1956 Popular. I guess the rim would be a Westwood type that is painted and lined – that will be hard to match. I can’t really suggest anywhere to find such a hub or wheel other than the usual online sites. There is a facebook site “Retro Cycling Marketplace Austalia” you could post a wanted to buy (WTB) ad if you join.
      The braking on these isn’t usually up to modern standards but OK for cruising if working well.
      Where are you located ?

      Reply ↓

      • Hi Peter
        Thanks for your quick reply! The make/brand for the hub will make it easier to find, so thank you. The rims are painted. Dad bought the bike new in 1954 to ride to school, then in 1955 to work for the next five years. He has restored it to like new condition (as he remembers it) but the current rear wheel is a ring in- his brother borrowed the bike and wrecked the rear wheel in the late 1950’s. Since then it has had an single speed freewheel on it, meaning no brakes so he wants to put it back to original spec.
        He is located in Forbes NSW and I am in Brisbane these days. Thanks for the tip on the Facebook page. Dad doesn’t do IT so I will have a look for him.
        Cheers
        Dave
        P.S. Here is a photo of the bike today. Dad says the green is a bit darker than the original colour but was the closest he could get.

      • I imagine there would be a few of this type of bike hiding in the Forbes area!
        Thanks for the pic … if he wants new decals for it check out ‘Cyclomondo’ on line.
        It badly needs a leather saddle to look authentic though. The original was probably a Bell 12-40, but even a Brooks B17 would do. Not cheap but worth it. Have a look on fleabay !
        Good luck with the wheel, i don’t think the rim is a westwood style after all. Shouldn’t be impossible to find something close.
        Peter.

      • Peter,
        Yes, I’ve told him to get a Brooks saddle for it but his response is “it’s worth more than the bike!”….but I will keep working on him. He has the original saddle frame, the leather long since perished away, and has it cleaned up and painted. Is it possible to get them recovered?
        As for there being plenty of these around the area? Maybe. He has asked a lot of people he knows to have had bikes of this vintage but it seems everyone has thrown them out years ago. Still, he is keeping his ear to the ground.
        I purchased a set of decals from Greg at Cyclomondo a few months back (which are obviously not fitted yet) but he needs another set for a 3 speed Speedwell that he has also restored.(as an aside, this one belonged to his Aunt and he restored both these bikes in the early ’80’s for my brother and I to scare ourselves on) but I didn’t take a photo of that one. So I guess he has 2 bikes that he knows the original lineage of.
        Thanks again for your insights.
        Dave

      • I’d imagine it wouldn’t cost much less to recover than to just find another, but I’m no expert on that. I’m sure you’ve told him if it’s worth the time to do it up it’s worth the cost of a good saddle ! The loop framed Speedwell ladies’ are rather nice bikes too.

  63. Hi Peter, nice blog! We share the same interest; bicycles. I wanted to ask if we could use some of your Cateye Velo CC-1000 images for our own blogpost. I will refer to you as the photographer/owner.

    Reply ↓

  64. Interesting site and hope to look at older posts.
    I have an old racing bike called a Century that was given to me over 40 yrs ago.
    Have never seen such an ornate frame till I googled a UK site.Strangely it had lugless front forks.Front lugson steering are of clover leaf design with large arrow tips and cut outs.
    The frame was sent away to be painted and was returnedt with what might be Lennie Rodgers type on it.
    The frame had writing that could of been Smith Bros or possibly Smith and Reeve which I was told were a tubing supplier?
    Happy to send a feature of my bike
    From memory had sloping steering neck with plastic bit on the end, very thin steel cranks and allow wheels with Atom hubs ?
    There are other features to frame such as welded rings all the way down to rear forks and tubing is thicker than most frames from seat to rear forks.
    Originally was black with lovely scroll work but very faded so had frame painted and found a shop with stick on scroll work in Goulbourn nsw.
    Would love to return this bike to its former glory as other hobbies are my vintage motor bikes

    Reply ↓

  65. Hi,
    Thanks for this great resource. I’ve restored a few vintage bikes, your tips have been invaluable and I have been encouraged by your inspiring builds.
    Best regards,
    Jay

    Reply ↓

  66. Hi Peter, Ive a couple of old bikes, that I now need to do something about !
    One, circa 1940s/50’s from my grandfather. Fully curved handle bars etc.
    And more importantly one old classic blue Speedwell, with circular hoops as forks, which I bought at a garage sale 40 years ago (we are in our 60’s). Some research back then indicated that this may have been a limited edition QE2 coronation model from 1954. It looks almost “art deco”. Ive kept the original paint on this one, but its being consumed a bit by surface deterioration.
    Can you perhaps direct me to someone in Sydney (or maybe yourself ?) that assist in identifying them, then restoring them.
    Regards, DavidW

    Reply ↓

    • Hi David,

      Possibly a silly question on my part, but are you sure it’s not a Malvern Star Coronation – I didn’t know Speedwell made such a thing ?

      I would recommend you join the Facebook group ” Retro Classic Cycling World ” There are people there who have good knowledge of the Coronations – Malvern Star ones at least!

      Join the group, then post some pictures, you will get plenty of advice to sort through. Also, if it is a Speedwell it should arouse a lot of interest too, due to rarity !

      Peter.

      Reply ↓

  67. Thanks Peter, since contacting you I did some more googling and sure enough there are lots of photos of MS Coronation bikes. Same classic frame alright, but my stickers are certainly “Speedwell”.
    I’ve never signed up for Facebook, maybe you’ve given me a reason !
    Thanks for responding…. lets see where this leads.
    Cheers, David

    Reply ↓

    • Hi David,
      Speedwell stickers were readily available to buy from bike shops back in the day, so it may have been repainted/re-stickered at some point – put the serial number up when you post there and the Coronation experts will soon let you know. There’s a lot of crap on FB but there are worthwhile sites there as well, so it’s worth checking out. You’ll get other group suggestions too, like Retro Cycling Marketplace Australia, where you can buy or sell classic bikes or parts. Could be useful if you want to restore it.
      Peter.

      Reply ↓

  69. Very much enjoyed exploring your site and enjoying your passion for bicycles. Same over here in Pacifica CA in my own garage and shop ….
    Louis

    Reply ↓

  70. Howdy! I read an older article you wrote about a mystery “Veltre?” Bicycle. I have a mystery bike of my own, i plan to restore, unfortunately, all the maufacturing data is gone. The bottom bracket looks just like the bottom bracket on your Veltre, with 2 slots. Only difference is mine has threaded individual cable eyelets. I have posted pics on Bike forums, and the gurus either dont know, or argue over what it is. I cannot find a single thing about Veltre as a manufacturer on google, perhaps was a model name? Solving the BB mystery is a step toward solving the identity of the bike. My bike has Asian meaaurements, campy dropouts. doesnt say Columbus anywhere. Any info. about “Veltre” or the BB would help. Thanks, Mel

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Mel,
      I am none the wiser still, but my bike is calle “Vectre”, not “Veltre” — I think mine has been repainted and re-stickered at some stage. Good luck with your search !

      Reply ↓

  71. I’d love to restore my old bike dad bought me when I was about 10,:I’m 46 now and still have it, an old falcon panther but wouldn’t have a clue as to where to get spare parts n sizes etc 😦

    Reply ↓

  72. Hi Peter I just came across your blog, great work! I’ve recently retired from the newspaper business and was after something to ride to the shops so I bought a $20 old clunker from a young bloke up the road and started to fix it up, I’m hooked,its coming along nicely and now I’ve found a Repco superlite that’s in need of some love this should keep me occupied for sometime. Many thanks .Glenn

    Reply ↓

  73. Hi – its kerbside cleanup time here in Brisbane – I spotted a bike on a pile just up the road. After taking it to bits – and a bit of cleaning – it looked like the decals were all wrong and covering up something underneath. With a bit of careful removal I found “Conqueror Built by e”. I found your Conqueror Loop Frame here and there are many similarities like the fork angle and the paint line detailing. My bike is set up as a racing style drop bar, but with a Favorit coaster brake hub. There is a serial number on the back of the chain stay 54842.
    Did you ever find anymore info about Conqueror – your site seems to be all I can find. Thanks

    Reply ↓

  75. Hi Peter,

    I stumbled across your blog recently as ive just come into possession of a barn found malvern star 2 star also from the 50’s! It seems very similar to yours and i am keen to restore it quite accurately as well.

    Do you have any old reference material (catalogs, adverts ect.) from the 50’s that showed the original paint scheme and detailing?

    Hope to hear from you soon,

    Ben

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Ben,
      Malvern Stars aren’t my field of expertise, however if you are on facebook there is a group called “retro classic cycling” that has some Malvern Star experts. If you join and put up a post with your bike’s serial number and photos I’m sure some one will know, or have an example to show you.
      Cheers !

      Reply ↓

  76. Do you know where I can get 642 mm rims?
    Mine are probably too rusty to save.
    Old Australian fixie with some parts stamped Made in England. I would be planning to use Vee 28 x 1 3/8 tyres.
    Thanks
    DL
    Newcastle NSW

    Reply ↓

    • As far as I know, second hand only for 642mm rims – try a ‘WTB’ on the usual online markets eg. “Retro cycling marketplace Australia” on Facebook. Vee Rubber make the only new tyres, and 28 x 1 & 3/8″ tubes are still available in some older bike shops.

      Reply ↓

  77. Hi there, I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog and looking at your old bike pics, thanks! I recently picked up a beach cruiser off hard rubbish. Though it was new and pretending to be something from a bygone era (which I don’t like) I picked it up and enjoyed riding it. It rekindled a lost interest in me and I bought an old Malvern star (1968 I think). Anyway I’d love to share some pics with you if you’d like. Judging by your blog I’m pretty sure you’d have fallen in love with it as I did. And it felt a crime to pay 50 bucks for it but oh well. Anyways let me know if you’d like some pics! Thanks again for the nice blog. Ryan.

    Reply ↓

    • Thanks very much Ryan, if you are on facebook there are some groups for old Australian bikes ( like “Aussievelos” ) it would be good to see your pics there … Peter.

      Reply ↓

  78. Hello from Florida in the USA! I’ve enjoyed your blog and informational tips through the years and glad to see you posting again. Thank you for preserving these old bikes and for sharing with us. Hugh

    Reply ↓

      • Peter, please do keep it going!

        I’ve not done any overhauls or rebuilds in a while. Downsizing and kept just one bike, a modern Trek Verve 2. Previously, I kept a 1970’s RollFast 10 speed with friction shifters until selloff last year. It may have been a low to midrange bike to most folks, but I loved it and road it for 35 years! It was beautiful green with upright North Road handlebars, chrome fenders, huge knob friction shifters on the stem. It held no real value but lots of sentimental value and memories! I love the ride of old steel bikes.

        Inspired by your web page, I drug home from a neighbor’s curbside rubbish pile an old rusty, rotted tires, frozen up, awful looking Sear’s Free Spirit Brittany men’s 10 speed, Burgandy/maroon color I disassembled it, wire wheeled the rust, polished the chrome with liquid polish and aluminum foil, rebuilt the 3-speed hub by trial and error, polished the paint, and after new grips, new tubes and tires and polish, I enjoyed riding it for a while. Later I sold it for $100 profit. I learned a lot in the process and thought, what could go wrong, it was free! I was then given a few mountain bikes which I gave road slicks and enjoyed as modified road bikes. Eventually sold those too.

        Thank you for inspiring us hackers with no previous skill or experience to try fixing up old ten-speed daily riders to enjoy! Well done!

        Hugh

  80. Hi Peter,
    I have just spent the last couple of days enjoying going through your blog searching for info on a frame I bought recently from Petey Nibia Mac (I have some time off). Turns out there was one on Greg Softley’s Flickr album…a Speedwell Flash of the late 50’s? And then I revisited yours and realised I had missed your one; I read about it but it obviously it didn’t sink in the first time.
    Whilst reading the story you spoke of an orphan rear Pellissier Plume flip-flop hub. I have the orphan front! I would like to put them together if possible. Do you still have it?
    I would like to suggest either I buy yours (preferable), or you might wish to buy mine or make a swap as I need some parts for two 50’s bike I’m rebuilding.
    Cheers, Simon

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Simon, I would prefer to hang on to my older parts at this stage, as I have more frames than parts at the moment and am still not sure what I need to keep. I will keep you in mind if I do sell any though.
      It’s a shame my older Flash doesn’t have the original paint, ah well…
      If you are in one of the Aust. Cycling groups on facebook it would be good to see some pics of your Flash there.
      Thanks, Peter.

      Reply ↓

      • Hi Peter,
        Thanks for your reply. I understand your position on parts completely. The one you sell will definitely be the one you need later. I gave parts away in the 90’s that I still yearn for.
        Do you follow “Aussievelos – vintage australian cycles” on Facebook?
        I will post the Flash soon (at least I think it’s a Flash). It has been restored/repaired/butchered so no original paint either (maybe under the new paint), no numbers that I can find yet and the rear dropouts were changed to Zeus Gran Sport and cable guides brazed on for a 10 spd conversion. Like I said – butchered! But I’ll get it sorted and back to a semi original spec.
        BTW, I posted a bike for identification there just a couple of days ago – a light blue frame with decorative silver lugs. Not a Flash but you may be able to help me name it.
        Cheers, Simon

  81. Yes, I am in Aussievelos group, I also have a Speedwell frame conversion with Gipiemme drop outs, braze-on shifter bosses and cable guides. Think it’s a Special Sports, but not in original paint. I think it’s best to make the most of what it is now, and one day I will rebuild it again with gears. I have just finished a couple of Special Sports to put on the blog and Aussievelos soon, when I get some good pics. There is also another related group “Speedwell of Sydney” on FB … See you there, Peter !

    Reply ↓

    • Thanks for the Speedwell of Sydney info.
      I was just talking to a bloke about my speedwell conversion and he said the same, basically just go with it. Frames were upgraded all the time to modernise them, doesn’t make them wrong, just different.
      Look forward to your Speedwell posts.
      Cheers Simon

      Reply ↓

  82. Thank you for posting the KKT Top-Run pedal pics. Knowing the internals will make my restoration job much easier. One question – how did you remove the end cap – to get access to the spindle nut?

    Thanks again.
    Michael

    Reply ↓

  84. Hi Peter,

    I’m from Glenbrook in the lower Blue Mountains and, like yourself, enjoy restoring older bikes. I’m a rank novice compared to you but you have to start somewhere.

    Anyway I picked up 2 bikes from a hard rubbish stash last week. One is a no brainer, it’s a red Peugeot Mixte circa 1970’s but the other is a complete mystery and it is for this reason I’m reaching out to you.

    I would like to send you photos of what I have

    Talk soon – Cheers Matt

    Reply ↓

  85. HI Peter, Ken from Brisbane here. I too am into trains, but thats not why I’m messaging you. I have a brown Apollo ii like the one you found, its brand NOS. I’ll send you a photo to your email (from sliderwhoever) regards ken

    Reply ↓

Leave a reply to binsted Cancel reply