Dear Rouleurs,

When MMT isn’t living life on 2 wheels, he’s pretty keen on checking out what other cyclists are riding around on.  The other day, MMT was in Docklands waiting for his wife/doing evening childcare collection. MMT noticed a very unusual single speed locked up against a parking sign.  On first glance it looks like a ‘bog-standard’ polished steel frame beast, the kind ridden by someone who has beard and like craft beer. Looking at you Gen-Y hipster dude.

Closer inspection, made MMT wonder whether this was rare beast, a vintage hand-built racing frame.  MMT couldn’t see any discernible maker’s marks or logos.  Whilst the bike had modern Shimano brakes and rims, the frame had some peculiar features. 

The most immediate striking feature being the one-piece curved seat stays, that became top tubes that connected all the way to the head tube. The two top tubes where connected by a number of braces. 

The rear brake cable was threaded through the braces to the rear brake caliper.

What’s noticeable is the quality of welding on the frame joints, bottom bracket and on the lugs. MMT just wishes the owner would take better care of this beast and polish off the superficial rust on the welding. There’s no excuse, dude!!!

The primary reason that MMT thinks that this is vintage frame, is the very old school, short, stem that has a bolt to secure the steam to the head set. 

So the question is:  Is this recently restored vintage bike or a hand built project with seriously old components?

Until next time, ride safe

MMT