Wednesday 2 March 2011

BUTCHERS BIKE REBUILD



BUTCHERS BICYCLE REBUILD
( aka deli, trade, grocery bike)

A mid twentieth century butchers bike found in bits in a stream (first photo),rescued, restored to original spec (second photo), dismantled, and finally rebuilt, 'aged' and personalised to resemble an 'as new' bike from the early 1900's (third photo)
Specification:
All parts are restored period items, no new or repro. (tyres,saddle,baskets, brake blocks & cables excepted)
Pashley    Frame.
Raleigh    Chainset
                 Pedals
                 Wheels
                 Mudguards
                 Handlebars
                 Brakes
                 Rear carrier
Lepper      Sprung leather Saddle
Sturmey    3 speed hub
Archer       3 speed gear trigger
Lodge        3 speed quadrant shift (*1)
Engineering
Ernest H    Pump
Hill
Challis       Bell
Lucas        Carbide burning rear lamp (*2)
Miller        Oil burning front lamp (*2)
Fortnum     Front Basket
& Mason
Unknown    Rear basket
Unknown    Horn
Own make  Light switch box
Own make  Bill clip board
Own make  Advertising panel
Own make  Rear reflector
Own make  Misc clips and brackets.

(*1)  Operates front and rear light switch box - on/off/either. (Totally unecessary but a bit of licence to personalise !)
(*2)  Both converted to 9v LED but easily returned to oil / carbide lamps.

Being such a hotpotch of makers parts this bike would best be described as a hybrid of no particular make. The headtube has a brass St Christophers badge - he'll certainly be needed when this contraption is ridden !
With only one or two exceptions all the bolts,nuts,washers and fasteners as well as brake rods and many other parts were replaced with the equivalent in brass which were a nightmare to source.
However well set up and adjusted the rod brakes simply aren't up to effectively slowing the bike although this could have something to do with the bikes weight and my 18 stone frame ! I'm considering fitting a 3 speed coaster brake hub as a back up brake.*

HISTORY AND OBJECTIVE
My hobby is restoring just about anything old and over the years this has been an eclectic mix of of various collectables - classic cars, fruit machines, telephones, cash registers, lawn mowers etc and most recently this butcher’s bike. Eleven years ago I had surgery and chemo for cancer and now being in full remission my objective is to 'put something back' by either passing on (free) the results of my labours to an appropriate worthy establishment for display or, if no takers, selling with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK. My satisfaction is from the restoration work - certainly not for any financial gain. In fact every project I've undertaken has been an eye watering fiscal loss !
I will use this bike over the coming summer months and thereafter make it available as outlined above. Ideas for its eventual home are welcome. 

Roy Werrett
Epsom  Surrey
March 2011

See video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh6xDjYkOxQ
If the above link doesn't work go into youtube and type Butchers Bike and you'll find my video.