Showing posts with label robin hood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label robin hood. Show all posts

Monday, June 1, 2015

Girder framed project finished

The mystery (maybe Robin Hood, maybe Royal Enfield) girder-frame project is completed and ready to ride and I'm delighted with the result. The cycle has had a general service and a few parts added. The horrible blue plastic grips were junked for a pair of new old stock rubber items from the correct period, a Lucas carbide light added and I felt that a cycle of this stature should have a rack so a suitable one was sourced via ebay. It's rather nice, a 'Princip' - a brand of rack I've never heard of before but it looks the part and is pretty much the same pattern as a Brooks item.

I had a lucky cat mascot on the shelf that I've put on the handlebars, it's quirky and period and might as well go on a cycle as sit on a shelf. The pedals are new old stock and came to me boxed. I pondered for a while before fitting as they will be nos only once but they were made to be used so on they went.

Weight-wise the cycle is a tank but it's a quality product and the ride is good. I'm not sure if the Sturmey hub is original or not but it makes the whole plot a lot more rideable, no gears on this one would be a chore.






Thursday, January 29, 2015

1920s mystery girder frame bicycle - Royal Enfield or Robin Hood?

This machine has just come my way. I had been looking for a Royal Enfield Girder or Duplex frame for a while and then this appeared at the right price. Only thing is I really don't know what it is. To all intents and purposes it looks like a Royal Enfield but has no head badge and never has had. 

I've done some investigations and it seems that Robin Hood also offered a girder frame model, possibly actually built by Royal Enfield so this seems most likely what it is. The handlebars may just have been replaced some time in the bike's life and the Sturmey three speed dates from mid thirties but I would guess that the rest of the cycle is early twenties.

Some folks would restore it in this condition but I plan to oily rag and service. It's pretty much rideable as is, but lacks pedals. 

If anyone out there can recognise the manufacturer please do let me know.

Mid twenties girder frame cycle. 28 inch wheels.

Offside view.

The mudguards are very distinctive and may
give a clue for identification?

I like rust and this is a good coating of it. No structural
damage at all just a good patina.

Here's that all important girder. The chainwheel seems to be
generic and doesn't give any clues as to marque.

I'll even leave the period bodges in place if they work!

Perhaps the lamp bracket holds the key to identity?