For it's time it would have been a pretty basic machine however in some respects it's special; I like it because
• it was fairly well known local brand and was made only about 7ks from my home
• the humpback frame style is an attractive alternative to a skidstar
• the blue paint has a beautiful patina, the Swansea script on the downtube is faded but legible and the decals on the head and seat tubes are in good nick
• it seems to be unmodified except for the tyres
I haven't been able to ride it yet, things that should turn easily don't. I was originally interested in an older frame that I could do a path racer number on, something that I could do weekend rides with the family on, would look cool without sacrificing functionality.
The Swansea is so pretty and original I can't bring myself to do anything other that a renovation on it. To that end I have a couple of questions for cleverer people than me
first a few notes on what I've done so far...Cleaned and regreased the front hub. The axle has a bit of a woof in it. The hub looks disturbingly like one off a Repco Traveller verge find I was about to throw in the bin. I'm going to investigate pilfering the axle and cones from that one.
The original steel seatpost (25.4) is functional but rusted and maybe a tad short for me, I think finding a replacement in good nick should be easy.
Pedal bearings seem perfect.
I've started dismantling the cranks and bottom bracket. A sticky cotter pin has halted progress there. I'll either buy a cotter press or take it to someone who has one.
I pulled the chain off. I think the chain is the stiffest thing on the bike. I've had it in kero today but it still does not want to go round corners. I have a few other chains kicking round but none of them mesh anywhere near correctly with the original chainring(they all sit proud of it - either too narrow or the links too short??). If I wanted to get a new chain what should I be looking for?
It has a single speed coaster brake rear hub. Centrix from W Germany. I can hold the axle with my fingers and roll the wheel forward without too much resistance. If I hold the axle and try to turn the wheel by turning the sprocket she's a no-go. Should I be afraid of pulling this to bits? Looks like it needs tools I don't have - where's a good place to look for them? Or should I just hand this over to someone else?
The original bars are fun but badly corroded. If I replace the bars where can I get some period handgrips?
The quill stem wedge bolt loosens up easily and I've tapped it down with a hammer, can't shift the stem though... anything else I can do? The headset feels good so maybe I should leave well enough alone.
What are the tusks that run from the stem to the front axle? Are they functional or decorative??
As I mentioned I quite like the state of the paint job but wouldn't want it to decay further. I don't even mind preserving the light rust on the rims. Will simply moving this bike indoors and not riding it too much be enough to protect it?
They didn't seem to match either of the pics metalrideroz posted. No oil port either Lloyd. I'll post a pic once i have the bits cleaned up.
