Free-Speedwell single speed-Sydney

[Burt 'Pigeon Racer' Jones]

As the title says, but there's a catch.

If you want this bike then you have to promise that you are taking it with a view to restoring it to it's former glory.

It was given to me by a family friend for gratis, and even though I could sell it and make a quid, I don't believe in taking advantage of people's kind gestures.

Pics tell a thousand words, and so here's a few to give you an idea of what you're looking at.

[overthehill]

oh its wonderful! Its an earlyish track racer isn't it? '50's? Rockdale - as in outside Sydney?

Hope someone can do it justice.

[Burt 'Pigeon Racer' Jones]

So do I.

Oh btw it's a 60cm top tube (from memory)

[daacha]

pm sent

[hartleymartin]

Single-Speed Track Racer with a sturmey-archer pulley on the seat tube? HmMMmmmm!

[Mulger bill]

Is it just me or is there something odd with the headset? (pic3)

Shaun

[hartleymartin]

Could be a simple matter of re-packing all the bearings with fresh grease and new ball-bearings!

Last time I saw anything like that, what had happened was some ball bearings were missing and for some reason they had worked their way to the front of the bottom race.

[caibs]

whoever the lucky sonofabitch is that gets this, they better not mess with that awesome paint!
the pinstriping is so good.
if you'd like to box it and send it to perth i'd be more than happy to pay for courier/packaging/your time. its even my size!
dont like my chances but really, really awesome none the less.

[Burt 'Pigeon Racer' Jones]

Well, well, haven't I opened up a can of worms.

I've had a LOT of messages about this, and now realising that this is something worthy of returning to it's former glory, I have to stress that who ever I pass this onto, MUST RESTORE IT!!!!

I've never done the 'give away' thing on here before, so what are the protocols?

Is it 'First in best dressed', or do I get to choose who I pass it onto?

I would really like to see justice done to this, as I promised the person who gave it to me that I would give it to a good home.

[daacha]

Burt I guess it's really up to you how you decide how to give away this beauty. However i'd suggest first in.....but only if its me.

daacha

[bigfriendlyvegan]

Burt,
Give it to someone with a track record in restoration. I know many of the retro forum have pm'd you. Give it to one of the old guard there (check their posts rather than post counts). Alternatively, give it to legendary frame builder Jim Bundy who will take care of it and pass it on to someone who will take care of it.

The reason everyone is getting anxious about it is that this is part of NSW and Australian history. While Speedwell made a lot of mass produced stuff, they also made high end track frames. Dunc Gray won our first Olympic cycling gold on a Speedwell just like the one you've got.

David

[daacha]

Burt have you found a new home for this one yet?

daacha

[spirito]

Cool bike.

I don't want it (my shed overfloweth ) but I'd love to see more pics.

FWIW the paint isn't original ... as noted by the Reno stencil on the seat tube (renovated paint).

Bestow it upon who realizes it's rarity, really wants it and shows you her boobies

[Burt 'Pigeon Racer' Jones]

Gone, Gone, and Gone.

The person I've dontated it to is very excited about the project, and I've no doubt there will be more pics to follow.

Sorry Daacha. I know you were first in with the PM, but I had MANY people approach me about this, and unfortunately I could only give it to 1 person.

Burt

[daacha]

No probs Burt. Look forward to seeing the pics.

daacha

[Pedalhead]

Nice work BPRJ

I'm exicited for the new owner also.

Andy