The Vertex TT arrived earlier this week and I finally got around to having a good look at it.
All parts appear to be in good working order with just a little corrosion here and there.
As you would expect the brake lever hoods are old, sticky, and splitting. Toast.
The frame has a few small dents which is OK, but there is extensive paint scratches and chipping and the bare metal has been untreated for so long that it has a fair amount of surface rust in those spots.
If it was a Superlite, you'd either rattlecan it, or just keep walking and leave it for some other schmuck to deal with.
But, it's a Vertex TT, and I do love a TT bike! I stripped it down this afternoon and it's all pretty good except for the left BB cup which is stuck in there good and tight. I have is soaking in a pool of INOX and it should come out tomorrow without too much difficulty. Seat and seat post are not original so they are history. Chunky Bike Ribbon tape to be replaced with Cateye tape.
There seems to be some difference of opinion about the original saddle. Some say it was a matching yellow Turbo, others say it was a standard black Turbo.
I already have a yellow SuperTurbo, so it's getting a minor upgrade. I don't like my chances of finding the original SR fluted seat post with the black strip around the top, so I'll look for something similar. At least it's a 27.2. Rear rim is not original. Can any other Vertex owners tell me what rims were/are on their bikes? The front 26" rim is a polished silver Araya box section tubular. I'm just assuming that that was the original, but I'm not 100% certain.
So, the big question is..........
Do I find some touch up paint that is near enough to the right colour and touch it up , here & there & there & there & there & there & there & there & there & there & there ....
you get the point, OR do I sell the house to afford someone like Paint My Bike to do a resto paint and replica decals? I don't suppose anyone has some blue/yello repco decals lurking around? Nah, didn't think so.
Well, I guess you're all more interested in the photos anyway.
Here are some "before" shots. Will keep you updated along the way.