Freddie Grubb Restoration 3
12-17-17, 10:12 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Southport, North Carolina, USA & Pevensey, East Sussex, UK
Posts: 309
Bikes: 1)1992 Trek 970, 2)2010 Trek 6500, 3)1973 Colnago Super, 4)1955 Freddie Grubb Meteor. 5)1993 Airborne Ti-Hag Titanium. 6)1936 BSA 602DX Roadster. 7)1957 Philips P2 Sports. 8)1955 Dayton Roadmaster. 9)1948 Humber Clubman. 10) 1949 Sunbeam WA3 Wayfarer
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 85 Times
in
34 Posts
Freddie Grubb Restoration 3
This is the third post regarding my restoration of a Vintage Freddie Grubb Meteor Frame No 6473 of around 1954/55.
Mercian Cycles of Derby completed the frame restoration and painting this week and I drove up and collected it Thursday 14th December.
Very pleased with the result and so spent the time since assembling all the components onto the frame.
Bike is now ready to ride though I have not recovered from my broken thigh/hip well enough to ride it yet. probably won't now be until the better weather in Spring before I am able.
Most components are Vintage Campagnolo Record/Gran Sport, except Stem is GB Biba, Bars are Cinelli, Saddle is Brooks B17 Honey Titanium Rails, Bar Tape Brooks Honey Leather, Rims Mavic Open SUP, Tyres Schwalbe.
You can see previous posts regarding this restoration at: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ation-1-a.html & https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ation-2-a.html
Here are some photos showing the finished bike:-
Mercian Cycles of Derby completed the frame restoration and painting this week and I drove up and collected it Thursday 14th December.
Very pleased with the result and so spent the time since assembling all the components onto the frame.
Bike is now ready to ride though I have not recovered from my broken thigh/hip well enough to ride it yet. probably won't now be until the better weather in Spring before I am able.
Most components are Vintage Campagnolo Record/Gran Sport, except Stem is GB Biba, Bars are Cinelli, Saddle is Brooks B17 Honey Titanium Rails, Bar Tape Brooks Honey Leather, Rims Mavic Open SUP, Tyres Schwalbe.
You can see previous posts regarding this restoration at: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ation-1-a.html & https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ation-2-a.html
Here are some photos showing the finished bike:-
Last edited by PeterLYoung; 01-29-20 at 06:24 AM. Reason: Add Text
12-17-17, 10:28 AM
#2
Senior Member
That is the most sublime, elegant shade of blue I have ever seen. The silver details with honey saddle and tape make the aesthetic perfect.
Get well soon so you can ride it.
Get well soon so you can ride it.
12-17-17, 11:05 AM
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Southport, North Carolina, USA & Pevensey, East Sussex, UK
Posts: 309
Bikes: 1)1992 Trek 970, 2)2010 Trek 6500, 3)1973 Colnago Super, 4)1955 Freddie Grubb Meteor. 5)1993 Airborne Ti-Hag Titanium. 6)1936 BSA 602DX Roadster. 7)1957 Philips P2 Sports. 8)1955 Dayton Roadmaster. 9)1948 Humber Clubman. 10) 1949 Sunbeam WA3 Wayfarer
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 85 Times
in
34 Posts
Best regards
Peter
12-17-17, 11:50 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Alta California
Posts: 14,265
Mentioned: 415 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3811 Post(s)
Liked 3,338 Times
in
2,178 Posts
-----
Most handsome; a beautiful job!
Those are some loooooong valve stems, one wonders if they may have been found in the woods.
Was it necessary to ream out the Biba to accept the Cinelli?
-----
Most handsome; a beautiful job!
Those are some loooooong valve stems, one wonders if they may have been found in the woods.
Was it necessary to ream out the Biba to accept the Cinelli?
-----
12-17-17, 12:23 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Point Reyes Station, California
Posts: 4,528
Bikes: Indeed!
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1507 Post(s)
Liked 3,478 Times
in
1,132 Posts
Beautiful!
Brent
Brent
12-17-17, 12:32 PM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: North Bend, Washington State
Posts: 2,942
Bikes: 1937 Hobbs; 1977 Bruce Gordon; 1987 Bill Holland; 1988 Schwinn Paramount (Fixed gear); 1999 Fat City Yo Eddy (MTB); 2018 Woodrup (Touring) 2016 Ritchey breakaway
Mentioned: 291 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 554 Post(s)
Liked 3,794 Times
in
668 Posts
I love the painted lugs and lining. Very classy. Best wishes on your physical recovery so you can get outside and ride that thing.
12-17-17, 02:06 PM
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Southport, North Carolina, USA & Pevensey, East Sussex, UK
Posts: 309
Bikes: 1)1992 Trek 970, 2)2010 Trek 6500, 3)1973 Colnago Super, 4)1955 Freddie Grubb Meteor. 5)1993 Airborne Ti-Hag Titanium. 6)1936 BSA 602DX Roadster. 7)1957 Philips P2 Sports. 8)1955 Dayton Roadmaster. 9)1948 Humber Clubman. 10) 1949 Sunbeam WA3 Wayfarer
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 85 Times
in
34 Posts
I did not ream out the Biba but the Cinelli was a very tight fit!!!
Best regards
12-17-17, 02:10 PM
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Southport, North Carolina, USA & Pevensey, East Sussex, UK
Posts: 309
Bikes: 1)1992 Trek 970, 2)2010 Trek 6500, 3)1973 Colnago Super, 4)1955 Freddie Grubb Meteor. 5)1993 Airborne Ti-Hag Titanium. 6)1936 BSA 602DX Roadster. 7)1957 Philips P2 Sports. 8)1955 Dayton Roadmaster. 9)1948 Humber Clubman. 10) 1949 Sunbeam WA3 Wayfarer
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 85 Times
in
34 Posts
12-17-17, 02:53 PM
#10
Full Member
Oh! Those blues!!!!!! Wonderful restoration. Enjoy it as a work of art until you're fit to ride it.
12-17-17, 04:05 PM
#12
Standard Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Brunswick, Maine
Posts: 4,271
Bikes: 1948 P. Barnard & Son, 1962 Rudge Sports, 1963 Freddie Grubb Routier, 1980 Manufrance Hirondelle, 1983 F. Moser Sprint, 1989 Raleigh Technium Pre, 2001 Raleigh M80
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1297 Post(s)
Liked 940 Times
in
490 Posts
It looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing. I wanted to ask a couple questions: One, regarding your painting (and outlining) of the lugs. Were you working off of a model? (It is more common seeing the headtube in a contrasting color).
Also, I wanted to ask you about the braze-ons: Was the front derailleur shift boss a Grubb option in this era? Is the downtube water bottle boss stock? (I'm not sure I've seen either of these on an early 50's Grubb, but I am finding new things pretty consistently as I see new models.)
Interesting braze-on cable guide on top of chainstay and rear brake cable routing on left side of toptube. Are you going to get the "Meteor" decal for front/side of top tube? I'm pretty sure you can get them.
Also, I wanted to ask you about the braze-ons: Was the front derailleur shift boss a Grubb option in this era? Is the downtube water bottle boss stock? (I'm not sure I've seen either of these on an early 50's Grubb, but I am finding new things pretty consistently as I see new models.)
Interesting braze-on cable guide on top of chainstay and rear brake cable routing on left side of toptube. Are you going to get the "Meteor" decal for front/side of top tube? I'm pretty sure you can get them.
__________________
Unless you climb the rungs strategically, you’re not going to build the muscle you need to stay at the top.
Unless you climb the rungs strategically, you’re not going to build the muscle you need to stay at the top.
Last edited by 1989Pre; 12-17-17 at 04:22 PM.
12-17-17, 04:45 PM
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Southport, North Carolina, USA & Pevensey, East Sussex, UK
Posts: 309
Bikes: 1)1992 Trek 970, 2)2010 Trek 6500, 3)1973 Colnago Super, 4)1955 Freddie Grubb Meteor. 5)1993 Airborne Ti-Hag Titanium. 6)1936 BSA 602DX Roadster. 7)1957 Philips P2 Sports. 8)1955 Dayton Roadmaster. 9)1948 Humber Clubman. 10) 1949 Sunbeam WA3 Wayfarer
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 85 Times
in
34 Posts
It looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing. I wanted to ask a couple questions: One, regarding your painting (and outlining) of the lugs. Were you working off of a model? (It is more common seeing the headtube in a contrasting color).
Also, I wanted to ask you about the braze-ons: Was the front derailleur shift boss a Grubb option in this era? Is the downtube water bottle boss stock? (I'm not sure I've seen either of these on an early 50's Grubb, but I am finding new things pretty consistently as I see new models.)
Interesting braze-on cable guide on top of chainstay and rear brake cable routing on left side of toptube. Are you going to get the "Meteor" decal for front/side of top tube? I'm pretty sure you can get them.
Also, I wanted to ask you about the braze-ons: Was the front derailleur shift boss a Grubb option in this era? Is the downtube water bottle boss stock? (I'm not sure I've seen either of these on an early 50's Grubb, but I am finding new things pretty consistently as I see new models.)
Interesting braze-on cable guide on top of chainstay and rear brake cable routing on left side of toptube. Are you going to get the "Meteor" decal for front/side of top tube? I'm pretty sure you can get them.
Campagnolo Brazed Shifter bosses were an option when the frame was new in 1954/55 (If you look at my post 'Freddie Grubb Restoration 2' I pasted a copy of the literature for the Meteor and it is shown there with the option price).
The downtime bottle bosses were not an option and were added by me. I know some will see this as sacrilege but I like my bottle there, and someone later can remove them if the want to I will be dead and buried by then.
The top tube was bowed so I had it replaced, they moved the cable stops to the nearside, I did not ask fro this but as I was using Campy Brakes I was pleased they did that as it works better. The cable guides on top of chain stay were on the frame when it came to me and I think they were original.
The Meteor decal is available but I did not find it till too late as it took a long time to be absolutely sure it was a Meteor.
By the way, I see you have a 63 Grubb, so did I supplied by my local bike shop and built to my spec. Always regretted selling it which is why I bought this one when I saw it at auction. See my post 'Freddie Grubb Restoration 1' for its condition then, it was bad but I could not pass it up, it has a new lease of life now!!!
Thanks for your comments.
Regards Peter
Last edited by PeterLYoung; 12-17-17 at 04:49 PM. Reason: Add Text
12-17-17, 04:50 PM
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Southport, North Carolina, USA & Pevensey, East Sussex, UK
Posts: 309
Bikes: 1)1992 Trek 970, 2)2010 Trek 6500, 3)1973 Colnago Super, 4)1955 Freddie Grubb Meteor. 5)1993 Airborne Ti-Hag Titanium. 6)1936 BSA 602DX Roadster. 7)1957 Philips P2 Sports. 8)1955 Dayton Roadmaster. 9)1948 Humber Clubman. 10) 1949 Sunbeam WA3 Wayfarer
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 85 Times
in
34 Posts
12-17-17, 04:51 PM
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Southport, North Carolina, USA & Pevensey, East Sussex, UK
Posts: 309
Bikes: 1)1992 Trek 970, 2)2010 Trek 6500, 3)1973 Colnago Super, 4)1955 Freddie Grubb Meteor. 5)1993 Airborne Ti-Hag Titanium. 6)1936 BSA 602DX Roadster. 7)1957 Philips P2 Sports. 8)1955 Dayton Roadmaster. 9)1948 Humber Clubman. 10) 1949 Sunbeam WA3 Wayfarer
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 85 Times
in
34 Posts
12-17-17, 05:02 PM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Forksbent, MN
Posts: 3,190
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 301 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
15 Posts
There aren't many bikes that I get off the couch to view on my desktop monitor instead of my phone, but this is one of them. Very nice restoration and nice details.
12-17-17, 05:44 PM
#17
Standard Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Brunswick, Maine
Posts: 4,271
Bikes: 1948 P. Barnard & Son, 1962 Rudge Sports, 1963 Freddie Grubb Routier, 1980 Manufrance Hirondelle, 1983 F. Moser Sprint, 1989 Raleigh Technium Pre, 2001 Raleigh M80
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1297 Post(s)
Liked 940 Times
in
490 Posts
Hi: I chose the colours from Mercian Cycles Colour Chart. I really liked the blue and wanted the whole frame with lugs a contrast. They had a bike in the window with gold lug lining so I chose that, not a cheap paint job I have to say. Did not want contrasting colour on head tube.
Campagnolo Brazed Shifter bosses were an option when the frame was new in 1954/55 (If you look at my post 'Freddie Grubb Restoration 2' I pasted a copy of the literature for the Meteor and it is shown there with the option price).
The downtime bottle bosses were not an option and were added by me. I know some will see this as sacrilege but I like my bottle there, and someone later can remove them if the want to I will be dead and buried by then.
The top tube was bowed so I had it replaced, they moved the cable stops to the nearside, I did not ask fro this but as I was using Campy Brakes I was pleased they did that as it works better. The cable guides on top of chain stay were on the frame when it came to me and I think they were original.
The Meteor decal is available but I did not find it till too late as it took a long time to be absolutely sure it was a Meteor.
By the way, I see you have a 63 Grubb, so did I supplied by my local bike shop and built to my spec. Always regretted selling it which is why I bought this one when I saw it at auction. See my post 'Freddie Grubb Restoration 1' for its condition then, it was bad but I could not pass it up, it has a new lease of life now!!!
Thanks for your comments.
Regards Peter
Campagnolo Brazed Shifter bosses were an option when the frame was new in 1954/55 (If you look at my post 'Freddie Grubb Restoration 2' I pasted a copy of the literature for the Meteor and it is shown there with the option price).
The downtime bottle bosses were not an option and were added by me. I know some will see this as sacrilege but I like my bottle there, and someone later can remove them if the want to I will be dead and buried by then.
The top tube was bowed so I had it replaced, they moved the cable stops to the nearside, I did not ask fro this but as I was using Campy Brakes I was pleased they did that as it works better. The cable guides on top of chain stay were on the frame when it came to me and I think they were original.
The Meteor decal is available but I did not find it till too late as it took a long time to be absolutely sure it was a Meteor.
By the way, I see you have a 63 Grubb, so did I supplied by my local bike shop and built to my spec. Always regretted selling it which is why I bought this one when I saw it at auction. See my post 'Freddie Grubb Restoration 1' for its condition then, it was bad but I could not pass it up, it has a new lease of life now!!!
Thanks for your comments.
Regards Peter
I know that sounds romantic, but I don't know of any other way to explain it.
I have seen several Grubbs from the 50's-60's that do not have a contrasting head tube. I saw one, recently, with what appears to be factory gold lug lining, but not as finely-executed as yours.
I have been following your Grubb Restoration series, but must have interpreted "Campy shifter" to mean the singular, not the plural. I think that is amazing that the double option was available at that time. My Routier came with a single, but I placed a double chainset on it, a Nicklin.
The downtube water bottle bosses don't bother me a bit! Were there bikes of this era that had these?
My frameset I bought from a seller in Aubertin, France. The 54cm seat tube and 57cm toptube fits me like a glove, and I've taken it on many 20-40 mile journeys. How is the fit on your Meteor? I think your saddle looks great.
Now, to make it official: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Bri...QAAOSwFnFV~qxs
__________________
Unless you climb the rungs strategically, you’re not going to build the muscle you need to stay at the top.
Unless you climb the rungs strategically, you’re not going to build the muscle you need to stay at the top.
Last edited by 1989Pre; 12-17-17 at 05:49 PM.
12-17-17, 07:50 PM
#18
Semper Fi
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,942
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1172 Post(s)
Liked 358 Times
in
241 Posts
Words fail me, that is a beautiful bicycle there @PeterLYoung. The work is so nicely done, attention to detail has paid off on this one.
Bill
Bill
__________________
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
12-17-17, 08:14 PM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: GWN
Posts: 2,538
Mentioned: 27 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1858 Post(s)
Liked 606 Times
in
403 Posts
Really nice.
Do you have any idea of the Paint code for the Blue?
Would look great on a Bike I am restoring. I had thought first of yellow but that Blue is
very Eye catching.
Do you have any idea of the Paint code for the Blue?
Would look great on a Bike I am restoring. I had thought first of yellow but that Blue is
very Eye catching.
12-18-17, 05:42 AM
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Southport, North Carolina, USA & Pevensey, East Sussex, UK
Posts: 309
Bikes: 1)1992 Trek 970, 2)2010 Trek 6500, 3)1973 Colnago Super, 4)1955 Freddie Grubb Meteor. 5)1993 Airborne Ti-Hag Titanium. 6)1936 BSA 602DX Roadster. 7)1957 Philips P2 Sports. 8)1955 Dayton Roadmaster. 9)1948 Humber Clubman. 10) 1949 Sunbeam WA3 Wayfarer
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 85 Times
in
34 Posts
you will see the colours I used 24 Main Colour & 29 For Lugs, if you contact them they may be able to help.
Best regards
Peter
12-19-17, 03:16 PM
#21
Senior Member
Wow. Beautiful restoration of that frame. I like how you followed the original two tone scheme but with two shades of blue instead of two shades of red. Mercian certainly delivered the goods.
I might have made different choices for a couple of the parts, but really that's kind of trivial. Parts can always be changed. What's important is that the old frame good as new and the bike is now a rider, and should be good for another 50 years. Thanks for saving it!
I might have made different choices for a couple of the parts, but really that's kind of trivial. Parts can always be changed. What's important is that the old frame good as new and the bike is now a rider, and should be good for another 50 years. Thanks for saving it!
10-11-18, 04:59 AM
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Southport, North Carolina, USA & Pevensey, East Sussex, UK
Posts: 309
Bikes: 1)1992 Trek 970, 2)2010 Trek 6500, 3)1973 Colnago Super, 4)1955 Freddie Grubb Meteor. 5)1993 Airborne Ti-Hag Titanium. 6)1936 BSA 602DX Roadster. 7)1957 Philips P2 Sports. 8)1955 Dayton Roadmaster. 9)1948 Humber Clubman. 10) 1949 Sunbeam WA3 Wayfarer
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 85 Times
in
34 Posts
Freddie Grubb Meteor (Frame 1955)
Some Photos of Freddie Grubb after completion of restoration, out and about in my region of East Sussex.
Freddie Grubb at Pevensey Castle, East Sussex.
Freddie Grubb at Rickney, East Sussex.
Freddie Grubb at Sluice Lane, Normans Bay, East Sussex.
Freddie Grubb at Rickney Bridge, East Sussex.
Freddie Grubb at Pevensey Castle, East Sussex.
Freddie Grubb at Rickney, East Sussex.
Freddie Grubb at Sluice Lane, Normans Bay, East Sussex.
Freddie Grubb at Rickney Bridge, East Sussex.
10-11-18, 11:56 AM
#23
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,923
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,090 Times
in
638 Posts
Somehow, I missed this thread originally. That's a gorgeous bicycle. Good to see you're out and about and enjoying it.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
10-12-18, 01:02 AM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - burrrrr!
Posts: 11,674
Bikes: 1958 Rabeneick 120D, 1968 Legnano Gran Premio, 196? Torpado Professional, 2000 Marinoni Piuma
Mentioned: 210 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1372 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,751 Times
in
938 Posts
Very nicely done! I had to look and look to find fault but to no avail. I do like the color choices and the extra effort to paint the lugs was a great idea. All in all, I see a very nice vintage bicycle that would fit nicely into my little collection. And guess what...
As soon as the Rabeneick is finished, I am planing on having a go at this Galibier that came my way for twenty bucks, last summer ...
As soon as the Rabeneick is finished, I am planing on having a go at this Galibier that came my way for twenty bucks, last summer ...
__________________
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
10-12-18, 01:54 AM
#25
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Southport, North Carolina, USA & Pevensey, East Sussex, UK
Posts: 309
Bikes: 1)1992 Trek 970, 2)2010 Trek 6500, 3)1973 Colnago Super, 4)1955 Freddie Grubb Meteor. 5)1993 Airborne Ti-Hag Titanium. 6)1936 BSA 602DX Roadster. 7)1957 Philips P2 Sports. 8)1955 Dayton Roadmaster. 9)1948 Humber Clubman. 10) 1949 Sunbeam WA3 Wayfarer
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 85 Times
in
34 Posts
Very nicely done! I had to look and look to find fault but to no avail. I do like the color choices and the extra effort to paint the lugs was a great idea. All in all, I see a very nice vintage bicycle that would fit nicely into my little collection. And guess what...
As soon as the Rabeneick is finished, I am planing on having a go at this Galibier that came my way for twenty bucks, last summer ...
As soon as the Rabeneick is finished, I am planing on having a go at this Galibier that came my way for twenty bucks, last summer ...