Help to identify my 1968 Holdsworth
03-15-20, 07:07 AM
#1
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Help to identify my 1968 Holdsworth
Hi Everyone. As a brand new member, I apologise if this is in the wrong place . I am 72 and returning to cycling, once I have renovated my bike, after a gap of 65 years. I am hoping someone may be able to help me identify my bike. It seems to be a Bitza. It is a Holdsworth 1968 – Frame No. 32025, possibly a Mistral. The frame is white with a series of 8/9 green hoops on the downtube (under seat- sorry can’t remember the correct name), a longer panel of green on the top frame and down tube (from heat to crank). I want to keep it as true as possible to the model but one catalogue I have seen says choice of colours – if it is a Mistral. Anyone know what the choice was? The frame has the spear type joins on the tubing, also there are no lugs anywhere for the gear cable and no pump locators. Campag large flange hubs, downpost, Nuovo Record rear derailleur, however front crank, single, is a Silstar. Surely this should be Campag? The bike was offered as 5 or 10 speeds, but even if 5, I would still have expected Campag.. I seem to have read that later models may have Silstar, but not this early(?), Campag gear lever on downtube. However, there are 2 handlebar gear levers, Campag, which are not in use. Did the bike have 10 gears originally and for some reason changed to 5? Why? Or was it in the middle of upgrade? I would greatly appreciate any help. Thanks.
03-15-20, 07:25 AM
#2
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Post some pictures when you can; we're not going to get very far without them. I agree the Silstar crank seem incongruous with the other components.
03-15-20, 08:29 AM
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DoubleClanger did you buy the bike new?
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
03-15-20, 10:38 AM
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There is a Holdsworth serial number database online. It may be linked through ClassicRendezvous. If not, a general internet search should turn it up.Yeah get 10 posts over 2 days, then give us pics. Love to see it. My Holdsworth Special (rebranded as Harding) is a youngster by comparison. Oh, Welcome to BF C&V! 
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03-15-20, 11:51 AM
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here is the thread with the frame numbers:
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...e-numbers.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...e-numbers.html
03-16-20, 06:53 AM
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Many thanks for that Wildwood. I have checked the frame number database from Holdsworth. 32025 tells me it was 1968, but, as far as I am aware, does not tell me the Model. Is there a database that tells me the model. It is a total Bitsa as I said, so is particularly difficult to identify the model, Mistral, probably but could be Super Mistral or Cyclone. Maybe when I can post a picture it will all be clear to someone!
03-16-20, 11:17 AM
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Many thanks for that Wildwood. I have checked the frame number database from Holdsworth. 32025 tells me it was 1968, but, as far as I am aware, does not tell me the Model. Is there a database that tells me the model. It is a total Bitsa as I said, so is particularly difficult to identify the model, Mistral, probably but could be Super Mistral or Cyclone. Maybe when I can post a picture it will all be clear to someone!
03-16-20, 05:36 PM
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This may be helpful. https://www.nkilgariff.com/Models.htm
03-17-20, 08:44 AM
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I restored and sold a 1972 Holdsworth Equipe a couple of years back. It was equipped with Campagnolo Valentino. A lower end Holdsworth, but a very nice bike. The fit was a bit larger than I like so I found a new home for it.
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03-17-20, 10:36 AM
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help to identify Holdsworth
Very many thanks. Very interesting and puts a few things in perspective.. The photos are MOST helpful. I will try and put one of my bike up, now I have got enough threads. DoubleClanger
