New bike day!
11-07-19, 02:50 PM
#1
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Witcomb project
Picked it up at an estate sale today along with another bike and parts. It has Campy bits all over, Nervex lugs, wraparound stays and a 27mm seat post in it. The rear drops are Simplex.
The decal on the headtube says Cinelli, but that can't be true. The seat tube has an old Columbus decal and the name Robin Newton
The decal on the headtube says Cinelli, but that can't be true. The seat tube has an old Columbus decal and the name Robin Newton
Last edited by Johnnybikes; 04-03-20 at 02:58 PM. Reason: Title change
11-07-19, 04:42 PM
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No idea what it could be but its very cool, does it fit and was it a good deal? 
11-07-19, 05:01 PM
#3
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Let's just say it's not a Cinelli as badged in the front. I see Nervex. I see wraparound seat stay. I'm thinking British.
11-07-19, 05:03 PM
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Yes, not a Cinelli but a very nice find!
Ben
Ben
11-07-19, 05:50 PM
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Seems to me the "triangulation" of the wraparound is unique, who did that?
11-07-19, 05:51 PM
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The BB diameter/threading, assuming to be original and not a rebore/retap repair, would immediately distinguish between British and Italian of that era.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
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Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
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11-07-19, 07:28 PM
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So very cool. Stored for some time, not banged up, and then that binder bolt?
11-07-19, 08:24 PM
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11-07-19, 08:47 PM
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11-08-19, 07:28 AM
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PM me your cotters
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I'm not saying I'm definitively correct, it's just a guess, could potentially be any UK builder. The Witcomb track bike in purple's wraparound is angular the whole way around the TT while the blue subject bike is rounded across the TT. So not 100% similar.
But design cues and frame accoutrements point to UK for me. And it just happens Witcomb used same lugset, similar binder, similar wraparound etc. on their bikes so that's my first guess. Fortunately CR had pics of the purple bike above, and both the OP and the CR bike owner posted very good shots of the cluster from same angle.
What are the chances?
PS - I seriously doubt the tubing on the blue bike is Columbus. I suspect it was just added to match the Cinelli sticker on the HT.
But design cues and frame accoutrements point to UK for me. And it just happens Witcomb used same lugset, similar binder, similar wraparound etc. on their bikes so that's my first guess. Fortunately CR had pics of the purple bike above, and both the OP and the CR bike owner posted very good shots of the cluster from same angle.
What are the chances?
PS - I seriously doubt the tubing on the blue bike is Columbus. I suspect it was just added to match the Cinelli sticker on the HT.
11-08-19, 07:42 AM
#14
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I had doubts about the Columbus sticker right away. Everything about the bike is custom. The whole basement was filled with cycling gear. I had a budget, I couldn't buy everything.
Here are some pics of the drops
Here are some pics of the drops
11-08-19, 10:29 AM
#15
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Simplex dropouts eh? Witcomb used them. As evidenced here: Witcomb Lightweight Cycles (search page for "Simplex")
Additionally, a '63 here with Nervex lugs and Simplex DOs, same BB shell: https://www.63velo.com/witcomb-lx-pr...nal/4594543911
Similar stay end treatment at the DO from that track back in purple above: Bikeville thoughts: Witcomb track bike at a recent bike swap
I'm pretty sure that's what it is, but no clue on which model. Weigle, Chance and Sachs all had time there, it's a high quality frame. Sucks someone was trying to hide what it was!
Additionally, a '63 here with Nervex lugs and Simplex DOs, same BB shell: https://www.63velo.com/witcomb-lx-pr...nal/4594543911
Similar stay end treatment at the DO from that track back in purple above: Bikeville thoughts: Witcomb track bike at a recent bike swap
I'm pretty sure that's what it is, but no clue on which model. Weigle, Chance and Sachs all had time there, it's a high quality frame. Sucks someone was trying to hide what it was!
04-03-20, 02:57 PM
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I hope everyone is safe and healthy. With all my extra free time these days, I decided to start my Witcomb project. I've been doing a lot of internet searching, I'm almost 70% sure it's a Witcomb. I just can't find a lead on the frame numbers, they don't seem to match other subjects. Either way, it's my size and it's old.
The paint on it is terrible, so I started stripping it.
I've never done a repaint because I prefer the original paint with patina, but this bike was already repainted. After stripping off blue, it appeared the bike was a mustard yellow which is why the last guy painted it. Turns out mustard yellow isn't original either. Some goof along the way decided to rough sand the stock red off, shameful. That's where I'm at now, one step at a time.
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