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1961 Hetchins: How would you build?

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1961 Hetchins: How would you build?

Old 03-03-21, 02:28 PM
  #26  
mechanicmatt
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Originally Posted by nlerner
Hmm, I don't have any Positron around, but I've done plenty of 650B Shimergo conversions!

How come no one has said I should cut off the derailleur hanger and go fixie?
All bakelite and plastic simplex and falcon components. Lee Chi brakes too. Can't go too low.
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Old 03-03-21, 04:01 PM
  #27  
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-----

Lee Chi sounds a bit upscale; maybe Yoshikawa would be more appropriate...

...and nice set of DnB gears...


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Old 03-03-21, 04:07 PM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by nlerner
Thanks for the input so far! Not sure about wheel size, but I have some fairly long reach GB side pull brakes that will likely accommodate 700c. But I also have a nice 27” wheelset w/ Mavic rims and Maillard hubs that would fit the look. Hmm. I do have to say I’m not particularly keen on a period “sensitive “ build as that era was definitely a low point for derailleur performance. But I do have some Campy in the bin. I tend toward function over form.
When it comes to combining classic and modern I like what Olivier Csuka has been doing over at Alex Singer. I find myself going back here regularly for inspiration. FWIW.
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Old 03-04-21, 09:03 AM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by nlerner
Hmm, I don't have any Positron around, but I've done plenty of 650B Shimergo conversions!

How come no one has said I should cut off the derailleur hanger and go fixie?
Haha!

Of course I kid. Love that fork crown. Almost hard not to go period components on something like that, but then again I could see more modern Campy on it.
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Old 06-26-21, 02:35 PM
  #30  
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This has definitely been a back-burner project, but it's done enough to take some pics. I did not source mechs specific to 1961 but instead imagined what the owner would have wanted to upgrade to in the mid-70s after getting fed up with the performance of the original Campy drivetrain. The answer: SunTour Superbe!

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Old 06-26-21, 03:12 PM
  #31  
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I sure like it!!
It appears that you changed the headset (or completed it). What was the fork crown seat size?
Is this now the only 10-speed in your bike harem?
What's the chainring complement? 44 or 46 x 28 or 30?

Last edited by Charles Wahl; 06-26-21 at 03:22 PM.
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Old 06-26-21, 03:20 PM
  #32  
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Beautiful bike and build. I'm glad you sorted out the headset. This is inspiration for my '58 Claud Butler which has been sitting on the back burner for too long as well.
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Old 06-26-21, 03:22 PM
  #33  
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Beautiful bike nlerner . That blue is something special. This thread is giving me thoughts toward sending my Sun Wasp frame to Mercian in the future...

Did Rudi make the saddle? Man, this Hetchins really pops. Are those the Nitto Randonneur bars? How do you like them?

Really nice job there!
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Old 06-26-21, 04:16 PM
  #34  
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Truly a lovely bike and the build works for me. Congrats!
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Old 06-26-21, 04:44 PM
  #35  
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Originally Posted by Charles Wahl
I sure like it!!
It appears that you changed the headset (or completed it). What was the fork crown seat size?
Is this now the only 10-speed in your bike harem?
What's the chainring complement? 44 or 46 x 28 or 30?
The rear cluster is actually a 6-speed! I think my friend had Mercian respace to 126mm. Crank rings are 45/28. On the headset, it came with a Tange Levin CD, not quite the right look, but luckily I had the appropriate steel Stronglight unit in the bin. Crown race is 26.4, iirc.

Originally Posted by Ged117
Beautiful bike nlerner . That blue is something special. This thread is giving me thoughts toward sending my Sun Wasp frame to Mercian in the future...

Did Rudi make the saddle? Man, this Hetchins really pops. Are those the Nitto Randonneur bars? How do you like them?
Good eye! Nitto Grand Randonneur bars. An 80s upgrade?! And the Brooks Swift has its original cover. I bought it used (from @Dfrost, I believe) and it looks the part.

Originally Posted by bikemig
Beautiful bike and build. I'm glad you sorted out the headset. This is inspiration for my '58 Claud Butler which has been sitting on the back burner for too long as well.
We await that build!

I have only taken the Hetchins for a brief test ride. Cockpit/fit is good, gears are fine, but those GB brakes are poor performers. I need to lube up the pivot points or swap in something else. I really didn’t want to use the extra hardware required for center pulls.
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Old 06-26-21, 04:47 PM
  #36  
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Originally Posted by nlerner
snip . .

We await that build!

I have only taken the Hetchins for a brief test ride. Cockpit/fit is good, gears are fine, but those GB brakes are poor performers. I need to lube up the pivot points or swap in something else. I really didn’t want to use the extra hardware required for center pulls.
I have those same GB brakes! Bummer that they're crummy.
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Old 06-26-21, 04:50 PM
  #37  
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Originally Posted by bikemig
I have those same GB brakes! Bummer that they're crummy.
I’ve used that model on previous builds, and they usually work okay. I just think the center bolts are cranked down a bit tight.
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Old 06-26-21, 05:22 PM
  #38  
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No idea what your Hetchins would have sported back in the day, but I'm a bit comforted that your drivetrain bears a distinct resemblance to what I've got on my '87 Hetchins (which is just trying to maintain a consistent aesthetic, mostly)....



Steve in Peoria
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Old 06-26-21, 09:57 PM
  #39  
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That's really nice, Neal! You taking it to Cino this year?

You know it wants to go....
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Old 06-27-21, 04:49 AM
  #40  
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Originally Posted by northbend
That's really nice, Neal! You taking it to Cino this year?

You know it wants to go....
Yeah, well, I have signed up for Cino, Matt, and very much look forward to it, but I then imagine how beat up this Hetchins might get in the process of getting packed up, etc., not necessarily even on the ride itself, and I look toward others in the stable. My ‘82 Holdsworth Special 650b conversion is the current leading candidate.
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Old 06-27-21, 05:29 AM
  #41  
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I saw this bike while at the bike cave when I dropped off that Peugeot mixte. It is beautiful, the Suntour stuff just fits and the whole thing shines.
Super nice build.
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Old 06-27-21, 07:43 AM
  #42  
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Very pretty, Neal.
Bet those brakes give it (as my 3 year old grandson would say) “a spicy ride!”.
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Old 06-27-21, 10:50 AM
  #43  
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Originally Posted by rccardr
Very pretty, Neal.
Bet those brakes give it (as my 3 year old grandson would say) “a spicy ride!”.
Hah! Yes, they merely suggest braking. Very spicy!
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Old 06-27-21, 10:51 AM
  #44  
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I don't know how I'd build it as is... but after a bit if Gugifacazione followed by a nice thick powdercoat (to hide the dreadfull lugwork) I might have some ideas for you.
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Old 06-27-21, 11:36 AM
  #45  
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Originally Posted by rhm
I don't know how I'd build it as is... but after a bit if Gugifacazione followed by a nice thick powdercoat (to hide the dreadfull lugwork) I might have some ideas for you.
Oh, I don’t need Mark to hack off the derailleur hanger and cable guides. Could be a good excuse to buy a sawzall.
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Old 06-27-21, 12:28 PM
  #46  
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You don't need an excuse to buy a sawzall. Cash or credit card is all it takes.
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Old 06-28-21, 06:55 AM
  #47  
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Originally Posted by nlerner
Fork's bent...


...but seriously, beautiful bike!
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