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Witcomb 1972, London or USA

Old 01-03-22, 07:53 PM
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venture996
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Witcomb 1972, London or USA

A long time ago I was an avid bicyclist in the USA. I purchased my Witcomb frame in Connecticut, and it is still in original shape (I built it out from the frame). I believe it is from Witcomb London and not USA, but I'm just going by the decals. Just trying to understand what I have and decide what to do with it!

The bottom of the frame says DAVIS COMPONENTS, with numbers 62 63 and a serial number 955472.

Its got the original Brooks seats that I installed, Shimano Dura-Ace brakes and derailleurs, Campagnolo Cranks. Lots of memories, but my days of riding are long gone!
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Old 01-03-22, 08:10 PM
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https://www.bikeforums.net/g/picture/23623729
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Old 01-04-22, 04:53 PM
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The tires are flat on top, well near top... give those donuts some air.
Nice appearing bike, the off color fork screams replacement. Or a colorblind repaint.
The unexpected fork needs to be accounted for and images to verify the frame is not bent.
Probably 27" wheels, will probably require different brakes to fit 700c, there is some adjustment left, but not much.
$300 is my best guess.
Tall guys are cheap.
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Old 01-05-22, 11:23 AM
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The off color fork really hurts the value. Otherwise this is a really nice bike.

OP: what's the story behind the fork? Is it a replacement?
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Old 01-05-22, 07:27 PM
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Looks like they got it frame only and built it.
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Old 01-05-22, 07:55 PM
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Originally Posted by bikemig
The off color fork really hurts the value. Otherwise this is a really nice bike.

OP: what's the story behind the fork? Is it a replacement?
The story on the front fork is that 50 years ago I applied some varnish or something similar. I don't recall exactly what. Dumb move, but I was young.

Send like some of the components might have decent value. 3ttt stem, maybe cranks. Trying to understand options if you have any other feedback?
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Old 01-05-22, 11:05 PM
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Perhaps @Doug Fattic could unravel some of this mystery.
Here is an old thread regarding Davis Components: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...were-they.html
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Old 01-06-22, 08:00 AM
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Originally Posted by venture996
The story on the front fork is that 50 years ago I applied some varnish or something similar. I don't recall exactly what. Dumb move, but I was young.

Send like some of the components might have decent value. 3ttt stem, maybe cranks. Trying to understand options if you have any other feedback?
That's such a nice bike. Yes you can maximize your return by chopping it up and selling it bit by bit. It is also a lot of work. That bike has integrity. Personally I'd sell it as a complete bike to someone who will appreciate it and ride it. That fork is just part of the story of the bike.

Where are you located? That matters in valuations. The paint is otherwise in great shape. I reckon the bike has a floor of around $400 in value given the components. I happily paid that much for a '72 Witcomb with a full campy group. The paint job was (and is) in crummy shape but the parts were in fine shape.
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Old 01-06-22, 08:36 AM
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Originally Posted by bikemig
That's such a nice bike. Yes you can maximize your return by chopping it up and selling it bit by bit. It is also a lot of work. That bike has integrity. Personally I'd sell it as a complete bike to someone who will appreciate it and ride it. That fork is just part of the story of the bike.

Where are you located? That matters in valuations. The paint is otherwise in great shape. I reckon the bike has a floor of around $400 in value given the components. I happily paid that much for a '72 Witcomb with a full campy group. The paint job was (and is) in crummy shape but the parts were in fine shape.
I'm north of Boston, MA.
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Old 01-06-22, 08:44 AM
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Originally Posted by venture996
I'm north of Boston, MA.
That's a high dollar town for selling an old bike which will help you sell it. Check out the local craigslist to get an idea of what people are asking for full campy vintage bikes. Those are often unrealistic but it's a starting point along with the info you get here.
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