A.S. Gillott in purple
#1
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A.S. Gillott in purple
After languishing on the local fb group for weeks, I brought this one home today. PO was 86 and appears to have had it on the road this century, based on the saddle, tires, and cheap wireless computer. I've done some research on Classic Rendezvous and Classic Lighweights UK, cursory inspection leads me to think it's too late to be a Ron Cooper-made example. I haven't been able to tell much about the timeline of the marque once the bike boom started. I would assume the Japanese drivetrain parts are a later upgrade, but if the frame could date to mid 70s then they could be original. Sugino cranks/bb. Crane rd, Shimano oil-port hubs. Stronglight hs, Campy brakes/levers. Serial number 74777 on inside of non-driveside dropout.
Anyone have anything to add?
Curved brake bridge
sunlight wasn't cooperating, but serial number just visable on left dropout
Anyone have anything to add?
Curved brake bridge
sunlight wasn't cooperating, but serial number just visable on left dropout
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Only that it is very cool.
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I'll add that I think that the color is awesome!!!!! Nice buy.
Best, Ben
Best, Ben
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^^^^ Absolutely, the bike world is a far more drab place since Peugeot, Gitane, Schwinn and others quit purple and violet.
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The bearings all felt adaquately lubricated for a quick neighborhood test ride. Great size for FF, won't require an overheight stem upgrade. I'm starting to enjoy the English racing bike feel with a slacker seattube than the Italians I've been riding lately. It looks like this will likely be getting a "rider" rebuild with 650b/fenders/moustache bar.
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Beautiful bike. That black seatpost needs to go.
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Years before the Masi team purple people eater color.
not seen this graphics package before.
not seen this graphics package before.
#9
blahblahblah chrome moly
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Your frame was likely made by Holdsworth. I'm no expert but it sure looks like a Holdsworth of that era, including the seatstay wrap at the seat lug, and the fork crown.
N.Kilgariff's Holdsworth page here says
Mark B
N.Kilgariff's Holdsworth page here says
The factory supplied unbranded frames to smaller companies for 'own-branding'. <snip>. In the early 70's a batch of mistrals were seen being badged as Gillotts in Penge, Gillott having been taken over by Edwardes in the early 60's. One known Gillott 'Mistral' has either a special Holdsworth or a Gillott serial number.
That's nothing to be ashamed of, Holdsworth made fine frames.Mark B
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Your frame was likely made by Holdsworth. I'm no expert but it sure looks like a Holdsworth of that era, including the seatstay wrap at the seat lug, and the fork crown.
N.Kilgariff's Holdsworth page here says
Mark B
N.Kilgariff's Holdsworth page here says
The factory supplied unbranded frames to smaller companies for 'own-branding'. <snip>. In the early 70's a batch of mistrals were seen being badged as Gillotts in Penge, Gillott having been taken over by Edwardes in the early 60's. One known Gillott 'Mistral' has either a special Holdsworth or a Gillott serial number.
That's nothing to be ashamed of, Holdsworth made fine frames.Mark B
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I pulled the fork and serviced the headset. No markings on the steerer of any kind. Interestingly the fork/HS use a French-style wedge cutout for the lock washing, rather than the slot usually seen. Also the lower cup uses a sealed bearing with "Made in the USA" on it. Further inspection of the BB shell shows a 1 or T.
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Another GREAT example of what can languish on FB marketplace. I have found so many great bikes there in the last couple of years. Sucks for sellers, great for buyers!
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thanks very much for sharing this excellent find
frame -
judging by what is is and is not there suspect the latest it could be is the 1973-74 time
look forward to following along to see your build
-----
thanks very much for sharing this excellent find
frame -
judging by what is is and is not there suspect the latest it could be is the 1973-74 time
look forward to following along to see your build
-----
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Final beauty shots before I make a few swaps. I still haven't actually thrown the measuring tape on it, but it's exactly the fit that I like. French-fit to the extent that I'm comfortable without needing a Technomic or riser stem.
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