Pompiere

I have posted pictures of my FW Evans in other threads, but I am starting a new one to document the progress as I try to make it look as good as it rides.

First is a picture as I found it last year in an antique mall in Alabama. I had been wanting a British bike and seeing the light mount on the right side of the fork and semi-wraparound stays, I suspected it was British made. Googling on my phone didn't reveal much, but I figured with Campy dropouts and Nervex lugs, I couldn't go wrong for $40. It also came with tubular wheels.


After I got it back to Ohio and did some more research, I learned about Frederick W Evans. He had opened a bike shop in London in 1921 and became known for touring bikes. FW Evans died in 1944, but his wife kept the shop going until selling it to the shop manager in 1950. There was just enough left of the head badge to determine my bike was built in the basement of the original shop on Kennington Road, prior to their move to Waterloo Cut in 1977. All the bikes were sold out of that single shop, so it is a mystery how my bike got to the US. I heard from a guy on FB who worked there that said they used to sell a lot of bikes to Americans who would tour the country and then ship the bikes back home. Another possibility could be a service member. I also learned the Campy lugs came out in 1969 and all the FW Evans bikes from that era were made from double butted Reynolds 531 tubing. I can't be sure any of the components are original, so I can only put the actual date at early 1970s. Evans Cycles still has a number of stores in England.


Before committing to a restoration, I wanted to ride it through the summer. I scrubbed the rust and flaking paint and then put the bike together with whatever parts I had on hand. I was thrilled with the result. The frame feels like it was custom made for me.


A few people told me I should keep the Rat Rod look. I don't mind some patina, but this was too much. Over the winter, I stripped everything off and sanded the rust in preparation for paint. Today, I sprayed the primer. I clamped a broomstick in the Workmate so I can rotate the frame 360 degrees. For the fork, I held it in one hand to paint the top, then I put it on the stand to do the legs. I thought I had settled on a paint scheme, but now I am having second thoughts. It is going to be raining for a couple days, so I'll give it some more thought while the primer dries.


I ordered the decals from H Lloyd in England. They were very quick and not expensive.



I'm not planning for this to be a museum level restoration. I just want a practical bike that looks nice. Several components will be picks from the Box O' Crap. The only splurges will be a Brooks B17 saddle and Pasela tires. Stay tuned for updates as I bring it back to it's former glory.

SwimmerMike 

Just the transformation to a "rider" looks great. I know I might be in the minority, but I would be doing a repaint also. Looking forward to seeing the fished product.

AdventureManCO 

One of the better bikes on this forum, IMO. Eagerly looking forward to what you come up with it!