Monday Morning: Dawes in the Workshop
The week started with the typical Monday madness. On the docket was a sentimental project: a service for an old Dawes that hasn’t rolled in years. This bike belonged to the customer’s late father, and getting it back to its former glory is high on my list. Sometimes it’s not just about cables and tyres; it’s about memories, and those are priceless.
One highlight for the day: a Mercian frame arrived from Ireland. The packaging proved less than ideal, yet against all odds, it turned up unscathed! It will soon start its journey from neglected frame to polished beauty.
Midweek Momentum: Progress and Pitfalls
The Mercian rebuild became a focal point as the week progressed. It has undergone a full refinish, and all that was left was to sort out gears and tape the bars. Sounds simple enough, right? Except a seized chainring bolt threw a wrench into those plans. Attempting to hammer it loose was futile, and drilling became the only option. What should have been an hour’s work turned into most of the morning. But patience, tea, and a steady hand prevailed.
After a few teething issues, the Mercian was ready to roll, its flam red finish catching the light beautifully, complete with gold lug lining—a combination to make any framebuilder proud. The customer came by later and was thrilled with the result, which is its own kind of reward.
Meanwhile, the Falcon rebuild loomed large. This poor frame has endured years of damage, including a chainring carving a deep groove into the chainstay. Carefully smoothing and filling that scar became the task of the afternoon.
By Friday: Reflections and Challenges
By the week’s close, attention turned to prepping batches for the chromers. The Orange front triangle received a thorough strip-down to ensure it was clean and ready for some polishing magic. Good chromers are a dying breed, and their expertise is irreplaceable. Those willing to carefully polish thin vintage tubing are few and far between. It’s always a mix of relief and anticipation to send frames off for plating—relief that we’ve passed them on intact and anxiety about what they’ll look like when they come back.
Friday didn’t exactly end on a celebratory note with frost gripping the workshop, and a flat van battery scuppers plans to pick up a much-needed gas bottle for the heater. I can only hope for warmer weather—both literally and metaphorically—next week.
Photo Gallery of the Week
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