Bendo wrote:Hi all
This is my first post and I must say I'm loving this thread. Busaste, it's great to read your posts and find out so much about Viscount bikes.
I have two Viscounts, both red.
The first one, an Aerospace Sport I bought from the original owner. I knew him when he bought the bike new. My brother bought a Peugeot 10 speed a the same time and I was amazed how much lighter the Viscount was by comparison even back then (since realised that my brother bought the Peugeot with all steel components, incl. wheels... urgh!). I've ridden that bike since 1985. The bottom bracket has been reamed and threaded to take standard BB sets. Currently the frame is stripped and waiting for a new paint job. And it's my favourite bike. Ever. Too.
The original components still on that bike are: Sugino Maxy crankset, Shimano Dura-Ace gears (Shimano Crane rear mech), Weinmann side pulls brakes, Viscount branded high-flange sealed bearing hubs.
The other bike I bought about 6 months ago was one I haven't seen anywhere on the web: a Viscount Aerospace Victor. Same red paint job as the Sport. Same frame geometry. Only difference is the head tube has lugs joining it to the top and down tubes, all other joins are fillet brazed, like all the welds on the Sport. Curious mix of components too: five speed Shimano Positron gearing (early index shifting via a handlebar mounted lever with dual push-pull cables), steel wheels and crankset, Weinmann side-pull calipers. Seems like it might have been the "commuter" model of the Aerospace range seeing as it had the sweep handlebars for a more upright riding position.
Here's the Victor in its recent single-speed, coaster brake incarnation.
b
PS - Love those Panaracer Pasela tyres. The only quality tyre I could find in 27 x 1 1/8 with a gumwall.
Wow! Not seen a Victor for ages. In fact I have only seen 2 for sale in the last 3 years and never seen one 'in the metal'. Built between 1975 - 76 at the Bilston factory it was a direct rival to the Falcon Super-Tourist De Luxe (ask your Dad!). Essentially the same spec as the Falcon right down to the upright SR bars, Maxy cranks, flam red paint, half chrome forks, full length guards, CP brakes, saddle bag, 5 speed wide(ish) gears, etc. The main differences were the magnificent Aerospace frame, Viscount QR wheels (cheapo bolt ons for the Falcon) and the radical Shimano Positron RD.
The Positron is a monumentally significant bicycle component - the first proper attempt at indexing. Former Viscount dealers have told me that it was a nightmare to set up though.
The Victor is a truly rare beast as it never sold well despite being cheaper and better than the Falcon. May be fans of these bikes - foolishly - bought the Falcon or splashed out on a Dawes Galaxy?
If I was you I would convert it back to original spec. and savor riding around on one of the UK's rarest bikes. Aaaaah, the glorious 1970s
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Regarding your Aerospace Sport, it is worth bearing in mind that the frames were factory powder coated. A good colour match is easy and it is miles cheaper than a wet finish. Also I have NOS OEM Aerospace Sport frame stickers if you want some.
We should all support Panaracer for making such excellent 27" tyres!!! Michelin and others have all but abandoned us for hideous black walled monstrosities.
