Dating Viking Frame & what model ?

[pubrunner]

I have acquired an old Viking frame - I'd love to know the age (approx.) and the model.

The rear dropouts are spaced at 115mm. It is built with Reynolds 531 Butted tubing

It has a sticker "Supplied by The Lightweight Shop Ipswich"

Has anyone of heard of The Lightweight Shop in Ipswich - during what years was it open ?

There is a serial number on the near side rear dropout 5 84 R

I'd be very pleased to know any information that anyone can provide.

Thank you !

[MikewsMITH2]

Hi,
Is the headbadge still fitted? if so the style of headbadge is an indicator of the age. The curved sail headbadge is post 1960. It's a high end model. Not many Viking frames were 531 DB (although if this frame has been refinished the sticker may not be real).If there is no headbadge then the spacing of the rivet holes is an indicator of which one was fitted. I don't think its a Severn Valley or a clubmaster as the seat stays would either be fluted for early models, or wrapover for later ones, nor would there be a front lamp boss on the forks (although this was an "opt-in" option and Viking would add or delete any braze-ons for a special order). From the seat cluster, fork crown and headlamp boss, if I had to guess it would be a Mileater, or Ian Steele which were 531 (not DB). Are the dropouts Campag or Cyclo? I have pdfs of some old catalogues if you are interested pm me with your email address. Either way - nice bike. Have a look at my Severn Valley and Hosteller. See my signature for the link.
Cheers,
Mike

[pubrunner]

Hi Mike,

Your reply was most informative.

I'm convinced that the sticker stating 'Reynolds Butted tubes, forks & stays' is original, as is what remains of the shabby paintwork.

I can't tell who manufactured the dropouts. Underneath the bottom bracket it states "Nervex 61 (degrees symbol) 64(degrees symbol)" and then some other numbers. It has a Chater-Lea bottom bracket.

I've taken a few measurements :

Wheelbase 41 1/2 inches (not easy to be entirely accurate - may be a bit more or slightly less)

Top tube (centre to centre) 22 inches

Seat tube (centre to centre) 22 inches

Down tube (centre to centre) 24 inches

I've been told that it might be a very early Severn Valley or a Master Series SS model. The early Severn Valley doesn't appear to have the fluted seat stays. I'm familiar with the Severn Valley, 'cos my brother has one.

My frame looks very much like those shown

http://forum.ctc.org.uk/download/file.php?mode=view&id=3172

http://forum.ctc.org.uk/download/file.php?mode=view&id=3173

http://forum.ctc.org.uk/download/file.php?mode=view&id=3174
The head badge has been removed by a previous owner, the outline that remains is rectangular, with a small raised bit on the top horizontal line in the centre. The pins which held the badge on are almost exactly 50mm apart.

I'd welcome any advice regarding what to do this bike; should it be re-painted or just used as is ? If the bike is stripped for painting/powder coating, then all 'clues' will be lost. Mind you, I'm in no hurry - it can sit on the garage wall if need be.

Does anyone know anything about the Viking Master Series SS model ?

Once again, thank you for any comments

[MikewsMITH2]

Per my PM I think you are right and this is an SS frameset originally from a Clubmaster bike:
See the 1950 Viking Catalaogue extract below:

[pubrunner]

I'm pretty sure that my Viking had this head badge fitted, can anyone please tell me for which years it was used ?

Does anyone have a spare that they could flog me please ?

[munro109]

I lived at Kesgrave, near Ipswich between 1958 and 1962 (age 13 to17). My dad was a keen cyclist and so was I and, the local club to be in at that time was the Suffolk Roads Cycling Club. The Lightweight Shop was the clubs HQ and was run by Geoff and Joan Mercer who, as well as running the shop, were the moving force behind the racing scene in East Anglia. Geoff took me to many races including the National Schoolboys championship at Crystal Palace and also ran the Tour of East Anglia for Independents (semi-professionals). As a young lad I used to hang around the shop and gaze longingly into the window at the dream machines I could not afford. We left the area in 1962 so I don't know how long the business lasted. A few years ago I met someone who told me that Geoff and Joan emigrated to Australia and the Joan was still alive. There were some fantastic riders in the Suffolk Roads including Ged Coles (KOM in the Tour of Britain) who later became a semi-pro for Ted Gerrard and Bill Seggar who was NCU Road Race Champion. The burn-up during traning were tough, especially when Ged suggested that we, "gew hard". My claim to fame is riding the Two Rivers Road Race at the age of 17 against Woodburn, Harvey and Engers and being told to slow down by one of them. I could write lots more but that's enough for now. Great memories of a well spent youth, cycling kept me out of trouble and 50 years later I am still pushing the pedals round.

[GrahamNR17]

Wonderful memories, munro109 Really brings things to life

[munro109]

Many thanks, I enjoy writing and if ever I get retired I feel there might be a book in there somewhere. More of my ramblings at http://www.petemain.co.uk

[rowand]

i have a 1978ish viking 5 speed superstar

I found these vintage catalogues online if this helps anyone with dating
1955
http://www.cyclemuseum.org.uk/ncl/pics/Viking%20catalogue%201955%20(V-CC%20Library).pdf
1960
http://www.cyclemuseum.org.uk/ncl/pics/Viking%20catalogue%201960%20(V-CC%20Library).pdf
1977
http://www.cyclemuseum.org.uk/ncl/pics/Viking%20catalogue%201977%20(V-CC%20Library).pdf
1980
http://www.cyclemuseum.org.uk/ncl/pics/Viking%20catalogue%201980%20(V-CC%20Library).pdf

they have some 1950 catalogues to but i cant get to them

Does anyone know where to get wintage viking stickers/reproduction online?

[broadway]

H J LLoyd is the usual place people start to look

http://www.hlloydcycles.com/