Big update!

Well it looks like the snow has gone (at least in England), and the cycling season is under way. So it's back to the refurb!

The first thing I have to say is an enormous thank you to Dave Fossard for his overwhelming generosity. He has given me fantastic advice and donated many pieces of period equipment and clothing which are going to help fantastically with my ultimate aim with this refurb. The goal?

To get this beautiful machine back to its original glory and ride the full 205km l'Eroica ride in Tuscany!

So what's happened over the last month or so? Well to be honest, not much until this week. I have been struggling a little with money (our car has been on the back of a breakdown truck at least twice) and the next major job is a full respray, complete with lug lining.

I am going to have this carried out by Mercian Cycles of Derby. At the time of writing I am almost certain of having the frame painted sky blue with gold lug lining. This is to match the mudguards and give the bike a homogenous look. As yet I am unsure about any chrome plating, it would be nice but will double the cost and time (although time is less of an issue). I may be having a Campagnolo hanger and down tube lever boss fitted. The latter is essential. The dropout though will only be fitted if I replace the Huret mech with a Campag Gran Sport (not Nuovo though). I have a week off work at the end of May so will be taking it up then. In the meantime I am going to try and source some Stuart Purves transfers, failing that I'll have Mercian make some up for me.

Here's some photos of some of the new kit!