Mark’s bike.

[Theodore Schefelbein]

My friend Mark, decided, for a variety of reasons, that he needed to move this 1969 Sprite out of his orbit. Most of us have a few bikes too many, and both Mark and I are disciples of the Sturmey S5 hub. Mark saw to it, years ago, that a beautiful ladies Robin Hood 5 speed ended  up under my wife.

I have good friends. I’ve owned multiple Sprite 5 speeds over the years, but, was between them when Mark called. I have several bikes with either S5 hubs installed, or, AW hubs converted to S5 configuration. Nice to have an actual Sprite again.

I think Mark had it in the back of his mind to get it roadworthy at some point, but, in the end he simply didn’t need it. The bike was little used, the chain was actually within spec for wear, few miles passed under the wheels. The white line Sprite tires were surprisingly supple, held air, but, were more than old enough to be replaced.

The bike got a gentle service, although there was a problem on board I hadn’t seen before, the axle in the rear hub was bent, and it took me a bit to figure it out. I couldn’t get the bearings adjusted correctly, no matter what I did. An old FW axle of the same length replaced the bent original. I compounded the paint, being careful around the decals, replaced the tires with Gran Bois standard weight Renards, replaced the grips, reflector, and the tired B72 with an NOS B66 Champion. The original shifters are still in place, and work fine, although they don’t make me smile. Matching Carradice bag now has the right color bike to ride around on.

As Jon is known to say, you don’t need the bike, the bike needs you.

Ted

[Theodore Schefelbein]

Before pic, for good measure.

Ted

Mysteries of the cosmos, unlocked by subscription.