1959 early Vic Edwards -team Peugeot / BP (not PX-10) R531 Brampton Huret Benlux

Description: Fantastic vintage racer, for display or special event rides, Le Eroica, etc.. Fully serviced and overhauled. Original and early custom by Vic Edwards, England in team Peugeot / BP livery. NOT Peugeot of France. Super early serial of V.E. stamped under bottom bracket. Built at his original workshop in a shed at the back of the cemetery of St. Mary's Church in Ilford High Road. Original paint and decals, lots of patina~ scratches, paint chips but no corrosion inside or out. Heavily coated with wax in keeping preservation. There's one ever so slight small depression in the top tube and other areas of usage from it's expected manner through tge years, yet not much apparent and in no way affects the bike. All steel Reynolds 531 tubing with Nervex Professional fancy lugs, arched rear brake bridge + reinforced, elegant seat stay caps that curve onto the top tube, Campagnolo long dropouts and fork ends. The long dropouts and angle of how they're brazed allows one to adjust wheelbase and slightly change handling characteristics. Most elegant fork with it's slender blades and rake, add the beautiful fork crown. Riding on 'sprint's (700c tubulars) this bike is spirited and for it's age, actually outstanding. Even with a heavier Brooks framed custom saddle and steel Lyotard Berthet pedals, extras, etc., it only weighs 24.8 lbs.. Benelux rear derailleur, and Huret plunger action front derailleur operated by a single side / dual lever Huret friction control. I forget all the model nomenclature but it's pretty rare stuff today. The functional front derailleur is showing side cage wear though I'm not up to investing another $250 for such replacement and minor improvement. Only a 4 speed rear freewheel tall geared close ratio. Riders back in the day were hardcore mashers! Crank is a Belgium made 'aluminum' 'cottered' by Weinmann. Rarely seen, and very light in weight, this has a thicker arm construction compared to steel versions of the era. Bottom bracket is Baylis Wiley and I'm including a spare. Oiler hole on top side of frame bb shell. Early period chainrings of unknown make. These old racers are a hoot! It's proven me and survivable in hill climbing pain, but you must adjust your riding style. I've best found to remain seated and smooth, slowly grind out the climb rather than standing or pounce. Especially with such a rare cottered crank. Brampton tall flange hubs, laced with vintage galvanized 'butted' spokes to aluminum 700c Record (France) tubular rims with perforated brake surface. Clement supple tubulars with plenty of life in them. I'm confident this bike can fit up to 32mm width. Ava aluminum stem and Ava handlebar, wrapped in woven cloth tape, Velox plugs. I'm also including a most rare steel adjustable horizontal reach stem made in England, I think some refer to as type Major Taylor. Again, I see parts like this stem with sale prices on ebay $500+. If you use this stem, you might have to forgo using the front handlebar mount water bottle. (Adjustable track stem and rear hub is flip flop / fixed gear side possible for other cycling discipline.) Has some unusual brand markings in the seatpost and uses a Brooks rail clamp matching the Brooks saddle frame. Lyotard Berthet pedals with longer spindle threads to match the ally crank arms, Christophe toe clips and newer straps. Brakes are MAFAC Racer centerpull type, all serviced with correct pad holders and exact OEM looking insert pads by Kool Stop. Even though these are old brakes, they work excellent. That said, I think these calipers should have the more rare earliest version markings of MAFAC. Great levers and original half hoods, brass adjusters and correct vintage ribbed cable housings. Pair of fun water bottles and holders. The aluminum Coloral bottle has Tour de France with racer and the obverse with Grand Prix and flags. Cage has a lever action lock. Highly enjoyable and spirited riding bike. If you're looking for that rarity and want a bespoke British frameset, this one is worthy. Has excellent frame integrity and classic style. Yes, it does have patina and with that it oozes character. It would be a crime to refinish it plus destroy it's value. If you plan to ride it, some basic numbers: 56cm c to c seat tube / 58cm c to c top tube / 32 and half inch stand over ----- Being this is a vintage and used item, do not expect it to be factory or dealer new. I've described item to the best of my ability, please review the pictures and I welcome your inquiry prior to bid or purchase. Prefer buyer to pick up however if you wish to have shipped, I will drop it off at my local bike shop and they will pack and ship at buyers expense. Ship Bikes is the preferred method.

Price: 1750 USD

Location: Fox Lake, Illinois

End Time: 2023-10-25T06:33:27.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD