Photo0103 by
JuanM58, on Flickr
The Viscount frame powder coated in Distant Blue and built up and, as far as these things ever are, finished!. As the frame is the only Viscount bit remaining I decided to badge this as a 'Phoenix' as it is built from Phoenix 1027 tubing and has arisen phoenix-like from the gash bins of the nation. So decals made up to suit the on the downtube with 'The Eclectic' in gold script on the top tube. The spec is broadly that which I was running last summer, Roberts front fork, Stronglight chainset through YST threadless BB, one SA and one Cyclo hub with Mavic Open something rims, Campag 980 rear mech with Campag friction shifters, Weinmann callipers, 500 front, 730 rear, B17N saddle. Changes for this year Cinelli stem with Giro d'Italia bars, Mafac levers, Gran Sport front mech and a six speed Shimano block. I haven't got a head badge as yet but I rather fancy making one up with a phoenix rising from a firey dustbin.
And it's a cracking little bike to ride; I used it quite a lot last year including on the Mildenhall WARTY and a high speed underwater dash back to Marco's in Ely - around 80 miles for the day. I am very impressed with the frame, it feels taut but supple and gives a very comfortable ride - I thought that the Roberts fork would have made it harsh but it feels great, both for a quick flip round for an hour on a summer evening after work and for longer day rides. I'm looking forward to racking up a few miles over the summer. The picture was taken during this afternoon's shakedown run, everything felt fine from the off and the only adjustment made during the 20 mile run was to raise the saddle height by half an inch. Many thanks to everyone who helped with parts and and advice for this project...and apologies if this sounds a bit smug!
