Selected bikes of special interest – from full restorations & custom builds to upgrades, repairs & servicing.
Here’s a lovely 1980s Raleigh Classic after a complete restoration/makeover in the workshop to customer Drew’s specification, with technical input from Dead Rats Cycles to bring together the eclectic mix of components. The sports tourer now features new paintwork and decals, handbuilt 700c wheels with Dura-Ace hubs, 24 speed Shimergo conversion, retro Nitto bar and […]
Raleigh Classic 531ST Shimergo Read More »
This week I had the pleasure of working on Tom’s new find, this quite rare and beautiful lightweight vintage Dave Yates sports touring bike. The frame was hand built by the legendary British framebuilder in c.1980; it’s made of lugged Reynolds 531 Super Tourist tubing and features Campagnolo adjustable drop-outs, lovely lined Spearpoint type lugs
Dave Yates 531 Super Tourist Read More »
Really enjoyed working on this stunning early 1980s Vitus 979 Mk.I frame recently. Featuring Duralinox 5083 aluminium tubing with bonded lugs, Vitus produced this featherweight beauty in collaboration with aerospace manufacturer TVT. The absolute cutting edge back in its day, renowned for its steep geometry yet forgiving ride. And yes, a few of the frames
One of my jobs this week involved this lovely vintage track frame belonging to my regular customer and fellow lanky person, Adam. He’d had the 25″ lugged steel beast powdercoated in sparkly red and came down to the workshop to get the headset and bottom bracket fitted. It’s essential to have both the headtube and
Another big red one Read More »
My latest project has been this classic British 3 speed ladies roadster; it’s now finished and the restoration brought me great satisfaction! Matthew contacted me and supplied the Raleigh a few weeks ago; it belongs to his girlfriend but originally was owned and ridden by her grandmother. His idea was to have it restored in
1977 Raleigh Wayfarer Read More »
I’m so happy to have completed the full nut & bolt restoration of Rita after working on this rare Portugese bike over the past three months, for my customer Joao to commemorate its original owner – his father. Rita remains as original as possible; the restored drivetrain is mostly Japanese with Suntour derailleurs, friction downtube
1982 SANGAL – part 10 – Completo! Read More »
Building this bike has been the type of custom project that Dead Rats Cycles relish – a creative & challenging collaborative effort on a unique bike for a top bloke! Commissioned by Matt’s lovely wife Daisy for his 40th birthday, the Surly was part-funded by a whip round from his mates and was the result
Matt’s Surly Karate Monkey Read More »
Is there a more pleasant way to spend an afternoon than breaking out the old imperial spanners to fettle a lovely British bicycle into shape? Well one that springs to mine is to kick up the stand, select first gear and tootle off for an extended test ride in the glorious Manchester sunshine afterwards… What
1967 Elswick Hopper Safeway Read More »
As it sat idly in my workshop awaiting its turn over the last couple of weeks, Brian’s bike has attracted enthusiastic comments from nearly all my customers. So, now I’ve done my bit, I thought I’d post a few photos of the Merlin out on a test ride. Aside from some new 27″ rubber and
1977 Raleigh Merlin Read More »
Ed’s De Rosa on test after a much-needed shot of Dead Rats’ love potion numero nove. The svelte Italian – all 8kg of it – now has a new chain and cables, plus some fresh BBB bar tape as part of my ‘tight budget fettle’ for its hard-riding owner…
