[john bartlett]

Matt, the speedsixes did not have series one rear forks but some early S bikes did and also some of the early works racing machines like this one
http://www.flickr.com/photos/83752362@N00/3919418196/in/photostream
my custom AM7 is in the background
jb

[kenneth buttterfield]

Might be confusing if you look at the speedsix cycling press adverts too?…they show a bike like the above, which was NOT a speedsix….to advertise the speedsix!

[Matthew Dunn]

Didn’t think so John, I’m in the camp that prefers the mk1 forks. Looks fantastic on that lovely bike! The AM’s not too shabby either : o )

[Gary Knight]

These builds are all terribly inspiring.
I want to build a 9 speed Capreo 17″ wheeled F frame for summer road use.
I also want the beam separability of the Speedsix.
I have an Automatic which could be converted it has a brazed transverse frame and factory strengthened forks and a Kirkby Series 2 machine which could be converted.
Or I could start from scratch.
Which would be my best option?
I would have to someone to do all the brazing.

[Matthew Dunn]

From a layman’s point of view (as in no experience but been thinking about it), you could cold set the rear forks to fit the Capreo hub (I saw a blog somewhere of someone hot setting them for the same hub but can’t find the link, it might have been you that linked there recently but I can’t find that either). The beam would need a re-purposed seat or rack clamp (they seem to be the same from what I can tell) and an insert for the tail, my Speedsix has 2mm (ish) walled insert that strengthens the joint.
If I were to convert to a derailleur I’d go with a drop out mounted mech, I’ve spent ages trying to figure out why Moulton went with the position they did, I’m guessing it was because of the design of the mech. If anyone knows the real reason I’d be very interested to hear.
That’s my tuppence worth anyway, Ken’s pictures should make more sense than me!
Matt

[kenneth buttterfield]

Matt, just a couple of guesses, but I always assumed that the P2 leaned back like this to allow more chain wrap around, with the bonus that it gave more ground clearance?
ken

[Matthew Dunn]

Sorry Ken,
Been away for a while so not been getting my daily dose of Moulton type stuff. Thanks for the info, makes sense so I’m sure you’re right. Wasn’t the design of the P2 (or the Campag mech it was based on at least) done before slant parallelogram mechs were invented? Anyway, good chain wrap seems to make the most sense.
I’ve seen a few conversions recently that use modern mechs mounted by the dropouts so I guess that’s an option if you were to go with a modernisation.
Matt

[Ian Spencer]

Sorry for being quiet lately everyone. I’ve been a little distracted from bikes here lately. My wife got me started on a major house repainting project and I also accepted a new job. So, i took some time off between jobs and have been working for my wife in the middle. I’ve been on the new job now for 2 weeks and i’m starting to get settled in. Nowthat things are starting to ease up, I promise to get back to work on the speedsix!

So, this morning, I got the frame sanded and applied a fresh coat of primer. I have a couple of bad spots that need worked out, so i hope to get to a point I’m happy with them today. Maybe… just maybe, I might be painting it tomorrow. I promise to post pictures once I get there.

I did manage to get my trip to the UK all scheduled and paid for while I wes between jobs. I’ll be flying on on Wednesday and spending a couple of days in London before heading over to BoA on Friday night. Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Ian

[Matthew Dunn]

Hi Ian,
Good to hear from you and I’m glad things have been busy; hopefully your new job gives you even more security.
Looking forward to the pics, mine’s stalled slightly due to a house move among other things but it’s nearly there.
Glad to hear you’re heading to BoA too, will you be bringing any of the flock with you (that’s the bikes by the way)? : O ) It’ll be good to put a face to the name!
Enjoy the sanding!
Matt

[Ian Spencer]

Yes, it will be good to meet you. Nope, won’t be bringing any bike, but I hope to maybe bring one home with me!

I did get the 1st coat of yellow paint on the speedsix on Sunday. I’ve sanded and now prepping for the 2nd coat.

[Ian Spencer]

Here’s a speedsix question. I’m trying to put the longer speedsix front spring and dual spacers back in the front forks… I’ll be damned if I can get it back together! Does anyone know the trick?

[Matthew Dunn]

Hi Ian,
Hopefully you’ve sorted it now. Can’t help too much, my one had a slightly shorter spring and a longer than normal metal spacer thingy that’s skewered by the brake (you know what I mean I’m sure), didn’t find a second one in there.
Matt

[Ian Spencer]

Ok, Matt. Thanks. Mine has 2 spacers and one longer then normal spring.

[kenneth buttterfield]

I think that if you hold the main steerer lightly in a vice…then pull on the forks, the spring and any spacers will fit easily ?
Another tip is to put a short round bar or WHY into the brake bolt holes…so you can fit the calliper when the assembly is on the bike…and push it out with the brake bolt ?…dont forget the bellows clip though…ken

[Ian Spencer]

Thanks for the tip. I took your advice and here’s what I found.

I didn’t realize that there was an old rebound spring stuck inside the fork, so I had added a new rebound spring with a rebound nut, which was causing my problem. No wonder it seemed impossible to add the longer suspension spring and 2 spacers! Once i discovered the 2nd rebound spring, I was able to use your vice method to get it back together. I did remember the bellows clip… Thank you!

[kenneth buttterfield]

One further tip is to lightly “grease” the aluminium stem with vaseline before inserting it into the steerer, as the metal/ali mix tends to corrode…making it impossible to adjust or remove…it is virtually “welded” in place unless moved periodically…

[Ian Spencer]

Ok, thanks Ken. I’m using assembly grease throughout as I go. Pics coming soon!

[john bartlett]

Just got the latest replica back from the paintshop, based on the John Benjamin speedsix with internal cable routing. Looking forward to building it up.
jb

[Ian Spencer]

Here’s a picture of my almost finished speedsix. Still waiting on some of the polish work to get done and I need to mount tyres. Almost there!

[Matthew Dunn]

Looks fantastic Ian! Very much worth all the hard work.
I should, finally, have some time this week to finish mine off all being well.
Keep us posted,
Matt

[Ian Spencer]

Thanks Matt! Can’t wait to see the pics of your bike. John, I’m interested to see how your replica comes out too. I like the orange color. Is your rear fork a replica or a real one?

[john bartlett]

rear fork is a replica
jb

[Ian Spencer]

Looks great. Love the color.

[kenneth buttterfield]

A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever (John Keats)

[Ian Spencer]

Stopped at the chrome shop and my parts should be ready sometime next week. I need to check in on the stainless spokes I have on order, but once I get these parts I’ll be able to get this bike wrapped up and move on to the next.

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