A 1977 Gravel Bike? Vintage Bike to Modern Gravel Bike Build & Ride
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- Опубліковано 3 лют 2022
- After riding on the road a lot I got a little bored and wanted to try a gravel bike, but why buy a new one? I wanted to see if I could build one with eBay new & second hand parts using a 1977 Holdsworth Record Reynolds 531 frame and forks...
This bike is a mash up of parts, I didn't want it to break the bank if it turned out to be a terrible idea, so I shopped on eBay as well as the sale sections of cycling websites and managed to find parts that took the total build budget, including the frame to just under £600
And it turns out, its actually a great bike to ride, it rides smooth and handles anything I've thrown at it so far, before this filming, I took it out for a 30 mile test ride and it was great, the only thing I would like to change is the brakes, I didn't want to drill the frame to fit recessed brake callipers and the Weinmann brakes just pass in terms of stopping the bike.
After the build, before the riding film, I did add the bottle mounts as the frame didn't have any, and I added some paint protection film.
Speaking of paint, a massive thank you to Jack Kingston for helping with the paint and giving me some great advice, I'm still learning when it comes to building and restoring bikes and creating these videos is amazing for learning new things and meeting new people.
And a big thank you to East Coast Powder Coating for helping strip and blast the frame.
Thank you for watching. - Розваги
Back in 1977...every bike was a gravel bike.
Yup! Back then we explored dirt roads and trails on steel race bikes with sew ups. Very occasionally hikers and equestrians were out and about using the trails in the Santa Cruz mtns. These entitled snobs would look at us like we were aliens from outer space. Haha! I thought that was awfully entertaining!! This was before most humans knew about MTBs on this planet. Not much later, the trail wars began. Those same entitled snobs never learned to share as children! They thought they owned the place.
Now cyclists have the numbers and the power.
@@rollinrat4850 Great attitude to have towards those who used the trails long before you came along. In many places, they ARE entitled to use those paths, whereas cyclists aren't (or weren't at the time). I also rode my road or touring bikes 'off-road' before a d after MTBs came along. The problem has always been a lack of respect and communication, with many off road cyclists having a reckless attitude and a lack of consideration for other people. They're usually the ones with the "entitled" attitude. The same attitude is prevalent on the roads too. Riding off road is fun, but I make sure I don't scare or annoy everyone else out there.
@@another3997 Don't assume you know anyone from one paragraph.
I'm always friendly and positive when Im outdoors. I'm a fun hog. I always say hi, people know I'm coming. I'm willing to stop and help. I try not to let other folk's negativity kill my buzz, because rolling around on two wheels is my favorite way to spend time. I respect personally responsible behavior. It seems like that's becoming less common these days.
I'll do my part as a steward of my lifelong lifestyle, such as volunteer trail work, guided tours for kids and trail advocacy. I won't bore you with details. But I'll try to be an example.
I'd been a backpacker and outdoorsman all my childhood before I got stoked on bikes. I can put myself in other's shoes. I'll treat everyone the way I wish to be treated. Been there, done that, so to speak. I have a great family that taught me sharing, manners and service of others.
But fair is fair. We're here to stay and MTBers are in the majority here now, this is the reality NOW. The past is history.
As much as the past ashames certain folks, it's history. It can't be changed to suit someone's feelings.
Everyone seems to be getting along better than ever. There's more trail users than ever before. We've got more trails than ever and our trail systems are always growing. We've rerouted many trails that were prone to erosion.
We must have done something right over these decades.
After all, this is public land generally. Haha, I've even got a little Native American blood as well. I'm also a tax paying legal citizen.
Back in 1977 I was.learning to walk....lol.
The tour de france was like a gravel bike race back then too
A restoration craftsman, but also a cinematography craftsman. Excellent work!
Seriously, even the lowliest vintage steel road or vintage steel MTB is going to be an easy build. Tire clearance might be the only real issue and disc brakes, forget 'em, but once an old bike is built up with modern bits, it's a smooth riding beast that you can roll over anything and not having to do an inspection after the ride looking for cracks in the frame or stays.
That's a seriously beautiful build.
Wheel size can be a problem with old bikes. 700C are smaller than the old 27 inch rims, so getting wheels and brakes to match up can be a pain. An old fashioned 'hybrid' or a touring bike is an ideal starting point. They usually have excellent tyre clearance.
Idk what you consider vintage, but 90’s and early 00’s mtb bikes can be upgraded to 27.5 or 700 c without frame modification. If you cut into the frame you could fit a 29 er. You can weld some metal into the frame and add discbreaks so if tou have the skill and tools it should not be an issue either.
These mtb-s can be turned into gravel bikes easily, but by the time you are done with the transformation, the meterial and labor cost is so high you might as well just buy a secondhand modern gravel bike.
For anyone else watching, don't be afraid to drill the rear of the fork to fit modern dual-pivot caliper brakes. It's not a difficult job. Drilling the frame for the rear brake can be a little trickier, due to clearance issues with the seat tube. Using another front brake caliper on the rear (with the longer stud) is a work around so you can still use an external nut. Thanks to RJ the bike guy for that tip.
you can convert brakes pretty easily - you just buy a longer bolt and replace it, I think SJS has kits if memory serves. Never any need to drill.
@@pavelbogdanovru Ha ha. Don't worry mate, your English is excellent!
Or maybe weld disk brake mounts ?
Or use a set of centerpull Weinmann or Dia Compe brakes.
The original shaped spacer washers with the Weinman brakes should be fine to fill the space on the long bolt if a front dual pivot brake. The only other way you have able to drill in the back of the brake bridge is with a right angled drill chuck.
Thanks for doing this video. I am currently converting a 1970s HARRY QUIN. It was handy to see a modern cassette working on the rear axle. I had to stretch my stays to allow for the extra 5mm. I gritted my teeth and heaved a little. It worked without breaking anything. They were exceedingly hard to bend, even a tiny bit, which is rather comforting. I haven’t ordered the wheels yet, and still awaiting the paint.
Gorgeous work and videoing.
I have to admit that I have watched this several times but at minute 19 it really hits a new level when you see it in action. This is great stuff.
Crazy and so well presented. Recently I turned a late 70s road bike into a gravel bike. I actually did a similar downtube shifter clamp mod to cable tensioner. Had to drill wider holes into the tensioners and used the shifter clamp bolt. Now I want to paint it..
Beautiful. I was worried that Reynolds 531 sticker was gone for good, but after about 20 minutes I breathed a sigh of relief.
Cracking job, beautifully filmed. It always gladdens my heart to see a classic steel bike brought back to life. I do the same with old hybrids and tourers; the bargains to be had for a wonderful riding bike is almost criminal.
How much do reckon this setup was?
It was running fine. The original paint was the soul of the bike. Really can't appreciate this.
@@beanzbeanz The original paint was probably far from perfect, considering the bikes age. The paint isn't the soul of a bike, unless of course you only intend to look at the bike, rather than actually ride it.
Hi! I`m thinking about building something like a neo-retro gravel project based on a vintage frame, but with modern parts. How do you search retro frames with big clearance? Which tags do you use?
I've only just seen this but I think it turned out an amazing bike... Love this restoration... Simply brilliant and wouldn't mind seeing more like this in the future 👍
The invisible hands part of the video grabbed me right away. Nice to see old good quality steel be resurrected into something that fits modern cycling adventures.
Beautiful build. Check Tektro 559 brakes. They make a nutted version to fit older steel frames without drilling. Add koolstop salmon pads and you will get good stopping power. Done this on several of my vintage steel frames. Again beautiful build
What’s generally the widest you can go tyre wise with these?
@@rossmcarthur7955 32mm
Anything bigger and you have to deflate the tire to get the wheel out
Hi Matt !
Just had the problem with my bike yesterday ; I had some Campagnolo caliper brakes lying around and thought I'd just put them on my everyday old bike to upgrade it a bit, and by doing so I discovered the reach of the old and new brakes is not the same ! Thanks for mentioning these Tektro ones !
these will fit wider tires than 32mm, correct? just have to deflate tire to take them out.
and the old frames still have 700c wheels, but need the long reach calipers to work?
doing a build similar to this guy but not too familiar with gravel and older tires/wheels combos.
@@rossmcarthur7955 I have Panaracer Gravel King SK 650bx43 tires running on the 559's. I can get them out w/o deflation by using the quick release levers on the brakes and on the brake levers at the same time.
Congratulations for your mechanic work ,and big congratulations for your video work.. For me you are one of the best youtubers
Thank you!
Absolutely beautiful! Therapeutic to watch, found a gem on UA-cam, a lot of work and talent both upgrading the bike and filmmaking. Thank you for sharing
this is incredible !! cant even imagine how long it took you to film this, but it turned out wonderfully -- thank you for spending the time !
Build ,resto , paint , editing , scenery is superb you are a true artist !
Very nice. I was always a fan of Holdsworth bikes, i used to go past their shop in Putney quite often.
Probably the best bike restoration i have seen yet the mix of modern components and old frame is perfectly done.
Awesome still shots. Haven't seen that in a while
It's good to see an old bike
Get a new life again,
Keep up the good work.
Lovely build, I didn't realise you could mix Campy and Shimano but if it works.....Top job!
The heat applied frame protectors are a very nice touch. For future builds, that little brazed on bit on the underside of the downtube goes below the clamp-on barrel adjusters, not above.
On my builds, if that little piece is painted, I file and sand it to a polish, then clear coat. Just a classy touch. And yes, of course, above not below.
What a production, deserve definitly more views
I did that with an apollo road bike in the mid 80s...before gravel bikes were even thought of...using flat bars and 27 inch snow and mud tyres...cheers.
Dude is a professional
Excellent filming technique. And the build finished product is amazing! The video and the bike are legit superior!
Beautyfull build i don't speak English but i can Say that amazing work
and pasion for cicling,enyoy our world!!!
Great build. Makes me want to another vintage gravel build in addition to my bridgestone. Those steels frames are the best.
Am I the only one that thought the printer sounded like the Mandalorian theme song? Gorgeous build too!
Excellent & inspiring work. Love the stop motion in beginning of project & ride footage at end.
Turned out much better than I expected.
ASMR for avid bike mechs! Awesome work! I have a similar project such as this and definitely feeling more motivated to proceed after watching your work!
what great purple creation bro....
Once in my life I want to own something THIS beautiful
たくさんのリビルドの映像を見ています。
あなたの映像は一本の映画を観るようでした。
非常にクオリティの高い映像表現です。
黒と紫が印象深い作品でした。
とにかく楽しませてもらいました。
日本より感謝を込めて。
楽しい自転車ライフを！
Beautiful !! I especially appreciated the attention to detail !!
A most splendid construction
Goodness I enjoyed this. Not a word spoken and wonderfully filmed. Thank you
Jeez, this is truly impressive, especially given that you've done it all in less than 25 minutes! No, but seriously, I thoroughly enjoyed the video and the craftsmanship. Definitely an inspiration for my future (if any) builds as I'm getting into the subject of vintage road bike to gravel bike mods.
Awesome and pretty beautiful, simple, honest, and original content 🙏
Que buen trabajo, la pintura es de lo mejor que vi, una obra de arte, saludos desde Argentina 🇦🇷
that stop motion part 🔥
brother shes a work of art !!!!!
The filming is incredible - masterpice👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Excellent work!
Beautifully done! Loved the whole build and production!!
Flawless beautiful restoration/ gravel adaptation. Great video too
Absolutely awesome, hope to see more of these videos! Super fun to watch.
Impeccable paint job!👍👍👍
I wish restoring my bike was as easy as this looks!😂
That’s one beautiful bike, nice job, you gotta love old school steel!
Great build!!! Beautiful cinematography!!!
Sweet !! That project was superbly done and really liked where you were riding.
Bicycle Art. Period.
Amazing! Great job with the paint and the part selection!
really a beautiful job there friend, greetings from Argentina
Awesome build. I have 3 vintage to gravel conversions. A great brake upgrade is to go Center Pull brake. They give more clearance than single or double pivot brakes, more stopping power and make taking the wheel off much easier. You can even get QR hangers for them, though you could just squeeze and pull off the yoke too.
Hey I'm starting a vintage to gravel conversion with an old Fuji Absolute frame I just got. Could I ask you some specific question? Definitely want to go center pull but never done that before on a build
For vintage gravel bike builds, what’s the wheel set up you use? 700c x28 max or do you do 650b and fit 32-42?
@@sebastianmartinez9188most of the 27" were already generous with room to spare with 32s stock. Many will have enough room for a 700x35. It will most likely be the chain stay spacing that will limit to a 35 wide tire. 650b you might end up with the BB too low or not enough space in the chain stays to make advantage of a 40 + tire. Anyway the Dia Compe 750 center pulls might reach a 650b.
@@benchirshshould be able to use the 610 reach center pulls on it and a 700x 35 will fit I'm pretty sure the wider Specialized Expedition tire fit this bike with no problem. A 38 not sure it might be to tight in the chain stays. Built and sold a lot of those...thanks for reminding me it was a drop bar road bike before it became the Flat Bar Road Bike later on many of those went out the door too .
Excellent video where you detail in a very original and synthesized way the recovery work of your bicycle. Coincidentally, I bought a second-hand Reynolds and took it to a garage to repower it. I love it, it's chrome. Greetings from Caracas-Venezuela. / / Excelente video donde detallas de manera muy original y sintetizada el trabajo de recuperación de tu bicicleta. Casualmente adquiri de segunda mano una Reynolds y la lleve a un taller para repotenciarla. La adoro, es cromada. Saludos desde Caracas-Venezuela.
I enjoyed watching this video. Well done.
Stunning build!
Beautiful build! Must be a pleasure to ride this bike
Great job! And so beautiful.
Congratulations.
what a magical build! so cool!
Beautiful build, beautiful video. Thank you
Wow what a thing of beauty… Kinda sparks me to start my owm project!
Very well done. Artistic . Far more stylish cool factor than some brand new mass produced bike from China. 100X more appealing
6:07 - 6:11 is such an unbelievably sattisfying outcome if you ask me. GREAT WORK. You taste (also all the part-combinations) is superb, on an asthetic level. AAAND: really clean work, looks more qualityprocess-like than much other builders of "this sort".
Nice work. Makes me want to try this with my 1984 Holdsworth Special. It has always been a great bike and this would allow me to teach it some new tricks.
What a piece of art !
love the paintjob!
Wow, what a beautiful job. And an amazing video. Thanks.
1977? What a load! They were being made in 1877!
Outstanding work.
... And the old bike became a fighter jet 👍
What a great bike film !
Such amazing talent. Beautiful bike.
Seriously impressive
Sweet ride, nice paint, stunning video production.
Parabéns pelo vídeo e pela montagem da bike, extramemente excelente! Linda pintura e setup... saudações do Brasil!
It´s awensome that this type of frame was used by lot of manufacturers around the europe maybe even word. I saw this frame as Campanollo, Panasonic( I was also surpeised that panasonic produced bikes). And also czech Favorit
Congrats, amazing project.
Incredible build. We'll done.
Excellent video, I am really impressed by the stop motion parts
gorgeous paint!
Impressive! Thanks for posting.
Bike and video look great!
Nice. Very Nice! Just when I was about to getting a 'Gravel' and safely avoid those marketing hype. I will add 700c wheel after checking for tires clearance.
Amazing! I 'd like to have the ability to do that work, or a 50 %. Jaja! I 've got an old steel frame bike and love them all!!! Beautifully filmed!! Thanks for sharing!
Outstanding job
Chapeau again dude. Next level film.
Good job. Congratulations
Good job for build bicycle,Amazing video and Amazing videomaker👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👋🏻
Makes a bike lovers heart jump! 😍
Best part - IT IS BEING USED
Lovely work 👏
Nicely done. Very groovy!
My 1970 Peugeot u o8 has been my touring, commuter and now gravel bike. It has a chrome Molly tubing and. Long wheelbase. Of course, pretty much the frame is the only surviving component as everything else is now alloy. It can fit tires up to 700 x 34mm or so. One owner.
Good job. See my comments above to jtp1138. Not every classic hi-end steel bike makes a good gravel bike. It needs to have the right geometry (touring) and be able to fit 32 mm or greater tires.
Your bike is marvelous. I wish I could do something so nice like that
💪👍Magic.😜 beautiful Colour
Amazing work, and cheers to the camera man for running behind you to get those shots! 👌🏻