Because I really like huge, complicated projects I've started on my first 1950s British bicycle. I found a Sun Manxman, which should be on it's way from the other side of the pond soon. Well, at least a frame and fork, seat pin, seat, headset and stem.
Since there isn't anything on Dale's site for the Manxman but some advertising and some informative text that Hilary Stone provided, maybe my bike will be the first actual picture on the CR site?
That is a long way away though, and I'm appealing for help. For those of you who are members of the VCC, perhaps you can forward my questions on to some Sun expert?
Is there any definitive way to date a Manxman? The seller tells me 1950s, which is quite believable, but that is a whole decade and I was hoping to narrow it down a bit more. Can I tell my boyfriend, "hey buddy, this bike is older than you, so quit whining about how old you are!"
I'm sure I can find parts. I see lots of appropriate parts and Peter Kohler had some suggestions which are very good, but I'd love to know what came originally on a Manxman. From the info I've seen, this bike was sold as a complete, which is good, but not good because I've got no catalogs or even scans of catalogs so I have no idea how it was built. Oh why isn't there a Norman Kilgariff of Sun? Does anyone have any advertising scans?
Finally, next year is British year, right Dale....?
Ann Phillips, Decatur GA