The recent discussion about mudguards has me wondering again about whether to put them on my 1952 Hobbs BR restoration project. The frameset is at Ed Litton's shop for minor repairs and paint (along with fresh transfers thanks to Nick). It's nearly ready for me to pick up and get started re-building it.
The front fork ends do not have eyelets. It's possible that they were removed, but in any case they're not there now. The rear dropouts are early Campy (Campag, I guess) and do have eyelets. I believe that the rear dropouts were an "upgrade" done in the '50s by a previous owner. The frame was probably made for export to the US, probably a custom order (serial #X2189, the leading theory has the "X" numbers as the export designation). Unfortunately I have no idea how the frame was originally built up but it did come to me with some Lytaloy bits (BB cups and lockring), 49D cranks and early Campy GS ders. I'll be putting those parts back on as well as a Lytaloy brakeset, Lytaloy headset, proper Brooks saddle, Reynolds seatpin and Chater Lea/Fiamme wheels.
So what about mudguards? Will gentlemen of distinction politely turn away, ladies swoon and children laugh if I don't fit them to this bike? Will I get turned away at British Lightweight rallies and jumbles? And equally important, where would I get suitable mudguards without paying something like 100 pounds sterling for shipping?
All suggestions appreciated (if not followed)
Dave Ross
Portola Valley, CA