Hi to all,
This is my first post as a new subscriber, but I've loved reading all this week's mail. Great stuff.
Upon graduation in 1971, I bought my first adult bike, a 5-speed, 26" wheel commuter bike, which was more liberating than I could have imagined. After a year or so, I lusted after something faster, saved up & bought a new affordable Bottecechia--which was stolen after 2 weeks. In 1974 I bought an old bike in England, brought it back to the States, & still have it as my one & only bike. I no longer commute, but use the bike for recreation & gaze at its beautiful lines from time to time.
The crest on the headtube said "Patrick Skeates, --- Chalk Farm Road, Kentish Town, NW1". The serial # is 54 7-- (could be 700, 733, 766, or 7GG). Could anyone fill me in on when this frame might have been made? I don't have any information on this frame maker or shop. I'd originally assumed it might have been from the mid-60's, from components & age of the guy I bought it from, but from the condition of the frame, now I think it must have been older.
Also, how could I replace/recreate the crest, which was lost/destroyed when it was re-painted years ago.
Facing a steep learning curve,
Virginia Hart
Mississauga, Ontario