Hello Paul
I cannot point you in the right direction as to the maker of your frasme, but CAN confirm that it is NOT a Rotrax of that I am certain.
It certainly looks to be a very small maker, as I have been involved with classic lightweight frame collecting, restoring etc for over 25 years and although there are similarities of your frame with others, there are enough individualties for it to rule out those known to me.
ALL of the braze-on features you detail are typical of a fifties built frame as these things run in fashions during different decades - the actual braze-ons themselves fall within certain time frames. However, you ought to be aware that the componentry you list is NOT of the period of the frame, being quite a bit later. manly 60's and 70's period in the main.
It is a pity the frame is such a small version as, often with larger frames the existence of a headbadge, rather than a transfer can be an identifier when measuring the position and lcoation of rivet holes on the head tube.
Sorry cannot be more helpful, but good luck with the quest.
Derek Athey Honiton, Devon UK
On Tue, May 18, 2010 at 1:35 PM, Paul Smith <paulmsmith@optusnet.com.au>wrote:
> Hi Guys, I'm an avid bike rider but only a newbie to bike restorations,
> much
> to my wife's horror. She seems to think owning 6 bikes is a bit excessive
> but little does she realise they are all different.
>
> I currently own, 4 single speed bikes (one each in aluminium, steel,
> scandium and titanium) and geared road bike and a recently purchased
> beautiful old lugged steel 10 speed (2 * 5) bike which I am restoring.
>
>
>
> The previous owner said this bike was 30 years old and made in England by a
> small producer he couldn't name. I have been searching the web for weeks
> trying to track down the lugs patterns and other unusual characteristics in
> order to determine the make/model, but I have had no luck so now I'm
> seeking
> help from the experts. The lugs look similar to some early Rotrax models -
> but that is the closest I could come and the serial number 68166 can be
> found on the steerer tube and BB lug - so I'm assuming it was built in
> 1968.
>
>
>
> Pictures of the bike can be found at
>
> http://www.flickr.com/
>
>
>
> I have just had the frame glass bead blasted (so I can restore the paint
> work) and there are no other marking. This paint work is thought to be
> original.
>
> Unusual characteristics of this bike are:
>
> * The distinctive lugs.
> * The way the seat stay wraps the top tube.
> * Very thin seat stay tubes.
> * Battery light bracket mount (a nut) on the right fork leg.
> * Grease nipple on the BB
> * Cable roller wheel on the BB
> * The unusual cable guide on the chain stay
>
> If anyone can help me identify the make/model or point me in the right
> direction to search I would be much appreciated.
>
>
>
> Just out of interest it came with Campy gears, Sakae/SR controls, Brooke
> Saddle, Weinmann brakes and Weinmann rims on Suzue hubs all of which I am
> cleaning, polishing and putting back on - I want it to retain the old bike
> character and charm. I am missing a few bits like;
>
> * Weinmann Centerpull brake shoes and pads.
> * Locking ring for a Suzue rear hub (5 speed).
> * The leather straps to attached the tool pouch to the saddle, and
> * A battery for the old bike lamps (with connectors on the front
> middle and top)
>
> Can anybody suggest a good place to buy these (or at least start a search)
>
>
>
>
>
> Regards
>
>
>
>
>
> Paul Smith
>
> Sydney, NSW, Australia