My First Restoration Projects.

Hi all.

Today marked the day I picked up two old frames for my first go at restoration. The bikes are a Speedwell Streak (a make I'd never heard of) from some time in the 1970's (10 speed, Falcon derailleur) and a Ricardo tourer (10 speed ,Shimano derailleur) which I reckon is slightly more modern (80's). The original idea is to make one a fixie/single speed and the other a tourer (easy to pick which one should be which).

Neither bike has any connection to anyone notable in the cycling world that I'm aware of. I wouldn't mind finding out these bikes as the journey progresses.

There is no plan, purely aspiration. There isn't even much proven restoration ability, just a desire to learn how.

Some pics follow.

Tags: Restoration, Ricardo, Speedwell

3 members like this

Comment by Gus K on August 14, 2011 at 14:47: Oooh, they have seen better days! The Ricardo is one of their basic models from the mid 80s. They were made in Adelaide up until they were bought by Repco (bikes) and production moved to China. They did have an Elite model with Shimano 600 which is equivalent to Ultegra today and I have sort of restored one.

It's amazing what some elbow grease and degreaser can do. Bring them down to the workshop and make use of all the tools and knowledge and you'll be up and running in no time.

The Speedwell is another Australian brand from the 80s as well. I have some links for both and I'll dig them out for you. Also serch the site for re-painting/ spraying. There is someone in Kent town who does it.

Have fun!

Comment by Dahondude on August 14, 2011 at 22:01: Wattsy looks like hours of entertainment in the man cave there!

That silver one looks a lot like the hard rubbish bike I "did-up"

From this

To this

Have fun playing around with them and getting them on the road again. I'd love to get hold of a pre-1980s road bike and get it working again. Something to ride with my woollen jersey!

Comment by Chris Cuthbert on August 14, 2011 at 23:03: Have fun with your project there look forward to seeing the finished result.

Comment by Andrew on August 15, 2011 at 23:44: 15/08/2011- What I learnt today. The Ricardo Racemaster is the tourer. The back light (Cateye, now removed) Still works!

Comment by Andrew on August 16, 2011 at 20:44: DD & Stooge, they look REALLY good! Lets hope I can do this bike justice eh?

Comment by Andrew on August 16, 2011 at 21:36: There isn't a restorers group on here is there?

Comment by Trevor Hill on August 19, 2011 at 12:41: http://oldtenspeedgallery.com/

Is a good web site to check out interesting restorations, out of the USA.

Check the 'Glossary of terms' section while your there.

Comment by Mr. Mapei on February 26, 2012 at 19:48: There should be a restorers group...

My First Restoration Projects.

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