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View Full Version : DF's bargain basement find turns out to be a part of Australian Cycling History!!!



light_sabe_r
11-21-2007, 12:52 AM
Okay so here's the tale.

DF bought a Bike from Bicycle Revolution (http://bicyclerevolution.org.au/) which is a shop at west end that buys old frames and gets them working again. It's also a hub of old frames, second hand parts etc.

So whilst we were on Holidays, DF wanted to buy an old single speed to do up and ride to the shops and for just training. He bought a red frame to his measurements and it came with handlebars.

Anyway. He buys this frame for $60 and paints it yellow and blue. He just ordered wheels and other parts from the states to finish it off they're due in the country next week. He applied some decals we bought from the scrapbooking shop that say "light*speed" (an obvious pun and nod to his own Litespeed Tuscany which he loves to bits) and another one on the down tube which I suggested says "fix this!" Then the bike was christened Fast Fixed Freddy. ^_^

And so we began the mystery of trying to figure out what kind of bike this actually was.

We originally thought it was a track bike due to the handlebars and the fact there was no slot for the rear derailer. But Curiously enough it had a hole in the front for Caliper brakes! What track bike has needs brakes?

IT WAS A MYSTERY!!!

So DF posted some photos on Bikeforums to find out (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=363770) - And we have our Answer!

This bargain basement frame is a Malvern Star 5 Star Path Racer. Late 30s to Early 40s we believe. Top of the range bike for it's time!

0_0

DF's now trying to find the Stars and will repaint the little beauty back to her former glory! DF's going to give the guy from the Australian Bicycle Museum in Canberra a bell to find out more information on her tomorrow.

Running out of room in the garage and bike room though... 6 bikes for two people???

Lifesgreat
11-21-2007, 07:33 AM
Cool Story! What a fun treasure hunt.




6 bikes for two people???

I don't see a problem. Does anyone else? :D

yellow
11-21-2007, 07:48 AM
I don't see a problem. Does anyone else? :D
Ummm...living in a very small house without a garage or any real storage reflective of the 20th century (yes, that's right) that supports 8 bikes for 2 people? Not a problem!

And I just offloaded one not too long ago!

But then, I know someone up in Orygun that has more than 8 for 2 in her house...

Pedal Wench
11-21-2007, 08:02 AM
BF just won something on ebay. That makes us up to 17 (I think) for two people...:eek:

RoadRaven
11-21-2007, 08:16 AM
Hey there LS
What an exciting find!
Any chance of posting pix for us at some stage?
I'd be really interested to take a gander
:)

HillSlugger
11-21-2007, 10:54 AM
I can't see the pictures without being a registered user at BikeForums. Could you post some pictures here?

RoadRaven
11-21-2007, 10:55 PM
yeah - thats why I was wondering about pix getting posted here too...

light_sabe_r
11-22-2007, 02:15 AM
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=287901&l=c11e0&id=558516129
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=287902&l=c56af&id=558516129
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=287903&l=c4865&id=558516129
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=287904&l=41433&id=558516129

mimitabby
11-22-2007, 05:26 AM
Nice pictures! I want to see one of the whole bike too!

RoadRaven
11-22-2007, 08:28 AM
Well... I didn't know what to expect - that is certainly one interesting looking bike...

I'm with Mimi... when you have one, can you paste/link us to a pic of the whole bike?

light_sabe_r
11-22-2007, 11:13 AM
DF has already STRIPPED IT BACK so he can paint it period colours! O_O doesn't waste any time does he???

Can't find the damn photos of the light*speed next to the Litespeed!

>_< I'll have a look after work!

light_sabe_r
11-25-2007, 11:55 PM
MORE PHOTOS

Here are the photos of the yellow "light*speed"

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=294121&l=a73c5&id=558516129 http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=294120&l=62450&id=558516129 http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=294119&l=40361&id=558516129 http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=294118&l=189c3&id=558516129

And here's the first photos from his "restoration"
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=294122&l=92d9a&id=558516129 http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=294123&l=fbe36&id=558516129
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=294124&l=80d56&id=558516129

Yup... I don't look too please to be photographed in my PJs

Tuckervill
11-26-2007, 05:14 AM
Wow, he works FAST.

Did he do the PAINTING in your living room?

Karen

light_sabe_r
11-26-2007, 09:50 AM
No he did it in the garage and bought it up to the lounge only to work in the fine gold work.