bates fixed wheel

incog24
incog24 Posts: 549
edited September 2007 in Road general
I recently found out that my dad's got the frame-handlebars-fork for a bates fixed wheel grass track racer. However, I haven't got any experience in building a fixed up. I've heard that the frame might be worth a reasonable amount, so how much should I be spending on parts for it to do justice to it? Also, its completely stripped down, so I'll need to respray it. I can get it powder sprayed properly very easily, but are there any colours in particular I should go for? And is there anyway of getting hold of decals for it? Cheers :)
Racing for Fluid Fin Race Team in 2012 - www.fluidfin.co.uk

Comments

  • incog24
    incog24 Posts: 549
    I just realised I didn't say which bates. Its similar to this one
    http://sheldonbrown.com/bates.html[/url]
    Racing for Fluid Fin Race Team in 2012 - www.fluidfin.co.uk
  • GaryGkn
    GaryGkn Posts: 1,199
    Don't get it powder coated get it stove enameled or sell it to an enthusiast and buy something really cheap and get that powder coated. What size is the frame?
  • Gavin Gilbert
    Gavin Gilbert Posts: 4,019
    If it's an E.G.Bates then it's a good bike but nothing 'special'. If it's a Horace Bates then it's a bit more collectable.

    Eitherway, a good refinisher such as Mercian, Bob Jacksons or Atlantic Boulevard will be able to supply the correct decals.

    Decide if you want to go for modern or period equipment, IMHO these shouldn't be mixed. But modern is best if you want to use the bike on a regular basis. Keep in mind the frame was probably built for 27" wheels and if you're running it with 700c you'll need deeper drop brakes.
  • piedwagtail91
    piedwagtail91 Posts: 781
    bates transfers here ,just scroll down http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepage ... decals.htm
  • incog24
    incog24 Posts: 549
    The frame is 59cm. I'd quite like to do it up with modern gear and actually ride it, the frame seems reasonably light (approx 1.5kg), and I'm unlikely to get much use out of it if its got unnecessarily heavy gear on it. I'll try and get it stove enamelled then, I've got access to a whole factory so its no problem hopefully. Any suggestions on traditional colours for the make?
    Racing for Fluid Fin Race Team in 2012 - www.fluidfin.co.uk
  • incog24
    incog24 Posts: 549
    I think its a Horace Bates. Its got the Cantiflex frame tubes and Diadrant front forks.
    Racing for Fluid Fin Race Team in 2012 - www.fluidfin.co.uk
  • southlaker
    southlaker Posts: 1,199
    An old bloke near where I live has an old Bates, It's painted royal blue transparent laquer over nickel plate. It looks beautiful in sunlight.
  • Gavin Gilbert
    Gavin Gilbert Posts: 4,019
    incog24 wrote:
    I think its a Horace Bates. Its got the Cantiflex frame tubes and Diadrant front forks.

    In that case please do not get it powder coated! Depending in the model (the serial number will help) it would go for well over £160 on ebay and is worth treating with respect

    There's a selection of photo's of Bates here: http://www.classicrendezvous.com/Britis ... /Bates.htm

    and here: http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/readers_bikes.html

    It's hard to say what colour scheme is correct without knowing the age. For this you need to speak to Martin Coopland at Classic Bikes (Martin still makes Bates frames and is the only person who can supply the decals as well as the special mudguard screws; you'll find his number on the H.Lloyd site - http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepage ... decals.htm )
    Martin is also a Grass Track rider of some repute and will be able to advise (and maybe supply) modern and period kit.

    It's a nice find, I love Bates and have 2, a modern fixed and a 1948 Sturmey Archer equipped Vergrandis
  • GaryGkn
    GaryGkn Posts: 1,199
    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BATES-BAR-60s-HAN ... dZViewItem


    There is a Bates on ebay.

    frame and forks buy it now £375

    i think that is optimistic as i have seen them go for £150 to £170.

    The optimist often wins and someone may be willing to pay £375.
  • Dickie
    Dickie Posts: 1,489
    Avoid this chap Alex Hook. He sold me a Lenton frame which was "scruffy and needed a repaint" His phrase in the auction.

    When I got it, it had a crushed c/stay (nearly flat) and a bent seat stay.

    He answered only one of my emails bleating it was old and what did I expect.

    Well I expect not to have to do major frame repairs etc, when I am told it was scruffy and needed painting. No refund. He is an ars-hole.

    This is only my opinion.
  • GaryGkn
    GaryGkn Posts: 1,199
    A most distasteful character. Luckily it has been flagged up. Glad I found it and glad he has been exposed. He couldn't carry on going undetected. Soory to hear he ripped you off Dickie. Nasty piece of work by the sounds of it.

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