The Project: Build a Guv'nor Look-Alike for less than £800

OK, for 2011 I want to build a clone of the venerable Pashley Guv'nor for less than 1500 bucks.  The three speed Guv'nor goes for about $1800.

 

Please make recommendations for frames.  I'd prefer it be a Raleigh capable of fitting 700C wheels.  Don't worry about brake fitment because it will have Sturmey Archer internal brakes like the Guv'nor.  A Carlton 531 frame would be nice if one could be acquired.  For me it needs to be no bigger than 22 inches (55-56 cm is ideal).

 

The 'Real' Guv'nor

 

 

 A notable poseur

 

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by SlyRed on October 30, 2010 at 1:52am
Project Blackadder Report Day 18: Here's the latest on my saddle selection. Even though I could have bought a Cardiff saddle that would have probably matched the handlebar grips very well, I opted for a Brooks B17 Special with copper plated rails in antique brown. This color is not one that is typically available from Brooks. Mine came from a seller in The Netherlands who has a bespoke lot for sale on eBay. I also ordered the matching Brooks Challenge saddle bar. It's just big enough for a few tools, but that will be fine since I plan to use my panniers for longer rides.
I plan to carry the copper accents through with a Crane bell mounted on the stem.

Permalink Reply by SlyRed on October 31, 2010 at 10:17pm
Project Blackadder Report Day 20: I received all my handlebar components last week and assembled them this weekend. The bars are Nitto Northroad style, B-352AA 56cm in width. The stem is a Nitto Technomic 70mm x 25.4 mm. I opted for the smooth leather Cardiff Julian grips in dark brown. The brake levers are Origin8 ProPulsion style and the gear changer is a standard Sturmey Archer. This is the same type used on 3 speed Guv'nors. The Sturmey Archer three speed hub comes with a nice twist grip changer but you could only use it on a straighter handlebar. The grips aren't as light as they look in the picture.

Permalink Reply by SlyRed on November 5, 2010 at 2:45am
Project Blackadder Report Day 24: The Blackadder project frame arrived at the powdercoater on Wednesday, November 3. I chose Powdercoat Studio in Traverse City, Michigan for the job. After waiting three weeks for companies in Chicago to return my calls & e-mails and getting no response I got on the internet and found PS. I e-mailed Dennis, the proprietor, a question and got an answer the same evening. That's the sort of service I want when I'm looking for services. Powdercoat Studios has given me a ballpark date of November 19 for completion.
Permalink Reply by Mike Bullis 5.5-6.5 miles on November 6, 2010 at 6:29am
You'll do well by Dennis. Known him for years, and bike frames are what he does at PowderCoat Studio. Add his Hell Yes clothing, pottery slinging, and www.fixedgeargallery.com and you'll find him a well rounded guy.
Permalink Reply by SlyRed on November 6, 2010 at 6:40am
Obviously no one in Chicago needs my business or my money.

Yeah, Dennis & company seem to be a little business empire. I never fail to get a prompt answer whenever I e-mail him.

Darrell
Permalink Reply by SlyRed on November 11, 2010 at 10:43pm
Project Blackadder Report Day 31: I received an e-mail from Powdercoat Studio that the frame is finished and ready to be sent back. That's a whole week earlier that previously stated. I'm thrilled! I'll probably be assembling Blackadder next weekend (November 20-21).
Permalink Reply by SlyRed on November 16, 2010 at 4:33am
Project Blackadder Report Day 35: Starting to give some thought to the build up process. I wish that it didn't have to be the first thing to go on, but due to access the headbadge has to go on first, then the headset and fork. I sort of think that the headbadge should be the last thing, but alas that is not possible. I have plenty of headbadge rivets (the real deal), so if you're doing a restoration I could part wih a few.
Permalink Reply by Alan Lloyd on November 17, 2010 at 3:24am
Permalink Reply by SlyRed on November 17, 2010 at 3:45am
I spent less than $1500, plus I have a 3-speed. I'll put the full accounting for the project here by the weekend. It's still not going to be quite an 'apples to apples' comparison between The Guv'nor and The Blackadder.

Just read the eBay auction text "One of a kind bike" Ha, to me one of a kind means there is just one in the whole world.
Permalink Reply by SlyRed on November 18, 2010 at 2:05am
OK, here's a first look at Blackadder. It's just cobbled together at the moment so I can move it around. I'll start the build up in earnest this weekend.

Permalink Reply by Alan Lloyd on November 18, 2010 at 5:18am
Looking good ...

I particularly like the look of the leather handlebar grips, seat & saddle-bag anf think the black on the brake-levers compliments the frame & rims rather nicely!

SlyRed said:
OK, here's a first look at Blackadder. It's just cobbled together at the moment so I can move it around. I'll start the build up in earnest this weekend.

Permalink Reply by Mike Bullis 5.5-6.5 miles on November 18, 2010 at 10:20am
I like

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