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1950 MacLean

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Schwinny

I live for the CABE
Finally able to ride it and get to the park to take a couple pics.
As bought, it wasn't ridable. many of the parts hung on it were for show, and didn't play well. I also got rid of several of the Italian parts and replaced them with proper English or French pieces. Still have a few of those to go. But that's what makes it fun to me. Getting it back to where it should be.

According to the MacLean registry, thus frame number KB31 was made in Jan/Feb of 1950.
Somewhere along the line it was given to Bob Jackson's shop for a rebuild.
It gives me great satisfaction to be the first to ride this bike in 40+ years. The previous owner built it up from a scantily built frame directly from Europe and had it on display for several years. He says that he never rode it. Really, he couldn't have.

MacLean was a handbuilt shop in England that built bikes primarily to owner/buyer specifics.They made standards for sale on their own sales floor but you could walk in and get the geometries and fittings you wanted. Their Touring and Club models were the same frames with the only differences being their parts. The racing and track frames were scant, light, and desired. They were fairly expensive for their day. Holdsworth bought them in 1962.
I am still on the hunt for proper rims, Crank arms/Ring, Hubs and other small parts but it really rides well as it is.
If anyone knows, I'd like to know the maker of the ring and arms. The only stamping is "Italy" on each of the arms. They will eventually be replaced but its good to know.

Notice the chain stays. No crimps at the BB on either side, on either stay. Im told this is an identifying feature of a MacLean frame.
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believe chainset to be a Way-Assauto product

IIRC can be seen in the famous Bozzi catalogue of 1950

the arrows pattern spider is distinctive

it was also employed on models with replaceable chainwheels

original pedals would have been something other than the Lyotard model 36 which is in current residence

could have been a model from Phillips, for example -

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the Celtonia model would be plausible in terms of era, national origin and quality

also, saddles and cycles were produced with this name

seat binder should probably be Gripfast, this would be a good choice for the wingnuts...as would GB

Gripfast wedgebolts might look a bit better on there as well

bottom bracket spindle is too long or has bearing shoulders too far apart for the shell; perhaps shell is one of those underwidth 66.5mm fellas...

pump pegs are NERVEX Ref. 847/848

fork crown EKLA modell "D"

may carry a marking on the underside:

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unable to see dynamo mount boss very clearly; appears it may be NERVEX Ref. 898AR

frame appears to be constructed with rapier pattern chainstays

hope a replacement may be located for the Campag gear cable guide

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Yes, there is a lot to do, but at least it rides well now. Luckily, the parts I have taken off have so-far, more than paid for their more correct replacements.
Correct period parts are unfortunately most often found in England. I could probably save on postage by taking a trip, doing a few county pub crawls and bringing them back in my luggage. :)
Thank you for that ring ID.
 
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This very nice Mac lean , was probably sold new in 1950, as frame set to be built up by owner. As such, components could likely include Lyotard pedals. Either the model 36 shown, or the 490D alloy rat traps. Both pedal types offered by Lyotard, basically unchanged, for decades! Mostly needs Williams, BSA , or Chater Lea chainset / bottom bracket sorted. Great early postwar british lightweight.
 
This very nice Mac lean , was probably sold new in 1950, as frame set to be built up by owner. As such, components could likely include Lyotard pedals. Either the model 36 shown, or the 490D alloy rat traps. Both pedal types offered by Lyotard, basically unchanged, for decades! Mostly needs Williams, BSA , or Chater Lea chainset / bottom bracket sorted. Great early postwar british lightweight.
Yes, I notice a few Italian parts that don't belong if it is to be termed authentic. Yet the esoteric and lith of the entire bike are what is striking.
The calipers make me cringe a bit, then I stop looking so closely at the name and notice how they fit in exactly with the rest.. As so with the chain set and arms....
I need to stop looking...
 
- UPDATE -

Have only a few more things to add and switch. The blasphemy is nearly exorcised.
Still looking for a stem that has a 50-70mm reach that would be proper. The close twin bolt on it now makes turning a little tight at the knees.
The crank axle was nearly an inch too long so that was taken care of. The only Italian piece left on it is the freewheel. Looking for a Cyclo to match the derailleur but may upgrade to a 5spd. Still haven't decided. I'd like a 14-24 spread. I have my eye on a 14-28 5spd but all would need to go to 5/32 (ring and chain also). The derailleur will handle it.
A set of GB teapot wingnuts will find their way to me eventually and I'll also sort out the grips.
It rides effortlessly now. The Harden hubs are amazing. On the stand, spinning either wheel will cause perpetual motion for 3 minutes. They use automotive style captured roller bearings. (Still available by number at Napa auto parts)
The constrictor BOA rims are made for English cobbles and are made from solid alum bar stock. Although all alum, the rims and hubs are barely lighter than steel. Very substantial. I may build a second very lightweight set. As it sits it is 28 lbs which is a few heavier than before. That weight is in the wheels.
I've ridden it 40 miles now like this and it really rides like a fine substantial machine.. I'm quite satisfied. And it's been fun.

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Hi,
Your derailleur is the Benelux Mark 7. The info I've read before indicated that this model and the earlier Benelux derailleurs will only handle up to a 24 tooth sprocket whereas the Benelux Mark 8 Tourist derailleur can handle up to a 28 tooth sprocket. Online vintage Cyclo Benelux service manuals and sales catalogs can be found at these two follwing websites for further information...
Also, this other website is invaluable for researching British bicycles. This site has lots more stuff including some info & pictures of survivor MacLean bicycles...
Cheers!
Gregory
P.S.
The T.D. Cross (aka TDC) freewheels are English made and supposed to be just as good as anything else being made at that time back in the 1950's. You might have better luck locating a TDC english-thread freewheel in the sprocket sizing you want.
 
Perhaps I’m a terrible sinner, but that would look amazing with a nice set of Velo Orange narrow alloy fenders.

but thats a habit I’ve never been able to shake
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