CANADIAN & VINTAGE LIGHTWEIGHT BICYCLE
HOLDSWORTH "EQUIPE" GUIDE
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Hope springs eternal with every visit to the landfill site. One never knows what will be found � treasure of junk. Sort of a Forest Gump and chocolates thing. You just don�t know what you�re going to get until you take the figurative �bite�.
Scavenging at the landfill site is somewhat frowned upon, however; the site manager had indirectly granted me permission, through a mutual acquaintance, to collect bicycles from the site, provided that I am discrete in doing so. On this particular Friday, it was my good fortune to meet the manager of the landfill site for the first time. I wanted to thank him for his help.
I introduced myself, explaining my purpose and he was quick to remember our mutual friend and joined me for a walk to the �Good Neighbor� area where old bicycles, in reasonable condition, are stored for export to a third world country at some future date.
As we were walking across the field, I couldn�t help but notice, what looked to be, a fairly high-end Norco leaning against the chain link fence. With my attention all but focused on the Norco and while trying to maintain a conversation with the manager, I failed to notice the other treasure just waiting to be found.
I mentioned that the Norco would be a nice addition to my collection. It was then that I looked down and there, sitting just three feet away, was the Holdsworth �Equipe� featured on this page. I could scarcely believe my eyes. I was quick to lay claim to the bike, commenting on how lucky I was to find such a neat old bicycle. The manager seemed unimpressed. He likes mountain bicycles, which incidentally are frequently discarded at the dump also.
At first glance, I did not realize that I was looking at some vintage Campagnolo components and it was not until I got the bike(s) home that I did realize my good fortune. All other projects were put, immediately, on the shelf and I got busy refurbishing this beautiful old hand built English bicycle.
The bicycle will be fully restored during the coming winter, at both the mechanical and cosmetic levels.
Surprisingly enough, the �Equipe� needed very little in the way of parts replacement. In less than a day, the bicycle was ready to go.
The bike is very nice to ride! It has a large frame with a long wheel base and tracks like it is on rails. Hands-off riding is no problem with the bike trying to pull neither to the left nor the right.
The Wright leather saddle is strangely comfortable, considering that it has conformed to another person�s anatomy. A new Brooks B17 Special saddle is planned for installation when the bicycle is restored, even though the present saddle is quite adequate.
Shifting has proved to be a bit of a pain in the butt. Several times, shifting too quickly has thrown the chain off of the big ring, forcing me to stop and put the bloody thing back on. This problem, I hope, is a product of my not knowing how to properly set up the �post� style Campagnolo front derailleur. Other than that, the bicycle shifts well but I must maintain my focus when changing gears.
The bicycle runs quietly and is easy to pedal. I have not, as yet, had it out for a long ride but comfort does not seem to be a problem. This is probably partly due to the fact that the bicycle has a large frame, making it possible to set up the handlebar seat relationship such that I do not have to bend forward too much. I like riding large framed bicycles for this reason alone.
The brakes work just fine. They, like so many other bicycles for the time, are of the center-pull design and are easy to set up. Squeal is usually minimal, even thought the pads operate on steel rims.
The bike does not feel really light and this is no surprise considering the fact that it tips the scales at just under twenty-five pounds, thorn resistant inner tubes and all. However, the lack of light feel is offset by the great stability imparted by the large frame and long wheel base.
I will not trade the Holdsworth away. I like riding it and plan to keep is as completely stock as possible.