Spritepost 20

OK, so I know I said it was finished, but you can never settle until you have got what you want can you??? Perhaps that's why I have been married 3 times!!!!!

Anyway, the frame has now come back and I must say I am extremely pleased with the outcome. The frame builder was Roger Heap (Tel No 01527 4793001). It hasn't been the quickest project but having agreed to build a one off frame to my spec I was willing to wait.

In the end, Roger built me a Sprite replica frame to my own spec (basically a copy of the original frame with the dimensions and angles that we had achieved through trial and error during the last build) we had intended to go super lightweight with a very thin guage T45 tube but eventually settled on a Reynolds tube that was a little thicker guage due to the fact that I will never be the easiest on my bikes and at 17st we agreed to be a little cautious.

In addition to the frame and swinging arm, I had a new exhaust, silencer, sump guard, false rear mudgard, seat base, tank and rear mudguard stay made.

Fortunately the left over parts including my spare engine (shown in the photos) have gone to a good home. Richard Clarke has provided a new home following contacts with me through this site. I am sure that when Richard has finished his build, we will post some pics of the bike on here to show it in it's new guise.

So now the new project begins and good old Dad has rolled up his sleeves to start the job in hand. The pictures today show the parts on the day I collected them from Roger.

As we stand today, Dad has turned a swinging arm spindle, the polishing mop has been busy working on the stainless rear mudguard stay and exhaust and we are waiting for the bearings to come for the headstock and swinging arm.

The next job will be to add the brackets for the chain tensioner, chain guard and electrics, the seat base needs covering and then the first build will take place to see how it all goes together and give it a spin before stripping and powder coating before a final build. All sounds easy when you say it like that but I am sure it will keep the chief mechanic (Dad) busy for a while yet!