WF Holdsworth

1974 Holdsworth Racer restoration.

August 2013
I believe this Holdsworth to be a 1974 Mistral, the frame is Reynolds 531 tubing with wrap over
seat stays, Campagnolo drop outs, sloping fork crowns and brass head tube badge.
Fitted with Mavic rims, Campag hubs, Brooks saddle, Shimano Crane 5 speed rear dérailleur, TA
crank and Weinman brakes it is a mix of parts and quality. The down tube is badly damaged and
the original metalic red paint has faded. Although still in working order, 40 years has taken its toll.
click for full size pictures

September 2013
The bike is dismantled and checked. Almost everything fitted to the frame will have to be replaced.
Unfortunately the dented downtube (bottom right) is not repairable and will also need replacing.

November 2013
The brass badge is carefully removed for restoration back to original colours.
The frame repair was trusted to Roberts Cycles in Croydon Surrey, they repaired the frame using Reynolds 531 tubing
fitting a new down tube and at the same time adding a braze on front derailleur tab to the seat tube.

September 2014
The frame has been stripped back to bare metal for chrome work and paint.
Chrome head tube lugs                                  Seat lug and wrap over stay                           Rear drop outs

March 2016
Paintwork by Mercian Cycles Derby is finished to the highest standard using original Holdsworth and Reynolds details,
the chrome lugs are gold lined by hand

below are 3 temparary pictures until I do a full set