1944 Bates Vegrandis lightweight
By Viscount on 05/28/2009.
Bike tags: Road bike | 1944 | 3 speed | Bates | lightweight |
Bates Vegrandis with Cantiflex tubing (bulges in the middle) and Diadrant forks.
GB
Diadrant forks, patented by Bates and so unique.
Original is chromed steel, 26". Fitted pictured in 27" to match rear.
27" Alloy with 3 speed Sturmey Archer AM (close ratio) hub.
Chater Lea original chain-set and Baylis Wiley BB.
Reynolds seat-post and modern saddle.
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Bates Vegrandis with Cantiflex tubing (bulges in the middle) and Diadrant forks.
GB
Diadrant forks, patented by Bates and so unique.
Original is chromed steel, 26". Fitted pictured in 27" to match rear.
27" Alloy with 3 speed Sturmey Archer AM (close ratio) hub.
Chater Lea original chain-set and Baylis Wiley BB.
Reynolds seat-post and modern saddle.
This Vegrandis has a distinctive appearance, even from a distance, due to the unusually shaped forks. It also has Reynolds Cantiflex tubing which varies in diameter along its length. At the lugs it is standard size but has a larger diameter in the centre of each tube. Theoretically giving a stiffer tube and frame.
This machine, beng made during wartime austerity, is quite rare. It is being restored and is currently awaiting fitment of the original badges/decals and original track bars.