BESTIMATE: "Project Un-Caged Doves; Buy them, Unclip them, Let them Soar"

Mine and Patrick "Look Mum! No calculator!" McCarthy's trip was fruitful. Some nice Doves are in the nest. But at the moment they look like rabid, one-legged, retarded pigeons.

The lads transit van trip was fun too, and if you're wondering, it was 3-1 to me on stalls. Although mine was in the middle of a roundabout so prolly about three times as ridiculous.

But without further ado, the rad-ass steeds...

Dove 1

"Expand Your Horizons"

First up we have this total bute. It's a 10 speed Dawes Horizon with a Reynolds 500 Frame circa 1980's.

This hand built English two-wheeler is already a dream to ride. We picked it up from a nice guy with a ponytail called simply "Rob" who lives by the sea. We're gonna scrub it up, give it some new bar tape and it'll be good to go.


"Reynolds 500 frames are super light and strong. Awesome."

Dove 2


"Afternoon Delight"

Secondly we have a saucy Ladies number. This 70's Raleigh will have your thighs quivering with anticipation, mainly because at the moment it has no seat.

We'll strip it back to make it less cumbersome, get those shiny bits gleaming again and find a nice comfy saddle for those mornings you just don't feel that broody.


"British. Bootiful. Lavely"

Dove 3

"I've Been Puched off a Cliff"

Next up is an old Austrian beast that's been treated like your Grandma at a Fritzl family reunion. This needs serious TLC. It looks like its spent the last 20 years under a waterfall. Definitely something no scrub can just fix.

However with 2 new wheels, some new pedals, an absolute overhaul in the drive train department and a nice hot bath it'll be back fighting fit.


"I'll Be Back"

Dove 4

"I Von't a Viscount"

The fourth Dove we've taken under our wing is another Royal mess. The Viscount brand was a British Midlands based firm with a successful racing team in the 70's. They were hand built from quality components and once restored, this one will be fit for a King again.

It's a monster of a frame, you'll need a ladder to get on it if you're under 6ft and it needs a lot of tweaking and cleaning.

"Vis-Count Me In!"

Dove 5

"I'm a Cobra, not a Bloody Dove"

"Oooh! This velocipede is rather nice!" The "Free Spirit Cobra 10GT" was absolutely made to be in a blog titled "Project Un-Caged Doves; Buy them, Unclip them, Let them Soar". That's why it'll be a pleasure and a privilege to renovate it.

I'm told that they were sold in America by Sears as good quality, mass produced bikes. This 10 speed will get new shoes, bar tape and a jolly good wash.

"Did You Like My Use of the Word Velocipede Before?"

Dove 6

"Ou est La Bibliotheque?"

Landing in at number 6 is Un Velo Tres Special. This sexy Peugeot Carbolite racer is another example (the first being Marion Cotillard) of the French making something very sexy indeed. It's very light, very sleek, very fast and super chic.

"Oui, c'est formidable"

Dove 7

"It's Ladies' Night, and the Gearing's Right"

What can I say about this Raleigh 5 Speed Ladies White Racer that hasn't been said already? Nothing.

Dove 8

"Androgynous"

This is obviously a well nice bike mate. It's a unisex Vintage Raleigh Town Bike with lovely old handlebars and (nearly) white wall tires. In an urban environment such as London, this fine piece of ass is sure to turn heads.

We don't even need to do any work on it. I guess we could convert it to a single speed or something, but it's got a 3 Speed Sturmey Archer Hub. So what's the fucking point?

"Shake Your Rump ah"

Dove 9 - Le pièce de résistance

"Wheely Nice"

I know what you're thinking. "That bike's only got one wheel Bro!" And you're right, it does only have one wheel. Our photographer didn't put it back on to take the photo. But that's not her fault, she was working for free and has been off work ill for nearly a week so give the poor cow a break.

All jokes aside though, we've stumbled across a total diamond in the muff here. I challenge you to find any information online or otherwise about the manufacturer of this bike. All I know is his name was Frank Shaw and he hand built bikes in Camberley. Honestly, if anyone reading this knows or finds anything AT ALL about the bike or the company or even if you know a guy called Frank Shaw, I'll buy you a beer, because I've got nothing man.

Just by the way, we know it's such a great quality bike for a few reasons: it's as light as a fart; it has vintage Italian Cinelli and Campagnolo components; and the big Yorkshireman who sold it to us said so.
This one will get a respray and a single speed conversion, the new lease of life it deserves. It won't be one legged for long.

So go on, soak up some lovely hi-res pictures. Spin that mouse wheel like it's a tumblr baby.