Samuel Tang's Repco Traveller

Started out as a low-end bike from the late 1970s or early 1980s in poor condition, this project was meant to see how it can be rejuvenated at moderate cost.

The bike was originally a "Traveller", by Repco of Huntington VIC, Australia (now of Altona VIC) with its frame made from 1020 tubings, and most of the components were of lower quality which had deteriorated to the point of unuseable. If required, replacement components were acquired at low cost, or even no cost; most are used period items. The frame was cleaned up, repainted and the bike rebuilt to higher specifications and cleaner design.

The components employed are as follows:

SR quill stem, Champion handlebar, Weinmann brake levers, Goodhorse bartapes.

Velo CRX saddle (from someone who upgraded to a better one), generic clamp and post (will be replaced with an old alloy post in due course). A mixture of original and TH headset parts (due to the fork stem being a touch short), black Weinmann 500 brakes, chromed steel fenders from another bike, Weinmann rims with Maillard hubs (from another Repco bike). Replacement tyres and tubes from Kmart.

SR CR crankset with FPD cast aluminium double-sided pedals, rachetted Suntour Power Shifter, Suntour Spirt front derailleur, Shimano Tourney rear derailleur (same as original), BBB SpeedWire teflon-coated cables (on special at $2 each); NOS Regina Silver BX freewheel, and new KMC chain.

The result is a "gentleman's tourer" which gives a leisurely ride due to its longer wheelbase, and pleasant to the eye. A quick and simple build like this would cost little, if parts are acquired selectively.

samuel_tang@optusnet.com.au