NOS Frame Sets Question

[Gashead]

I'm lucky enough to have a couple of NOS frame sets and forks, however some don't have a headset in.

I have always deemed that if you put a bottom bracket in, then it's game over, but where do us 'collectors' / 'show & shiners' stand with sticking a headset in, does that then lower values or change the appeal of an untouched item.


I remember some frame and forks, Curtis for example came with a beartrap headset fitted.


Yes yes, I know their there for riding, but what's your thoughts folks.......

[neil]

I'm of the opinion that as soon as any part is fitted its game over

[Badbaldie]

NOS to me is in totally new in the wrapper .box.bag . If applicable .as soon as the item is un packaged . then it can only be called new unused old stock . However something with shelfware fading is often NOS but in poorer condition than something nuos.

[stidds]

I would say Nick, that if the frameset comes to you from the manufacturer with a headset fitted at the factory, then it can be called NOS. 

If YOU fit a headset to a previously NOS frameset then it becomes New Unused Old Stock (NUOS  )

[pickle]

Agreed Sean     is it NUOS?  or NBF?  (used)   

[Gashead]

I hear you folks.......


I think what I'm saying is, should I want to display the items, either at MK or in my loft lol, do I fit a headset so the bloody things don't fall over - or leave as is !

[pickle]

with you Nick they'll fall over anyway 

but personally for display i like to have a nice headset installed, just sets the frame set off 

[animal]

I'm of the opinion that as soon as any part is fitted its game over

This is my thought 2 b honest . I have had 2 do it  but if u want 2 display it or build it hey ho. I have one the same and can't make my mind up either 

[Peter J]

My 2 pence worth

At the end of the day they are 30+ year old frames and really only good for a wobble around on certainly not up to modern riding

If its NOS then leave it as NOS, as a NOS frame/Part has as much aesthetic appeal as a complete build 

I admire anyone who has the patience and dedication to build a bike, however there are loads of "UN-NOS" parts and frames out there to use 

I have a few NOS parts that will never get built (not that I do build) I much prefer to see parts than complete builds as it reminds me of when I'd go on a Saturday to J.E James (LBS) and look at all the cool parts in the glass display case and occasionally afford to buy 

I collect old fishing tackle as well and I'd never dream of using any of that  same applies for old BMX 

[That Swan Guy]

I fit a headset to stop the forks rattling around in the headtube and reduce the likely hood of damage.

[Gashead]

I fit a headset to stop the forks rattling around in the headtube and reduce the likely hood of damage.

Yep, that's my thoughts, but as Peter says, does that take away the aesthetic principle

[Peter J]

Cheaper than headsets and don't leave any marks 

http://www.cw-racing.com/collections/accessories/products/frame-savers

 

[kalex]

As above once fitted except from factory it's not NOS

But if you display the frame set can't you get some thin pipe insulation around the fork steer tube then wedge into the frame. This way nothing will get scratched or damaged, it will be a tight secure fit but also look as if built.

[Peter J]

Good Idea Kalex 

and cheaper that the CW option 

and I'm all for saving money 

[neil]

Nick you could use pipe lagging in the head tube it'd keep the f£f stable and you wouldn't lose any of the nosness 

[That Swan Guy]

Cheaper than headsets and don't leave any marks 

http://www.cw-racing.com/collections/accessories/products/frame-savers

 

I promise you after postage it will be cheaper to buy a headset from Biagio.
Juan doesn't do postage cheaply.

[Peter J]

I promise you after postage it will be cheaper to buy a headset from Biagio.
Juan doesn't do postage cheaply.

True 

Looks like pipe foam option is the winner 

[neil]

 
I didn't see Kalexs post

[That Swan Guy]

I've only ever owned 2 NOS frame and fork sets and I've built them both

But I love them

[animal]

Just had a think on this and here's my solution Nickers 

Buy a tange road bike headset that looks old school but has smaller diameter cups that drop in the headset . Cut a thin piece of card the height of the head tube . Put inside headtube and push the cups inside the card . Crown race just use a dremel to grind away the inside so it drops on the forks with no force fitting. Then screw it all together . Nothing is force fitted so it all remains NOS 

What u recon 

[kalex]

Not only pipe insulation.  But bubble wrap could be wrapped around then duct tape around that to get just the correct size.

As long as its soft material anything can be used the tape around. Quick and easy thats the way to go

[pickle]

just sling em back in the loft Nick and forget about em 

[Retrodan72]

Just had a think on this and here's my solution Nickers 

Buy a tange road bike headset that looks old school but has smaller diameter cups that drop in the headset . Cut a thin piece of card the height of the head tube . Put inside headtube and push the cups inside the card . Crown race just use a dremel to grind away the inside so it drops on the forks with no force fitting. Then screw it all together . Nothing is force fitted so it all remains NOS 

What u recon 

Genius Steve, top of the class, that man.

[58 delray]

Just had a think on this and here's my solution Nickers 

Buy a tange road bike headset that looks old school but has smaller diameter cups that drop in the headset . Cut a thin piece of card the height of the head tube . Put inside headtube and push the cups inside the card . Crown race just use a dremel to grind away the inside so it drops on the forks with no force fitting. Then screw it all together . Nothing is force fitted so it all remains NOS 

What u recon 

only issue i can see with this is that you will still have to screw the top race and lock nut on the forks thus possibly marking them and making them non nos.......

[pickle]

Just had a think on this and here's my solution Nickers 

Buy a tange road bike headset that looks old school but has smaller diameter cups that drop in the headset . Cut a thin piece of card the height of the head tube . Put inside headtube and push the cups inside the card . Crown race just use a dremel to grind away the inside so it drops on the forks with no force fitting. Then screw it all together . Nothing is force fitted so it all remains NOS 

What u recon 

Genius Steve, top of the class, that man.

Who asked you.......thought you were banned?