So about 18 months ago I was thinking about a future build, and knew it would be a freestyler (GJS/VDC or something similar). I didn't even have a frame or forks at that point, but thought i'd start collecting a few parts together. As a bit of a backup in case I couldn't find anything more suitable, I decided to buy a new set of the repro Hutch freestyle bars from Alans. At first I was happy with them, but on closer examination the chrome wasn't the best, and as time went on, I wasn't keen on the chunky oversized top tube
Now I could have just held on for a set of original Mike Buff ladder bars, but as is always the way, I like to make things difficult for myself, I didn't see any decent original sets for sale. I therefore had the bright idea of getting thr top tube cut out, buying a piece of tubing the same diameter as the bottom bar, and getting it welded in.
So I got the chrome stripped, which luckily I got for free (as i'd taken a load of stuff to be chromed at the same time), bought a piece of steel tubing on ebay, then took the bars and tubing to my local welder Geoff Haslam for him to sort out.
He did a great job - thanks Geoff!
I actually found the frame I was looking for recently ('85 GJS Freestyler). A few weeks ago, an almost mint set of original Mike Buff ladder bars came up for sale, and some kind person on facebook informed me about them. They were too good to pass up on, but at that point i'd already taken my repop bars to Geoff....
So these repro ones are now surplus to requirements, and still need to be re-chromed
.
Total cost....
£70 for the bars (I think)
£0 to get them stripped (would normally be about £15-£20)
£14 for the tubing (including postage)
£60 to get the old tube cut out and the new one welded in
Then approx £50 to get them re-chromed.
Total = £194 plus time/petrol taking/picking up from chromers/welders
Cost of original Mike Buff bars = £190 posted (plus approx £50 to get them re-chromed, although they aren't done yet).
It's been emotional (but fun).
