In the 1970's British aerospace workers started a company using "aerospace industry" tubing for their fillet brazed frames. These bikes were inexpensive and very lightweight (3.75 pound frame). The bicycles were named Lambert's, a name that changed to Viscount, when Trusty acquired the company in 1976. Trusty considered this as adding a premium line to their business. The bikes were equipped with a surprisingly heavy, bonded aluminum fork. Some 30 of these forks failed thus earning the name "Viscount Death Fork". A large recall ensued replacing the Death Forks" with steel forks. It is said that the problem was fixed in the third version of the "Death Fork." Sadly the damage was done and Viscount Aerospace bikes faded into history. I find them a nice ride, very lightweight (for their day) and undervalued.
Frame:
Viscount Aerospace Fillet Brazed
Fork/Headset:
Viscount Aluminum Death Fork (v3)
Crankset/Bottom Bracket:
TA Triple with Lambert and Stronglight chainrings/White Ind. Titanium
Pedals:
MKS Pro Vic III
Drivetrain/Cog/Chainring/Chain:
6 speed/14-34/52-42-32
Derailleurs/Shifters:
R Shimano Crane GS, F Shimano Deer Head
Saddle/Seatpost:
Brooks Imperial
Brakes:
Viscount Center Pull
More Info:
The frame was stripped to bare metal and painted. TA crankset used with Lambert and Stronglight chainrings. White Industries titanium BB adapted to press fit.
Not certain of model year.There is something special about the way an old Viscount rides.
Added by OldRoadieTehachapi. Last updated over 2 years ago.
6 Comments
That's amazing about the TA Crank yet, it looks so much like the Viscount/Lambert crank. This person's knowledge is so impressive besides the collection of bikes, a deerhead front derailleur; yes, I see it. Hopefully our friends will consider posting some of their fine bikes.
Posted about 8 years ago
Hi Kickstand! Other than having a proper ISO taper, I cannot tell the TA cranks from the Lambert/Viscount cranks.
Posted about 8 years ago
My first "big" job during high school was in a bike/ski shop and I built-up, sold and serviced this bike. It had some BB issues I had to chase after, but the frame/fork was good if a bit too flexible.
Posted about 8 years ago
I like the BB design, so simple. The White Industries spindle is stiffer than the Viscount unit. It takes some of the flex out.
Posted about 8 years ago
Photos
Velogarden says:
V3 Death fork ? Have you survived 2 previous breakages?
Posted about 8 years ago
OldRoadieTehachapi says:
Thankfully no, the v3 actually would stay together; but once the reputation was made, the damage was done. It now has some cool death fork stickers; I will post a picture.
Posted about 8 years ago