Time flies. I bought this Orbit on eBay in July 2009 for £35 collection only! Bargain. Eventually I got around to bringing the frame and forks back to life. I created an album on Flickr to log some of the work. Here, see for yourself: https://www.flickr.com/photos/61001946@N06/albums/72157658854259136
"531 frame and forks, probably an Audax design due to the four point rack mountings at rear, bought on eBay in 2009. It was listed with a stuck seatpost, actually this came out pretty easily BUT I had to fight with the stem (machining a drift to remove it) after that it was time spent with a wire wheel on an angle grinder, my beloved mordant solution and metal paint from Aldi.
(In one of the photos those wheels are MTB with 1.5 tyres and BMX brakes to reach all the way to the rim. The short cockpit was unpleasant and it looks stupid. Bits were transferred in 2016 and it waited a few more years.)"
In 2020 I eventually finished it and used it during the first lockdown to put some miles in. It is a lovely ride but I have too many bikes (though you wouldn't think it) and decided to sell it later in the year. 20 watchers and lots of views at £75 but collection only meant it didn't sell. I have posted three bikes, the Raleigh and the first Orbit and I hate it, takes forever. Anyway I am ripping it to bits again and transferring the bits, I will sell the frame and forks only and this is less trouble to post. 22/11/2020
I can't find the photos, looks like I deleted them after it failed to sell and eBay deleted the draft photos from the resale I didn't get round to. In the end I didn't sell the frame and forks, it went back on the road again in 2021 until I cleaned it then I broke a spoke while truing a wheel, I replaced two spokes but it's still off the road in May 2021.
Hi there! It is now October 2024, I fitted a new rear wheel ~ £35 from eBay, the rim is wider than it should be but it works. Been out on it this year, it is nice. Added a new photo to the album and that is how it is right now. Currently in my room at work, I ride between sites and an occasional lunchtime venture. I have now had it for over 15 years! I paid as much for that replacement wheel as I did for the frame and forks.
Take care...
