What have I done?! In Episode 2 of VELO VINTAGE, I finally get to grips with my 1930s vintage bike restoration project — and this old French bicycle has been hiding a few surprises.
From mismatched bolts to mystery brakes, it’s clear this classic French bike has had a few DIY upgrades over the years. As I dive into a full bicycle teardown, I discover a not-so-original brake setup, a chain with no quick link, and a saddle that might be worth saving. This retro bike rebuild is already testing my patience — and my tools (RIP chain breaker).
Along the way, I share early thoughts on the restoration project, including whether to repaint or preserve the original finish, how to clean an old chain, and whether this 1930s bicycle is even fixable in time for the Anjou Vélo Vintage 2025 [@AnjouVeloVintageSaumur].
Stick around to see the moment my daughter meets her “bike” for the first time — and help me out with your expertise! Got tips on restoring an old leather saddle, renovating old bikes, or tracking down vintage parts online? Let me know in the comments.
This is a proper DIY bike restoration project — no fancy tools, no workshop, just a dad and daughter trying to bring two wrecked vintage bikes back to life in six weeks. Not carbon. Not modern. Just rusty, ridiculous fun.
➡️ Subscribe and follow the journey — new episodes every week!
Watch
EP1. [https://youtu.be/t1AjFM3GtuA] Watch Me Bring Two Vintage Bikes Back to Life for Anjou Velo Vintage!
Website : https://www.morethan21bends.com
Help support the rebuild and buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/morethan21bends
#anjouvelovintage #vintagebike #bicyclerepair #cyclingvlog #cyclingworkshop
4 Comments
🔧 Spotted something I missed? Got advice for restoring vintage bikes?
Let me know in the comments – I read and reply to them all! 🙌
This 1930s bike is throwing up all kinds of surprises, so any help from fellow bike nerds, tinkerers, or French saddle savants is welcome! 🛠🇫🇷
💬 Bonus points if you’ve got tips on restoring a leather saddle or sourcing old-school parts online. And if you're enjoying the dad humour and DIY chaos, hit like & subscribe – more episodes every week!
#VeloVintage #BikeRestoration #AnjouVeloVintage
Very exciting – looks like they both need a good clean though
Really enjoying this Phil. Thank you.
The hole in the BB shell is probably for an oil port. I have seen old 1940's Raleigh's with an oil port in exactly the same location. If the hole is threaded then you can fit a modern grease nipple in its place.