Forum | In need of convincing…

Dear Wug,

Welcome and congratulations on your good taste!  The Pashley Guv’nor manual gives a maximum safe (arbitrary as they are forced to give a weight) of 120K which is 264 pounds by my reckoning.  This will have a safety margin so go for it.  I cannot advise on frame size but bear in mind your inside leg measurement as well.  Perhaps the double top 24.5″ would be sturdier?

I am sure the forks will survive sensible riding, no wheelies or jumps!

I have no idea about the virtue of the Westwood rims. The only bike I am interested in is the Guv’nor!  I can say it gives a really good ride.

Personally I love having the choice of gears. Also consider the Guv’nor 2 which has gears approximating to the 2nd and 3rd on the standatrd Guv.  This may be a good option if Denmark is as flat as we Brits believe it is!

Hope some of this waffle helps.

Alex

Your height and heft (or rather, the lack of the latter) are very similar to mine and I can assure you, we both are far too dainty to ever break a Guv’nor’s back due to our physique. Admittedly, the fork rake is rather old-fashioned, but bear in mind, this is compensated for by the rake of the seat tube. The entire geometry is designed to shift a lot more weight towards the rear of the bicycle, where God and Jack Lauterwasser put it in the first place. 

My advise is to let your taste and panache prevail. Once you take ownership, you will realize that all your doubts were unneccessary and that you have acquired the epitome of the art of bicycle building.

Post edited 12:19 am — May 18, 2011 by Baron von Zach

I can vouch for the chaps at Ridelow. I had the pleasure dealing with them on numerous occasions before and they were always able to sort me out when it came to my vintage Beach Cruisers. Not living far away from their premesis, I have been to their establishment several times and met them in person. I understand those lads are Greek by origin, but their eccentricity matches the demanding standards set by British intellectuals in that respect. Needless to say I felt right at home.

Very nice people and always helpful. My overall impression is that they strive for satisfied customers more than the quick profit. Expect to be well served and advised. I suggest you direct your concerns regarding proper sizing directly to them.

Myself being of the long legged build too, with an inner leg of 33″, I figured the largest single top tube Guv’nor might be a tad too low. I still went for it, because — like you — I do not appreciate the twin top tube version. After adjusting the seat to be comfortable for me, there is no more than 4 inches of seat stem protruding from the seat tube. Even if you leave it to four inches, it will not look awkward, since the saddle conceals quite a fair amount. It does by no means look out of proportion.

With best regards

Christian Baron von Zach

Guvnor wheels and tyres make for a comfy ride.  My 20.5 Guvnor copes with the pot holed streets of Sheffield well.  I don’t think you will be dissapointed with it its just a different style of ride compared to modern bike.  Check sizing with an actual test ride if possible, just hope a local bike shop can help you there.

Gears are a personal thing.  If you live in hilly areas then gears are helpful.  If you fancy full retro go for single speed — both are fun.