Frame 69 H

69 H - 1958

© Jay Van De Velde 2003

All of the photographs shown here, were taken on the frames first public outing after completion, at the 2003 Velo Rendezvous event in Pasadena, California.

The judges were so impressed with Brian's paintwork that he took 1st place in the "Best Paint" category.

© Tom Truong 2003

© Tom Truong 2003

Owner Brian Baylis writes of his Scot Frame ;

"Beginning with the tube selection, I like the look of the small diameter stays, including the "Round-oval-round" chainstays. For a small frame these tubes not only look proper but also provide good comfort and ride characteristics in the frame. I always like the seat stays put on the side of the lug. I prefer the pointed ends as appear on this frame to the Masi type which is rounded on top. This methods not only look nicer in my opinion but also provides generous contact area for the joint while looking quite graceful and in preportion.

The Prugnat lugs, although not modified in any way are very sharply defined and have more character than almost any other short point lug I know of. Long point lugs generally aren't my preference anyway. The choice of fork crown works perfectly with the rest of the frame. There are many other choices of crowns that would not have been as nice. I refinished a Scot a while back that had Nervex Pro lugs and although I really like the bike I actually prefer my lugs style because it is so uncommon; and it's a great lug. I'm very glad I have this frame; the lugs were what sold me on taking her from the first instant I saw the primered frame.

It is very clear by looking at the jointery of this frame that the skill level of the brazers was quite high. I can tell frames that look clean but were the result of some cleanup after brazing. A good brazer needs very little, if any cleanup. The crisp lines of the domed stay ends are flawless. I didn't fill any gaps or pinholes anywhere on this frame, which is quite common in lesser quality frames. Looking inside the BB shell for the miters and brazing penetration; I see what I like to see most; proper mitering sequence between DT and ST and perfect brazing penetration. No starved areas and no excessive junk either. The chainstays are completely inserted and mitered on the ends, which is more than I can say about many older Masis I've seen where the chainstay still shows the straight end of the tube which is a ways back from where it could be. This shows more care more than a necessary flaw; but these impressions carry throughout the frame as I assume the builder has the same standards throughout the process.

Overall I am delighted to be the current custodian of this beauty. More Flying Scots my size are sure to make their way to my tiny little hands in time. Clearly The Scot ranks VERY high amongst frames of the period. I would like to own a variety of examples. You just can't have too many bikes with curved brake bridges. I LOVE that" !

Praise indeed, as not only is Brian a Scot owner, but also an accomplied US based lightweight framebuilder and painter !

The following photographs show 69H prior to leaving for California. It began life in Scotland in 1958, having been purchased as a basic frame by a Glasgow CTC member, to be built up for touring. The owner frequently toured the UK and the Isle of Man with her husband, both of them on Flying Scots. Hers was originally painted bright red with white lug lining, and had been fitted with various components over the years, finishing up with a Classic 70s touring mix of Suntour gears and Weinmann rimmed wheels.