The first problem I had with FF57, about six years ago, was that there are two variants, short and long. Since none of the literature I had gives dimensions, then how does one know if what one has is short or long? Unerringly I seem to have bought and fitted the wrong ones.
Jacqueline Bickerstaff however, whose book I've just bought, does give dimensions: mine should have short, 5/8", ones (FF57). I was quite certain (icy chill grips the heart - you get the picture) that what it must have had for six years were long ones (1"). And so it turned out to be. Aaaaarrgh!! And I have a Thornton damper, not an Armstrong one.
But the sky has NOT fallen, despite warnings of imminent disaster.
I haven't ridden the bike since I changed over to short ones (too damn cold...) - but it'll be interesting to find out if it makes any noticeable difference.
And the answer to the question she asks on page 122? Black steel mudguards were a factory fitment on at least half-a-dozen bikes , dating mostly to 1951. Mine is one of them, and there is no room for doubt.
Jacqueline Bickerstaff however, whose book I've just bought, does give dimensions: mine should have short, 5/8", ones (FF57). I was quite certain (icy chill grips the heart - you get the picture) that what it must have had for six years were long ones (1"). And so it turned out to be. Aaaaarrgh!! And I have a Thornton damper, not an Armstrong one.
But the sky has NOT fallen, despite warnings of imminent disaster.
I haven't ridden the bike since I changed over to short ones (too damn cold...) - but it'll be interesting to find out if it makes any noticeable difference.
And the answer to the question she asks on page 122? Black steel mudguards were a factory fitment on at least half-a-dozen bikes , dating mostly to 1951. Mine is one of them, and there is no room for doubt.
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