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1983 Hutch Pro Racer

To see this bike in action back in the eighties visit
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH22P8CbNAA.

This is my 1983 U.S built pre-serial number Hutch Pro Racer. The bike was raced up to around 1989 and, with the exception of new handlebar grips and number plate, is completely unrestored and stands exactly as it did when I lined up for my last race all those years ago. Other little mods include: Three layers of thin guage shim steel down the handlebar stem to reduce rocking of the stem in the fork tube; a bent-out brake lever to improve leverage; odd hubs due to the bearings expiring in the rear Suntour hub; and finally Tange TRX forks, which were fitted after the Hutch forks got twisted in a crash. The finish is non-standard and is simply lacquered two-pack paint on the front end which was needed after a crack around the headtube was re-welded. The crack was repaired and then braced by welding in the Redline style gussett shown in pic. 4. There are various scratches and battle scars, all of which are worn with pride, and the original Dia-Compe lettering has worn off the rear caliper sticker after years of post-race cleaning. Also the ZapPads were chrome when I bought them in 1984 but have faded somewhat over the years. Purists may say the bike is worthless because of the re-welds and other mods, and I dare say they’re right. But look at race cars in museums from way back and they’re covered with little knocks and untidy tweaks, just like the ones on my bike. This is a working, racing bike; a bike that has seen action on the national stage and is now living out its retirement. To me this bike is priceless.

Last edited by legolas (2008-02-16 3:07pm)