Was browsing Kijiji and came across two road bikes for $50, amazingly both my size at approx. 60cm.
Turns out one of them is a hand built Proctor-Townsend out of Reynolds 753, the other a Mariushi. I didn't know much about the PTF brand but they were made in Edmonton in the 80s and from what I understand Brad Proctor was one of the guys. I'm pretty sure this Brad Proctor is the same one from the SSC that first opened Off the Edge Cycling in the early 2000s - back then I recall him saying he used to build frames. Kind of a neat history.
It has a full Dura-Ace build, Mavic Open 4CD rims, and time trial bars and shifters. It tracks straight and feels like a great ride just off my quick ride around the neighborhood. The thing even has internally routed cable for the rear brake, it looks like an original addition.
I'm going to tear the PTF apart this year, strip the paint, and hopefully if the rust isn't too bad I'll have it fully finished and ready for riding. I'm going to try retain the headbadge area untouched to keep at least one piece of the brand on it. I'll toss on a new drive train, likely with STI.
I've always enjoyed bike history and have been wanting a steel road bike for some time now. This will probably cost me more than just buying new off the shelf but its going to be a fun project.
The whole bike
Internally routed cable and signature sticker by Townsend
8-speed and shifts crisp considering the age
View from the front. Hopefully there is minimal/no rust in the area and I can retain the headbadge decal.
