Re: [CR]MKM information

(Example: Events:BVVW)

From: <OROBOYZ@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2001 13:16:22 EST
Subject: Re: [CR]MKM information
To: youngc@netreach.net, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


In a message dated 1/9/01 1:04:08 PM Eastern Standard Time, youngc@netreach.net writes:

<< MKM frameset in 531 from the early 70's for sale. Could someone point me to some information on this marque? >>

I know of no source of info on this brand except my little blurb in the CR

http://www.cyclesdeoro.com/Kitching_Ron_Home.htm

For the record, MKM stood for Metcalf, Kitching and Mason.

I have an NOS MKM from that era. It is very light, maybe a time trail frame as is has extremely short chainstays..531 ... Prugnat simple lugs, Campag long dropouts, no braze-ons whatsoever. Orange with dark green pin striping!

In contrast, Kitching frames most often (but not always) had Zeus and Suntour dropouts as Ron Kitching was the prime importer of these lines (and in competition with Holdsworthy who were the prime Campy importers.)

I think it was only a short period of time that this marque was produced, perhaps as short as 5 years or less! The time frame would have been around 1970-76 + - . All the frames I have seen have been relatively plain lugged (usually Prugnat) and cleanly made , perhaps a cut above Ron Kitching branded models in fit and finish.

It it is of course possible that these (Kitching & MKM) were made in the same workshop.

Dale Brown