To the List. Whenever I visit the U.K. (about every three years), I wonder If an elusive Hetchins, Bates or any other British lightweight bike from the 50¹s might magically appear. While recently visiting a quaint little village in Hampshire (60 miles S.W. of London) my prayers were answered as I spotted what looked to be a classic machine with silver guards and a large saddle bag with a yellow plastic cape neatly rolled up on top, leaning against a store front. As I approached, I noticed the unmistakable scroll lug pattern cut from Hayden blanks, also the pencil thin seat stays that were popular in the 50¹s. The frame had been re-pained in ³Maroon² as no decal¹s or panels were visible. I stooped to read the diamond shaped head badge that had a large RT with Rotrax Cycles, Southampton, Hants in small type underneath. At that point I heard ³Hello mate² coming from an elderly gent in touring shorts and jersey who was sitting on a bench feeding the ducks. ³May I look over your Rotrax² I replied excitedly and from that point on, I was bombarded with questions about Canada and such things as how do I deal with bears when riding in the country!² He had purchased the Rotrax in 1954 and had it set up with a 4 speed block, Simplex rear mech and single steel Chainwheel and (cottered) crank. When I mentioned Classic Rendezvous / Brit / Rotrax section, Dale Brown, alas, it all drew a blank!
Bob (Still back in the 50¹s) Murray
Damper here in Toronto than England.