A friend of mine told me that the main reason for unorthodox frame designs ( Vibrant stays, Diadrant forks,etc) in England were not due as much to any revolutionary ride characteristics as they were to a sanctioning body rule on trade names being visible in newsprint photos of races. I dont know what organization, pre or post Percy Stollard, time trial or massed start. Apparently, so says my friend, these distinctive designs made it possible for the make of a cycle to be apparent, thus circumventing this rule. I believe he also told me that downtube lettering during this period was usually of a design that didn't photograph well, i.e., script or "olde English" style rather than big bold block letters. The fellow who told me this is a lifelong cyclist, about 60 years old, and an English citizen who moved here about 10 years ago. He says he worked for Rotrax, first making tea and later building wheels and such. Kind of an interesting story; has anyone else (Hilary? Bob Reid?) heard this?
Best Regards,
Wes Gadd