I have been corresponding with Mr. Lawrence and, through the admittedly limited e-mail format, have gathered a good impression of him. Seems a nice guy and a champion of the light touring/audax philosophy, as he should be representing Jack/Norman Taylor.
I have committed to purchase one of the framesets and would appreciate any feedback/insights anyone could provide. Also, any suggestions on funds transfer when credit cards are not an option? Paypal is touting its international payment service, but it is not apparent whether it is possible to send funds in currencies other than dollars and Paypal has not responded to my e-mails.
Excited visions of the Taylor dressed up with Honjos, Brooks (Douglas, what are you doing on my bicycle?) and Carradice dancing in my head-- don't want to be foolish.
Best,
Leif
>>> "Diane Feldman" <feldmanbike@home.com> 04/06/01 09:33AM >>>
Douglas and listmembers,
I got curious at this, being a hobbyist framebuilder who likes to make
old-looking bikes, and emailed Peter Evans at Ceeway to ask if he'd be
handling any materials from the Taylor bros when they liquidate their shop.
If he mails me back with some response like, "He's not retiring, forget
about it" then we'll all know!
David Feldman
> Classicspals,
> I don't in any way mean to cast suspicion upon a person whose
> integrity may surely be beyond reproach.
> I was wondering if anyone followed up with Mr. Lawrence who
> represents himself as the seller of these last Taylor frames.
> I received two polite and serious emails in reply to my
> queries.
> Given the recent experience of some of us regarding one "Dr. Black"
> and the Rene Herse List, I am the one who needs to feel like
> such an offer regarding Taylors is sincere.
> Not to make another "accusation" (since NONE is intended), the
> same person who perpetrated the Herse List hoax at one time
> offered Taylor frames or offered to have Taylor frames built.
> These offers were not sincere, as far as I can tell.
> If anyone knows Mr Lawrence or can vouch for his integrity,
> I know that I would feel much more at ease in my conversations
> and dealings. I am not inclined to phone Mr Taylor as he
> suggests, though I suppose I would feel compelled to do so
> before I got further involved. I'd just like a preliminary
> confirmation if anyone can offer that.
> Taylor frames are wonderful, as we know, and I would like to
> believe in the sincerity of one who presents himself as Norm
> Taylor's representative.
>
> Ideas?
> regards,
> Douglas Brooks
> Cananadaigua, NY
>
> >
> > Jack Taylor Cycles
> >
> >
> >
> > Norman Taylor Cycles, 69 Greta Road, Norton, Stockton on Tees,
Cleveland, TS20 1BA
> >
> >
> >
> > The following ten Jack Taylor framesets are in the "Tour of Britain
Model" - named after an actual British race event, the post-war British
'Tour de France'. A catalogue says "Designed for Road Racing. Used
successfully at home and abroad by many prominent riders, also by the Jack
Taylor Cycle Team in numerous events. Weight, as illustrated ( i.e. ready
to ride), 21lbs". Frame 73-71 degrees, 41 ½" wheelbase, 11" bracket height,
2 5/8" rake oval section forks and Reynolds 531 competition tubing
throughout. Prugnat or Nervex lugs, the bronze welded version was sold as
the "Marathon Model". Not designed for loaded touring, yet they perform
excellently with bar and saddle bags as randonneur-ers.
> >
> >
> >
> > Colour
> > Frame Size
> > Frame fittings
> >
> > Post office red
> > 19"
> > Bronze Welded*
> >
> > White
> > 22"
> > Prugnat
> >
> > Pearl White
> > 23 ½"
> > Prugnat
> >
> > Green
> > 23"
> > Bronze Welded*
> >
> > Black
> > 23 ½"
> > Prugnat
> >
> > Red
> > 23"
> > Bronze Welded*
> >
> > Royal Blue
> > 24"
> > Prugnat
> >
> > Flamboyant Blue**
> > 24"
> > Prugnat
> >
> > Black
> > 25"
> > Bronze Welded*
> >
> > Flamboyant Green**
> > 25 ½"
> > Nervex
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > * Bronze welding is better known as 'fillet brazing'. Cycles built in
this way are strong, lighter by not having lugs and perfect smoothness is
something you don't see often on joins nowadays, but is a quality of these
bikes.
> >
> > ** 'Flamboyant' colours have a distinct, slightly metallic and
glittering sheen.
> >
> > If you are interested in a frame please contact us by e-mail.
> >
> > Norman Taylors telephone number (00 44 (0)1642 361784) for verification
purposes only.
> >
> > For a photograph of the "Tour of Britain Model"
http://www.cyclesdeoro.com/
> >
> > Sheldon Brown's price guide review of Jack Taylor Cycles is also
available http://www.sheldonbrown.com/
> >
> > by Mark Lawrence, Stockton on Tees, United Kingdom, on behalf of Norman
Taylor Cycles