I have a frame I bought used, in England, back in 1984, so it was probably built in the late seventies. I think it's Belgian. Beautiful lugs, with Colnago-like clover leaf cut-outs, sloping fork crown with engraved "Heny". Columbus SL. Campy drop outs w/screw adjusters. Anyone know anything about this frame and its maker?
Also, I have been brimming with nostalgia over some of the names being tossed around your list. I grew-up in the north of England, surrounded, as you'd expect, by Woodrups, Bob Jacksons and Mercians, but there were also some smaller bike shop/builders worthy of note, if not reverence.
I used to ride a Pennine frame, made by Whittaker and Mapplebeck of Bradford, Yorkshire. It was my first love. Nothing will ever feel as good again. And then there was the Ellis-Briggs and the Favori (a silly attempt by Ellis-Briggs to sound exotic). And while they were all a joy to ride, they were also a joy to look at. Not just in the lugwork, but also the lush quality of the paint work and colors and chrome plating.
Does anyone out there own any of these old northern beauties?
Graham Turner, an Englishman in New York where it's very sticky and hot.