Dear CR listees, While checking out rumors of a PINK Eddy Merckx bicycle frameset, all original, from purportedly the mid 70's,I'm sad to report the bicycle was circa late 1980's to circa 1990..... While on the hunt I had the pleasure of meeting the original owner of a neat 1976 Custom made BATES bicycle. Made in Melourne,Australia from the shop of Rupert and Norman Bates. The bicycle had beautiful hand carved lugs, pencil thin rear seat stays and a very old school looking front fork ( as seen on some British bicycles,more round and stout looking fork blades). I would love to hear if any of the CR list members from down under know if any Bates frames made by Norman Bates are available. How many frames did NORMAN BATES MAKE????
Lou Deeter do you have any information in your cycle guide about the Bates frames made in Australia???
The owner told me that Rupert Bates was the father, and Norman Bates was the son, and master frame builder. Norman Bates is supposed to have died July 4th, 2001. The bicycle business is defunct also, according to the man (owner of the Austalian made Bates). He did say that Norman was a contract builder for Malvern Star Bicycles of Melbourne, Australia. I would appreciate any light or information that CR list members from Australia have. Seeing this Australian made BATES made my day, what a special custom made bicycle. Thanks e-Richie for the lead on the PINK MASI !!! I owe you a beer at Cirque 2004 for that tip.
Yours truly,
Martin Walsh in Vienna,VA.