Re: [CR]Ephgrave

(Example: Production Builders:Cinelli)

From: <Cantiflex@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 08:28:55 EDT
Subject: Re: [CR]Ephgrave
To: LouDeeter@aol.com
cc: CLASSICRENDEZVOUS@BIKELIST.ORG

Hi Lou/List, Les(also known known as Lou to his closest friends), built his last frame circa 1968. As far as I know, he was originally one of a number of frame-builders at Claud Butler's ,until he built on his own account from 1952. Again , as far I know(I stand to be corrected) he built on his own. He also, when orders were low...produced steel shop fittings..shelving etc which is where the trade-mark 'lollypops' and bars on the seat stay caps came from. These were the wasate/cut-outs from that shelving production. Waste not...want not. Incidentally, the guy(Len Phipps) who cuts lugs..by-hand, and who has cut some 200 plus sets for me whilst I had Classic Bikes(Bates Cantiflex Framesets) learnt 'most of his trade' from Lou Ephgrave during the 1960s. He(Len Phipps), would visit the frame building shop in Clapton,London on his Saturday's off to watch the 'master' at work. I am told by Len Phipps, that Lou Ephgrave DID cut all the LUGS, and build all the FRAMESETS himself. Hope the above info' helps.

Ray Etherton Maldon, UK