Jeremy Lieberman asked:
>On this list I've read a lot of very positive words spoken about classic uk (including Scotland) brands from years past, such as, Hetchins, Bates, Cooper, Flying Scot, Gilliot, Taylor.
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>I was wondering if any of the UK classics experts on the list, could tell us wether there were any smaller brands (less well known) that were considered as well made and riding as the bigger labels back in the 50's-70's?
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Jeremy,
In researching my 1948 Carpenter frame I got a message from John Gill, the V-CC Carpenter marque specialist. He wrote:
"Carpenter was one of the best lightweight frame makers and his reputation was up there with Ephgrave and Hetchins. They were used by many successful riders including the late Jack Manning who won the last cycle race to be held at Brooklands.... The frames are noted for excellent workmanship and all seem to steer very well indeed. Several of the "old hands " I have talked to recall them as being known as the Rolls-Royce of lightweights - noted for superb craftsmanship and alignment but of discrete appearance!"
He noted that the small father and son firm built about 100 lightweights a year in the pre and post-War years (first in their Pento Rd. shop and then in their Kingston-on-Thames shop after the War). They were in operation from 1926 until the early 1960s - F.H. Carpenetr eventually taking over fully from his father.
Cheers,
Paul Williams,
Ottawa, ON, Canada