Alan, F.H.Grubb or Fred Grubb (never they tell me Freddie) was in partnership with Ching Allin in early 1919 through to the Spring of 1920. Allin & Grubb were at 132 Whitehorse Road, Croydon. There was a massive bust up over who designed the rear quick release drop-out. This resulted in F.H.Grubb leaving and starting his own shop at 250 London Road Croydon, his adverts advertised the fact that he was late of Allin & Grubb. If you can find any old 1920 Winter copies of Cycling you will see both firms advertising. Ching Allin run an advert saying "Will all riders of original Grubb cycles kindly forward us particulars of their success's on Road and Path during 1919 and 1920". It also states that this information is for private use and not for advertising. The earliest copy of Cycling I have after this unholy row is March 4th. 1920. Fred Grubb is advertising catering for the racing man this season and building continental design with British workmanship and materials. On the same page advert for Grubb Racing cycles with the simplest and quickest form of quick release by Allin & Grubb. Sent all of this to the VCC but it never got published. Len James and Bill Bush told me about the dispute with Allin & Grubb way back in the 60's. Sure they said that Grubb won a CTC Plaque for the dropout. Incidentally Ching Allin was a top class bicycle polo player, he played for Norwood Paragon. Allin's was also Allin & Davey for a time and of course Ching Allin eventually teamed up with Stan Butler another Norwood Paragon crack. Going to forward this to the CR site as well. ATB Mick.
Michael Butler Huntingdon UK.
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