I finally have a Hetchins, thanks to DV, the seller. I first saw - and was awed by - a leaflet back in the late 60s. I bought this bike in Menlo Park, CA, rode it on Bob Freitas' vintage ride the next day in Marin Co, and took a bunch of rides during the following week on 17 Mi. Drive (Pebble Beach) and later on the ridge above Oakland. No, I didn't check out the bearings. I checked the alignment, pumped up the tires, rode it, bought it, and rode it lots more. Overhauls will happen, but not 3000 mi. from home.
The inside joke is that I have a set of NOS Universal lever hoods, and have been looking for a bike that needs them...
I've always had mixed feelings about Hetchins. Never understood the "curly" stays as much more than affectation, and think some of the baroque "drool" on the lugs is a bit over the top (Sorry, Peter Naiman, but tastes vary). But, the marque certainly has pride of place in GB among bikes produced in any significant volume, and I wanted a specialty British bike for mycollection. Not a wall queen, but something I can ride and enjoy.
So, I bought this later model, less ornate, a spyder (74, I think) from
Southend-on-Sea, in a very, very, deep British Racing Green, with gold
head tube (rumor has it that this was gold leaf?).
http://www.hetchins.org/
I do like the ride, and the bike has a very special look and feel. I don't like the Cinelli 64 (rounded) handlebars, and I will reluctantly replace the Suntour Compe V front derailleur. Just don't like the reverse-shifting units, and the frame was not set up for cable to the derailleur. Also, for me at age 59 to continue using a 44/54 chainring set is nuts where I live and ride.
But, it has been years since I have had the pleasure of using Universal 61 centerpulls, and they are just superb. I had simply forgotten. Action is firm (low leverage, except by comparision with the 68), but the pads are great and it feels exquisitely well-controlled, always.
Like eRichie's Masis of the same era, it has 4x small-flange Campy Record hubs. Don't know why that fad happened, but it did. Why would you want to lay spokes over the heads of others?
So, I expect this one to be a mind-blower on local club rides, standing out amongst the assorted plastique and unobtanium frames. And I expect it to be a good companion for a long time. Of course, that means finding a new home for the 73 Paramount P-15, whose niche is just too close...Or the A-D Vent Noir. But, this isn't an offer to sell, I haven't gotten there yet. Right now, I'm still enjoying having and riding this superb bike.
harvey sachs
mcLean va