Re: [CR]Best British Bikes 35/54\

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Chater-Lea)

Date: Sat, 12 Mar 2005 20:04:55 +0000 (GMT)
From: "Michael Butler" <pariscycles@yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: Re: [CR]Best British Bikes 35/54\
To: CR Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
In-Reply-To: 6667


Dear Charlie, I come originally from West London. This was the territory of Williamsons Willesden Lane, Ferris Hounslow, Newtons Acton and F.H.Scott of Ealing. Each club or locality tended to stay loyal to their local builders. So you can see that northern makers were a bit of a rarity down south unless their owners were touring or racing down here. There was some wonderful metal made up north and in particular these three are my particular favourites. Sheffield Langsett, Infirmary Road, Sheffield. Established in 1915 and still trading wonderful maker who sponsored many races and had various trade teams. Their 50's Nervex Pro models which were raced in the Tour of Britain and have a loverly ornate rear brake bridge and unusual seat stay eyes.

Whittaker and Maplebeck (Pennine) 4 Ingleby road, Girlington, Bradford. Established 1889 by F.N.Robinson made some wonderful frames and their 1960 Pennines are gorgeous.

Paragon (Andy Bone) Arkwright Street, Nottingham. Forever linked with the Sherwood CC and Nottingham Clarion. Some beautifully made lugged frames produced.

Thats all for now. Keep those wheels spinning, in your memories if not still on the road. Be lucky Mick Butler Huntingdon UK.