I remember staring into the cellar windows of Bespoke cycles settle. I used to cycle through settle on my way to the Lake District, where as a child I spent many Holidays.
I started cycling the 80 mile trio at about age 13. Later as A student I remember cycling up through the night and stopping in Settle to drink soup from a Thermos at about midnight.
Was it in your shop window Norris, that I first saw a a "flattened" aero Gitane, like Bernard Hinualt fist popularised? Early 1980s?
My first "new to me bike" was an Ellis Briggs (new frame at least). A road race frame in 531. Circa 1983. I still have it now.
Before that I had raced on a second hand (Ex Danny Horton) Pavone bought from Fat Cyrils (Cyril sand's cycles) in Halifax. Does Norris know who built the "Pavones" (or Pav Ones as we used to call them). My friend had a very nice one.
If any one want an Ellis Briggs, I have an Early 60s Briggs International, 62cm, frame for sale. $125 plus shipping at cost.
Regards
Martin Coopland, Scotland, http://www.BatesBicycles.com