Re: [CR]Arthur Metcalfe and "MM" cycles or MKM Cycles?

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2004)

Date: Fri, 24 Jun 2005 13:58:31 -0400
From: "David G. White" <whiteknight@adelphia.net>
To: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR]Arthur Metcalfe and "MM" cycles or MKM Cycles?
References: <003501c578aa$b9110140$ef484f51@norris>
In-Reply-To: <003501c578aa$b9110140$ef484f51@norris>


Norris' thought of my Arthur Metcalfe frame being from 1981 is a plausible theory, but I wonder....

I note that the serial number starts with 18, not 81. Also, looking more closely at the MKM frames on the CR website, I see that Tom Adam's headbadge is identical to mine and says only "MM Cycles", not MKM and the photos of the original finish of his frame (seen on Tom's own photo site, not the CR site) show that it's original downtube decal said "MKM", so his frame appears to have been made using both names. Furthermore, the two seat tube decals on Derel Wilburn's MKM on the CR site are also identical to mine saying only MM, not MKM. It's interesting to note, however, that webmaster Dale's MKM has a head tube decal that clearly says "MKM". Separately, another listmember has mailed photos of a couple MKM frames he owns, one of which shows the remains of an "Arthur Metcalfe" decal on the downtube, like mine. But I can' quite see the decal on the seatube to see whether it says MKM or MM Cycles.

All of this leads to my current working theory: Perhaps the business started simply as MM Cycles. They ordered decals and head badges. Perhaps soon afterwards Ron Kitching added his backing and the name quickly became MKM Cycles. But they already had a supply of MM decals and badges, so they used them until they ran out. Thus, perhaps, there is no real difference between MM Cycles and MKM Cycles.

How does that sound? Does anyone know the actual history so we can cease positing theories?

Along the way, I'd be grateful if those of you who have MKM bikes (Tom, Rod, Derel, Dale and others) would email me off list with the following information:

1) serial number 2) year of manufacture, if known 3) do decals and head tube badge say "MM Cycles" or "MKM Cycles"? Or a mix of both? 4) model name, if known (for example, mine is an "Arthur metcalfe Tour de France"

I'll post a summary to the list if I get enough info to make that worthwhile.

Thanks!

David

David G. White Burlington, VT

Norris Lockley wrote:
>Having just posted my last email in which I assumed that the "MM" cycles
>pre-dated "MKM"..I am having second thoughts, having just browsed
>through some of Wes Mason's catalogues, and reread the original CR post.
>
>When Wes, Arthur and Ron sold on the MKM venture, Wes opened his own
>retail shop in Coldbath Road, Harrogate, and continued to produce frames
>from a workshop in the cellar of the shop, these frames bearing his own
>name. The top model resembled the top model Benotto of that era with its
>champagnme metallic finish and blue and white D/T decals. This might
>have been the "Gold Medal" model, named after his victory in the
>Copmonwealth Games,
>
>It has occurred to me that the number on Mr White's "MM". involving the
>numbers "1" and "8" indicate that this was made in 1981, the following
>numbers just being sequential. That date would be just about right for
>Wes' retail venture. So I am assuming now that Wes did a deal with
>Arthur--or maybe Arthur was involved as well-- to produce the "Arthur
>Metcalfe" frames. The "Tour de France" model name obviously referring to
>Arthur's participation in the Tour as a member of the English team.
>
>Yes... I reckon that is the explanation.
>
>Norris Lockley.the old grey matter isn't as good as it used to
>be...Settle, Uk