[CR]Recognising Rotrax frames

(Example: Events)

From: "Peter Brown" <peterg.brown@ntlworld.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Wed, 31 Aug 2005 21:29:50 +0100
Subject: [CR]Recognising Rotrax frames

Mick Butler wrote: I was very interested in Norris's comments about Gillott's and Rotrax frames. "Rotrax frames have always enjoyed an enviable reputation in the UK, often being compared with the best frames from the Gillott workshop. Like Gillotts they are readily recognisable..for some reason or other. I have never been able to tell the differences but I would like a few pointers from a well reputed frame builder as to how these two makes are readily recognisable. The only way I could tell is by their frame numbers, headbadges or by their better quality frames distinctive lug patterns. Please Norris let me into the secret as to how to spot these two makes when they are no obvious clues. I am an absolute numpty when it comes to the finer and subtle points on frame manufacture.

This is not attempt to answer the question on behalf of Norris, but does substantiate what Norris has said.

The Rotrax Shirley which is on ebay is the second one I have had. The first one was an unmarked 24" frame which had been in the family for many years, the origins of which were unknown. I made several unsuccessful attempts to identify the frame and eventually decided that as it was such a nice frame, I would build it up and use it. In the absence of anything better I made up a transfer with my own name, and started to use the bike. On my second outing I met up with an old cycling friend in his late 60s who commented that I had a nice Rotrax there, and why didn't I have Rotrax transfers on it. I immediately sent the frame number and photographs to Rotrax, and received the reply that it was definitely one of theirs, together with a proper set of transfers. I didn't ask my friend why he was so sure it was a Rotrax otherwise I may have been able to answer Mick's question, but it does show that Norris is not alone in not being a numpty. Incidentally, the machine in question, which still has my name on it, is now being used by my brother who, at the age of 72, has decided to take up cycling again.

Peter Brown. Lincolnshire, England