[CR]BW free hub

(Example: Framebuilders:Alex Singer)

From: "Doug Smith" <doug@kingsweir.plus.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Wed, 28 Dec 2005 20:46:24 -0000
Subject: [CR]BW free hub

Ray Green wrote I recall seeing used wheels with these hubs hanging up in my local bikeshop in the late fifties. The owner said it was a crazy idea that would never catch on ! I never saw one installed in a bike. I'm sure the wheels finished up in the skip. Ray Green Brighton

I cannot agree with Ray and his comments regarding the disposal of these beautifully manufactured hubs. Far from been thrown in the skip (don't think there were such things those days,skips I mean) they were very popular with the clubfolk I knew at the time especially with the tourist. It was possible to have a whole range of gears with these hubs by removing and replacing different size sprockets as and when required. As a complete change from the hub gear it lead to a new fashion in the use of derailleur gearing. That is ofcourse if riders of the day could afford the luxury of having a free hub and rear mech and fix wheel riding was still used by most time trialists.

I still use my Holdsworth La Quelda with its BW free hub today and with a large flange front BW it looks all the part of the era.

Doug Smith
North Dorset
UK