With the resent string of emails about British bikes (1953 Ellis-Brigs), I would like to find out more about my E.G. Bates. Some of you may remember it from Cirques past, it's a large 25" light blue machine with burgundy contrasting panel/head tube and "Fleur De Lys" lugs. I originally purchased it from Alexander Von Tutschek in 2001. The bike came equipped with Campag Grand Sport gears, Stronglight 49 cranks and headset, BH hubs, 70's era Weinmann 999 brakes (I have since changed the brakes to MAFAC Dural Forge) and Bluemels mud guards. I was told the bike dated from early 60's, say '61 or '62. The brooks saddle is marked '61 so this date sounds right. I have many questions concerning this bike and very few are answered by searching the internet. I am hoping someone on the list can answer the following questions: How did this mark compare to the more popular British bikes of the era? On Seldon Brown's site, the author recounts "they were considered to be the very best you could get, far superior to a Hetchins !!!!" Knowing this may be conjecture, could this be so? Can someone on the list identify the year my frame was built based on it's SN ( G1653)? What other models were offered? Does anyone on the list have an EG Bates? Photo or catalog scans? As you can see I'm attempting to find out as much as possible so any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Additionaly, does anyone have a BH Airlight HF front hub and/or Weinmann 27" 32/40 rims with spoke hole dimples they would be willing to sell? I have a mismatched BH Airlight LF front hub I would be willing to trade.
Thanks in advance!
Rergards, Richard Robinson
Jacksonville NC