Dear all, Sorry for the the lack of postings during the last month or so but I had to temporary suspend my CR membership. This was due to family difficulties. Regarding Shimano Dura Ace these web site are wonderful;
http://dura-ace.shimano.com/
Also remember checking Sheldon Browns site where he has posted a 1973 Shimano Dura Ace catalogue.
Martin Copeland raised a very valid point regarding British Cycle Shops
being tied up with particular wholesalers importers and concessionaires.
Maidson had the virtual monopoly on Shimano for a time. This shop was in
Kilburn but they were a little bit prentitious and refered to their address
as West Hampstead. Maidson's were never that popular with club cyclists who
much prefered to go to Joe Whiskers who were also in Kilburn. Alan Ephgrave
was the mamager there and a lot of customers had run ins with him as his
personality could be a little bit abrasive. Me I thought he was a smashing
bloke and could'nt do enough to help, great wheel builder. Joe also had a
shpp at Goffs Oak which was really their wholesale shop and outlet, opening
he was limited. Despite this most people used Whiskers rather than go to
Maidison's. Joe would only stock good stuff that spare parts were readily
available for.
Shorter's in Finchley , Morris's in Walthamstow, Birds of Colindale and
Farrells all had a loyal customer base and gave good service, I always
thought Holdsworths and Evans (The Cut) hopeless and the welcome in Condors
could be variable. Out of the last three Holdsworths was the worst.
Alf Hetchin use to give our club schoolboys Triplex rear mechs (Campag Copy)
for free or at trade prices. These gears if adjusted correctly where
wonderful. Hetchin's was a great shop and Hanlon's.
>From where the wheels don't spin as fast as they use to. Be lucky Michael
Butler Huntingdon UK.