Re: [CR] eBay Evan's Frame Number Tourer?

(Example: Framebuilders:Bernard Carré)

Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 20:46:50 +0100
Subject: Re: [CR] eBay Evan's Frame Number Tourer?
From: "Hilary Stone" <hilary.stone@blueyonder.co.uk>
To: <vergrandis@tesco.net>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
In-Reply-To: <20060426192432.ZGXR16286.aamtaout03-winn.ispmail.ntl.com@smtp.ntlworld.com>


The point I have made in my listing for this Evans tourer (which was probably not made clearly enough) was that Evans was the first specialist in building tourers in the UK. Yes Selbach, Grubb and many others built tourers though in small quantities compared to their other machines. With Evans the boot is very much on the other foot, most frames were specialist custom tourers although their catalogues included a variety of other models. Clearly F W's passion was custom touring bikes even back in the early 1930s. I don't have any real evidence for when Evans started framebuilding but his patent for his dropout that allowed a wheel to be turned around quickly was initially applied for in 1925 and it was awarded the CTC Silver Plaque in 1926. He claimed he could turn a wheel around in an Evans frame blindfolded and with one hand tied behind his back and get perfect chain adjustment in 55 seconds! And by early 1929 he was on frame number 1714. In the 30s frame production averaged about 300 a year. So I am of the opinion that his own frame production is likely to have started by c1925 at the latest. Most Evans frame numbers are indeed stamped on the side of the seat lug but the stay attachment on this frame prevents the number from being stamped there. It is stamped on the BB shell though the first digit is badly mauled - I really need to remove the forks to check the whole number.

Hilary Stone, Bristol, England
> From: <vergrandis@tesco.net>
> Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 20:24:32 +0100
> To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Subject: [CR] eBay Evan's Frame Number Tourer?
>
> Dear Lister's,
> I am not a member of the VCC but just occasionally I get a chance to peruse
> their wonderfully magazine so brilliantly produced by Mr.Hilary Stone. Keep up
> the excellent work.
> It was in this superb publication so ably produced by him or in the equally
> wonderful CR Archives that I read a posting about the placement of certain
> builders frame numbers. What particularly interests me is F.W.Evans (The
> Specialists in Light Cycles) 44 & 46Kennington Road, London, S.E.1.
> Positive I read that FWE placed their frame numbers under the front fork crown
> and at the top left-hand side of the seat lug. This was discounted by either
> Philip or Hilary and I think they stated it was located on the right-hand side
> of the seat lug.
> If we refer to the circa 1950's Evans for sale on eBay this is quite clearly
> not the case? If the number is present at all on the seat lug it will be on
> the left-hand side, please refer to pictures.
> It also states on this circa 1950 Evans description "F W Evans were one of the
> first frame builders to specialise in touring frames in the UK". Well hows
> about the Selbach Super Clubman's or Regal Tourer and his other tourers from
> the early 1920's? This is just one famous maker of the times producing touring
> machines. We also have F.C.Grubb, Ewings & Dean (Granby), Buckley Brothers,
> Allin, H.Carpenter & Son. This is just a few who were producing excellent
> specific touring frames in the early 1920's?
> I always understood that F.W.Evans first started as a repairer and cycling
> clothier in 1921 and it wasn't until about May 1927 that he started frame
> building?
> Would be very interested as to what the experts have to say on this one as I
> am now thoroughly confused.
> Yours fraternally Frank
>
> Frank Cohen Hoxton UK