Sun started out as lamp manufacturers in the latter half of the 19th century, graduated to cycle fittings, and then to complete machines.
The highly successful Wasp model was a good quality, lightweight cycle which was offered in various guises from the late 1920's to the mid-1960's.
Sun was owned by the Parkes family (the F. C. Parkes was the top of the range lightweight, bearing the name of Sun's Managing Director) until the company was sold in the late 50's, finally becoming part of the Raleigh group.
Having written this, I've just checked Classic Rendezvous, and if you refer to:
http://www.classicrendezvous.com/
you'll find more information.
Neil Foddering
Weymouth, Dorset, England
>From: "Chad Shepherd" <chad.shepherd@sbcglobal.net>
>Reply-To: Chad Shepherd <chad.shepherd@sbcglobal.net>
>To: "Classic Rendezvous" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
>Subject: [CR]Questions about Sun Wasp
>Date: Thu, 19 Oct 2006 19:58:44 -0500
>
>Hello all,
>
>
>
>I just subscribed to this mailing list.
>
>
>
>I've got a vintage lightweight I purchased about 15 years ago and have had
>it stored in my garage since then. Last month I started riding again and
>my primary bicycle broke down so I pulled out this bike (Sun Wasp) and have
>ridden it ever since. I've put about 200 miles on it in now and I'm
>continually amazed at its light weight and smooth operation. It sure would
>be nice to know its origin and have it restored to its former glory.
>However, I'm not even sure it is worth the expense of a restoration.
>
>
>
>I would be very interested in your thoughts on the origin of this bicycle.
>I could hardly find any information on the internet and all I have been
>able to put together is from one or two web sites. I contacted a gentleman
>in GB to see if I could purchase replacement decals and he thinks it may be
>a 1955 - 1962 Sun Wasp champ du monde model. I know it is in rough
>condition (that's how it was when I purchased it) and it has several
>components that are not original, but it rides great and many of the
>components are original. Any information or contact for individuals that
>could assist would be most appreciated.
>
>
>
>I've put pictures out on a website where I have access. The URL is
>www.kp2.com/sunwasp/chadsbike.htm. I can take other pictures if that would
>help.
>
>
>
>
>
>Thanks,
>
>F. Chad Shepherd
>
>St. Louis, Missouri, USA