Some info about Stan Pike can be found in the archives, but it's nice to see more info pop up from time to time. It usually generates some interesting discussion and adds to the knowledge base, which is always good. Seeing Don Farrell's name made me look back at the archives a bit. Following is some information I got mostly from Steve Pike, one of Stan's sons:
- Early frames were built in a garage at the family home, first in Crewkerne, then in Misterton.
- In the 70's, Stan bought what was Bob White Cycles in Crewkerne, re-naming it Stan Pike Cycles, in 79. He built frames there in a work shop in the back until his death on November 8th 83.
- He was assisted by his son Phillip, who carried on after Stan's death until the mid 80's before closing down. Frames built by Stan used "Stan Pike" transfers, but those built by Phillip used "Pike of Crewkerne" transfers.
- Stan also built frames for Don Farrell cycles, Ken Rayall cycles, Fred Baker cycles, and others. Also rumored to have taught Arthur Needham at Argos how to build frames.
- Before building frames full time, Stan was a machinist at Westland Helicopter.
This did not come from Steve Pike, but was put forth by someone on the list, I believe:
- Stan was pretty highly regarded, and has been compared to Bill Philbrook, Bill Hurlow, George Longstaff and Bill Gray (builder at Claud Butler).
Slight variations on what's been added here, but no too far off. The frame I have was built in February of '83, just nine months before Stan's death. Steve Pike was quite helpful initially, and provided me a copy of the original build sheet, entry page from Stan's log and a set of transfers, but the last few emails I sent have gone unanswered. Does this jog any more memories?
Wayne Bingham Lovettsville VA USA
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Stan Pike originally came from London he learnt frame building at the side of Wally Green. Wally built mostly for Don Farrell. Stan also worked part time for Don. Stan was born in 1937 and moved to Somerset in 1961 where he worked at Westland Helicopters as a welder. He built frames in his spare time for about eighteen years. In 1977 he opened up his own shop in Hermitage Street Crewkerne. Stan was a wonderful frame builder and built for quite a few top riders and lightweight shops. The Harp,Edgeware and Hemel all had riders on his frames because of the Farrell connection. John Woodburn used Stan's frames and two people both you and I know well and have toured with Chris and Tony Oliver. Sadly he died in 1983, he was only 46. See you soon for a nag and noggin Joe. Croeso Cymru Joe King Nr. Maenaddwyn Ynys Mon Wales