Hi all,
my name is Paul Turner. I am a New Zealand motorcycle mechanic by trade working as a bicycle mechanic at Witcombs Cycles in Deptford. I have been loitering with intent for a while on the list and some members know me as the self-appointed historian of Witcombs Cycles.
Currently, I am building a website for Witcombs that I hope will be of interest to list members. Both Ernie and Barrie are a fountain of knowledge and as we all know, if someboby fails to record history it has gone forever.
I read with interest the comment on bicycle builders' influences and with greater interest RS's comments. For those of you who may be interested: Bill Hurlow is still very much alive "I'm 89", was his comment to me on our previous meeting. Bill still builds frames but is down to one every 3 months.
As a matter of fact, both Peter Weigle and Richard Sachs were not trained by Barrie, but by another Witcomb employee. I shall tell the story of this builder in another post.
Barrie still builds frames, but most of his time is now taken up with repairs of frames and restoration work for other bike shops and enthusiasts.
Barrie has agreed to teach me how to build a frame and so far I am allowed to light the torch and watch. But with a little luck, I too, will use the flame that others have learnt their craft with. Yes, the same torch from 1957 is still in use !
My current rides are a 1968 Jean Brun with 531 and full Campagnolo NR group set. Two Eddie Merckx 10 speeds, a 1954 FC Parkes, a Holdsworthy Roy Thame and Freddie Grubb, 1950's Elswich and numerous Raleighs and Peugeots. No Witcomb. However, limited edition "Stan Brittain" replica bikes will be built for the 2007 T de F as an aniversary model, marking the 50 years since Stan rode a Witcomb in the tour and the visit of the tour to London. I have placed my order for number one. More info is posted on the website.
Dale has been kind enough to link the fledgling site to the CR Witcomb page.
Or you can see my humble beginnings here: http://www.freewebs.com/
Ron Cooper still builds frames, but now only works when he wants to. Barrie called in to his workshop on Monday. Unfortunately, he was not there.
Regards,
Paul Turner Clapton, London.
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