Dear Neil, That Waller of Mr.Stone's was indeed the bargain of the century. I thought the Americans or Japanese collectors would have snapped it up, just shows. Expect they prefer the Italian gas pipe stuff. The name Fiorelli still makes me shudder frightful frames from the same period. I was in our local lightweight shop the other day and they quoted £265.00 plus VAT for a similar re-enamel to the Kingsland, the only difference was the Stratton quoted had chrome tips. I started club cycling and racing in the 50's and I raced on most of these funny frames having owned some and borrowed others. Had a WRB Baines International TT model a fabulous machine and as you are probably aware Trevor Jarvis still makes this unique design. Bob Cary rode one as a Pro, what a rider. Have ridden Waller's both the Kingsland and Kingsbury one of which has curved tubes can't remember which now. A thing made by Higgins called a Calleva a real rarity. The Galibier, Bates Brothers, Hetchins and a maker from Hackney who made a frame with seat stays that met the top-tube bit like a modern GT. Out of all of them the Baines was the best SWB in my opinion, the Wallers were very lively but had a little bit to much frame whip for my liking. Of course it is hard to compare like to like because race conditions are not the same from week to week but have ridden my Baines on a float day and a curved tube Waller on a float on the same course. I was a minute quicker on the Baines both rides done with the same gear and similar equipment and both on Michelin "50's". I would say the stiffness of the Baines frame resulted in more energy or effort being transmitted to the pedals. Sure all that frame whip is a hindrance to power although the bike seems wonderfully and lively to ride. My PB look positively pedestrian by todays standards but we were rationed, that's my excuse. I am no expert but there are plenty on the list who are. Very much enjoyed your posting and it's very reassuring that there are some British cycling enthusiasts who are actually documenting all this stuff. It makes me so annoyed that the makers names become legends but the artisan builders who made them in the workshops are forgotten. Classic example Alf only had Jack building his frames what about all the others who worked there? Kindest regards Frank
Frank Cohen Hoxton UK