If I recall the story correctly, Bob Jackson owned the rights to the Hetchins name for several years, and evidently continued to build what amounts to a Hetchins vibrant under the Jackson name after selling the Hetchins label. I find Hetchins somewhat interesting and even own a restored curly Hetchins frame I may get around to building up one day. But I've never had a strong desire to own a Miller "Hetchins" frame, especially not at the price. There was a contraversy a couple of years ago about "counterfeit" Hetchins built by someone else in UK. I found this contraversy quite amusing, as I don't consider David Miller's "Hetchins" any more "authentic" than the so-called "counterfeits". Or for that matter the Jackson "Legend". Indeed, one can argue that the Jackson is a more "authentic" "Hetchins" even though it does not bear the name, as Bob Jackson has a closer historic connection to the original product than either of the more recent pretenders. All of these are essentially replicas, and the fact that David Miller bought the name of a long-defunct company means absolutely nothing. Whoever makes the best replica makes the best replica. You can't buy authenticity.
I have a New Bates, and I love it, but I don't delude myself it is a "real" Bates. But it was produced out of a genuine love of the really neat original design and built by Ron Cooper, one of the greatest framebuilders ever, so though it is a replica, it is a magnificant one.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
Robert Williams <rwynw@comcast.net> wrote:
My main ride is a '99 legend which I spec'd and picked up from Leeds. The
frame is beautiful, hardy and a wonderfully responsive ride. For comparison
I also have (and ride) a 70's Hetchin's Vade Mecum and the Millenium version
of the Magnum Opus. I was informed by David Miller that the new Hetchin's
continue to have the only "factory bent" chainstays. The curly chainstay is
Jacksons own bend apparently.
Rob Williams
Sun and big moon
Seattle WA
> http://www.bobjacksoncycles.co.uk/
>
> --- Robert Clair wrote:
>
>> ... legend. saw one of these (a frame only) in
>> College Park the other day.
>> any info appreciated.
>> r clair
>> alexandria, va 22308
>>
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