Well, it sounds like David Miller (the framebuilder, not the now reformed former doper racer) and Bob Jackson have about equal claims to the Hetchins legacy. But Alf being long dead and none of his familty nor anyone who actually worked with him being connected with the current frames, I think it still comes down to who makes the best replicas.
BTW, while I hope to some day build up my Hetchins curley, American chauvinism has led me to build up an early 80's Cuevas first, and frankly, a Sachs, a Weigle, a Fattic and an Assenmacher have cut in line in front of the Hetchins. But least the Brits be offended, I've also rebuilt a Raleigh Pro, Competition and Super Tourer since the Hetchins has been waiting, and will probably build up or rebuild a Raleigh International and Grand Sport, an Ephrave No.1, and a Baines Whirlwind before I get around to the Hetchins.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
oroboyz@aol.com wrote:
Jerry wrote: << ...as I don't consider David Miller's "Hetchins" any more "authentic" than the so-called "counterfeits".... >>
Well, you may elicit quite a response from this one, Jerry!? You just are missing some crucial bits of information...
David Miller was in fact the shop manager when Jackson was making Hetchins. Even before Alfie closed shop, Jackson was making the frames.. Jackson and Hetchins both were sold to a "businessman". Tons of money as lost and around 1993, Jackson reacquired his name and Hetchins was saved by the "businessman" by hiring Miller to continue his role over seeing the marque. David is an employee, a manager of the marque to this day.
So while Hetchins was no longer made in a "regular" retail bike shop operated by someone named Hetchins, the brand really has about as direct a lineage as one could ask for.
Dale Brown cycles de ORO, Inc. 1410 Mill Street Greensboro, North Carolina USA 336.274.5959 http://www.cyclesdeoro.com http://www.classicrendezvous.com
-----Original Message----- From: Jerome & Elizabeth Moos To: Robert Williams ; jeffrey piwonka ; classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Sent: Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:14 pm Subject: Re: [CR]Bob Jackson ...
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 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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