For reasons best left unexplored I have accumulated a number of very rare and wonderful bicycles and frames. I am feeling overwhelmed with bike projects and I just cannot get to all of them. So in honor of Spring I am offering them to the CR list. Photos can be sent on request.
First is a very rare W. G. TWIDDLE "Lancaster Special", frame made in 1938. This frame is in exceptional condition and still has its original black paint and decals. Twiddle was a high-end custom builder in Liverpool before and just after the war. This particular frame was custom built for G. Davis and I have a photo of him riding it (which will be included) taken when the bike was new, with Mr. Davis dressed appropriately in his cycling cap and plus fours. Amazing condition for a bike that is 69 years old. $450
Another frame from an obscure but superb English artisan builder in Sheffield, the SHEFFIELD LANGSETTE. c1958, 24". In my opinion, this frame has the most beautiful brake bridge ever, bat-shaped. The pencil type seat stays meet the top tube exquisitely as well. Nervex pro lugs. Very slight pitting here and there on tubes. In primer and ready to refinish. $450
Next is a frame custom built around 1960 by HENRY BURTON of Stafford for a very quirky client. The client wanted a fixed gear Touring frame, built to use 26" wheels. The frame is 26" c-c. This one also has original black stove enamel and original decals. With lamp brackets braised on both the right and left sides for riding in England and on the Continent. Henry Burton was a high-end custom builder in Liverpool, and his frames are said to ride exceptionally well. $500
I was looking for a LEGNANO ROMA OLIMPIADE for a long time, and found this one, but it is too small for me. This is a frame and fork only. Size 23.5" c-c. From 1960's. I was seduced into buying it because it still has its original metallic blue paint with white head tube and seat tube panels, original decals and head badge, original box lining (except for a few worn spots). Chrome fork crown. Frame is straight and un-dented, but has little chips in the paint from use. $300
Just to try it, I bought a 1970 MOULTON Mark III bicycle. This bike was built up with later Moulton components including 369 size AM alloy wheels, Campagnolo front hub, and a Fichtel and Sachs two speed Duomatic rear hub. Weinman front brake. BB is a Phil Wood, crankset is TA, stem is a Nitto Technomic and at the moment it has Maes bars and a Brooks B17 saddle. It rides very well and I am impressed how it handles over rough pavement, but even with the seat tube raised up high, it is a little small for me. $700
The other two members of the Paris Cycles Owners Club of Chicago may run me out of the club for this but I also am willing to part with a very rare late PARIS Tour de France frame from 1962. Size: 25" c-t. This frame was one of last Paris TdF frames ever made and was custom built for the late Mr. Neville Ireland, marque enthusiast for Paris Cycles for the VCC. I am the second owner. I was told that this frame was made by Bill Hurlow (for sure he was the workshop manager at that time) but I tend to believe it based on the quality of the lug and filing work, which is superb. The frame was repainted (condition fair) in the 1960's by Higgins in London, and has his decal fitted. I have the original head badge. $550
Finally, a HETCHINS VADE MECUM I ROAD/PATH, 1968, complete bike, exceptional condition. I bought this because it still has its original paint, chrome and decals in excellent condition and I particularly liked the chrome details on the fork crown. Size: Seat tube 25" c-c and Head tube 23" c-c. Deep burgundy red with gold lug lining and a six-day decal on the seat tube. Chrome fork crown lugs and fork tips. The only flaw is that the original decals are drying out and cracking, however new decals can be provided. With rare period components including Sturmey Archer FM 4 speed gear hub, and Universal 68 brakes. This frame is one of the examples of Vade Mecums featured on the Hetchins website. $1,800.
Shipping is extra for all frames and bikes.
Best regards,
David Cooper
Chicago, IL