Tonard did build frames themselves - I am afraid Mario is incorrect in that assertion. Tonard built frames and were sold by quite a few shops own branded and some were even sold as Hobbs Blue Ribands. Hobb by the 60s was a cycle wholesaler with no retail shop but they commisioned frames from Tonard and they were then enamelled and fitted with Blue Riband transfers. These frames (I had a couple in the 80s through my hands) were nicely made from Reynolds 531 double butted tubing.
regards
Hilary
ClarkeSharman@aol.com wrote:
> Tonard Engineering were a small company in close proximity to Holdsworth in
> South London. Consequently they made accessories for Holdsworth, in particular
> racks. I am told by Mario Vaz who worked at Holdsworth in the 1970s that
> they did not make any cycle frames themselves.
>
> I hope this is useful. Best Wishes
>
> Bryan Clarke
> London UK