Folks,
There is a gorgeous and intriguing Jack Hateley 531 road frame for sale in GB that has spent time in local museums there:
JACK HATELEY 50s Hdblt 531 ENGLISH ROAD FRAME Item Number: 350101398809
I received the following reply when I asked the seller (apparently an agent) about the frame's listed 140 mm rear spacing:
"Hi,Not sure but during the period that this frame was made there was a lot of experimentation and design concepts produced.It could be that a Sturmey hub had been combined with a cyclo style freewheel making quite an interesting gear combination.It would easily be reset down to 130mm etc by a pro builder or LBshop. Hope that helps. Might be worth trying ClassicRendezvous for more info and this frame is I believe shown and listed by Wolverhampton Museum.Happy pedalling alex"
Has anyone else in CR land seen this 140 mm rear spacing before or been to the Wolverhampton Museum?
Jon Spangler who is learning all the time about older bikes in Alameda, CA USA