Hi Bob, listers, It is true Bob Jackson and Ron Kitching had a good relationship, and frames may have been made for Ron for 'Anquetil' decals to be adorned? but I'm not so sure.
In the time I was working for Bob [1971 ~ 1977] I don't recall us building 'Anquetil' frames........but maybe some had been made prior to my employment?
Knowing Bob, I suspect he very much preffered any frames built in the frameshop to be displayed as a Bob Jackson, Merlin, or even a JRJ......the only exception I can think of in relation to a Anquetil frame is perhaps the frame the late great Beryl Burton rode might well have been a 'Jackson'? ...........I know we did make her a frame or two, because I can remember a apprentice painter wrecking her frame by bowing the top tube having the blow torch held too long in one place [Jackson's used to burn off the paint prior to shotblasting, something I never approved of]
But like I said, I don't recall us doing any other 'Anquetil' frames, certainly from 71 to 77.........question is though, if Jackson's didn't make them WHO DID?
Cheers
Kevin Sayles
Bridgwater Somerset UK
eBay)(Bob Johnson)
> Hi
> The Anquetil bike is mine, and I have posted on Wooljersey a letter from
> Ron
> Kitching Ltd dated 1993 that I was sent today saying these bikes were
> manufactured in the UK.
>
> http://www.wooljersey.com/
>
> Perhaps they were made by Bob Jackson who were situated some 15 miles away
> from Kitchings and Ron and Bob knew one another.
> In my description on ebay I initially said I believed they were made in
> France or Belgium because I was informed such by the bike's owner when I
> bought it some 8 or 9 years ago. I have now amended that statement.
>
> --
> Bob Johnson
> London UK