Post War Brits / Euro Parts
I would value the input from our British members who were riding in that decade just after WW2. We all see the stunning examples of wonderfully pure-Anglo builds. We are also aware of the tax advantage in the UK to those who built up their own kit after purchasing framesets only.
I would love to hear a conversation about the use of continental components on UK framesets during this era. I suspect there were certain taboos, and certain riders that either embraced the idea, or reviled it as heracy. Did that frameset + kit attitude also translate to machines built from kits that were collected over several years before final assembly?
What did it say about the rider if he / she chose French derailleurs for a British frame? What did it suggest if the rider preferred Italian brakes and chainsets? Was it more of a statement on the machine's intended application, or the rider's personality? Was "Euro-chic" ever a fad embraced by a particular group? If so, who?
I've never seem French hammered fenders (or even a French fenderstay mounting attitude) on a UK frameset of this era. Were there exceptions? Was it ever seen? Will you get laughed off this list if you suggest Universal Mignon sidepulls were ever mounted on a Claud Butler, Holdsworth or Raleigh in 1948-1953? Were the post-war Chater Lea riders poseurs, or the real deal ... and would they mix CL chainsets and Continental kit together?
You get the idea ... all shared memories would be a welcome addition to our collective list knowledge. Sincere Thanks in advance if anyone cares to take a thread in that direction.
Kind Regards,
Tory Werne
Woodstock, Georgia USA