Thanks for this Dave (and Otis who also pointed me in Jeff Lyon's direction)
I have sent Jeff a mail, and am awaiting a reply. His website mentions he only checks email intermittantly. However...
Having looked at the gallery on his website, Picture 1501 "1st direct lateral tandem" looks suspiciously familiar. I'm almost certain this is our bike in terms of size and design. It would also fit in with the "tandem prototype" story we were told by the seller.
Many thanks again, and I'll take some photos in due course. David
Hello David,
Try sending Jeff Lyon an email http://www.lyonsport.com he apprenticed under Philbrook back in the 70s. Jeff is a not only a fantastic builder, but also a great guy.
Regards, David Martinez Fremont Ca US of A i knew jeff was going to be my tandem builder when i saw his mz motorcycle parked in front of his and sasso's shop on taylor st in san jose.
--- On Fri, 1/28/11, David <david@redwingmarlow.co.uk> wrote:
From: David <david@redwingmarlow.co.uk> Subject: [CR] Bill Philbrook Tandem? To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Date: Friday, January 28, 2011, 8:19 AM
A couple of years ago my father and I went halves on a tandem bought through ebay. Not an easy find for us, as I'm 6' 3" and he is 6'1". The story from the vendor went like this: the frame was built by Kent frame builder Bill Philbrook as a prototype to see if tandems could be added to his repertoire. It has lugless welds which look very smooth and of high quality. The frame appears to be a fairly standard racing bike design. The forks are slightly unusual with two tubes coming down each side of the wheel, joining together at the fork ends. Unfortunately, someone had resprayed the frame quite badly (no decels), the wheels were mismatched, cheap and starting to rust. We have decided, after some consideration to have it done up; stripped and repainted, new wheels, drive train, brakes + extra disc on the back (30 stone flying down local Chiltern Hills leads to rather scary brake fade).
My question is whether anyone can verify the Bill Philbrook story. Coming from Bucks, I had not heard of him before the purchase. At the mo, the bike is at the shop being assessed and stripped, so I have no photos, but can take some next week. Is there anyone from the Kent area who knew Mr Philbrook's work well who could help us out if I can take some pics?
David Broad, High Wycombe, Bucks, England
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