1947 Hobbs of Barbican Clubweight Build and many other old builds

This thread is awesome! I'm heading to eroica this year so I'll look out for you/your bikes

I've been on a bit of a Cycling history buzz recently and purchased this 1949 Constrictor Products catalogue signed by none other than master frame builder Frank Herety.
I'd love a pure Constrictor build.

Have a read if you're interested.

I find these old catalogues are fascinating I must admit. They are so useful when trying to understand the products that were available in those days. Thanks for posting it!

I had never heard of the name Frank Herety but it seems he had a shop 3 miles from where I live.

Have taken possession of another set of Harden Bacon Slicer hubs for when I get round to my ultimate full Lytaloy build.
The front hub is NOS and the rear has only seen light usage.

An exceptionally kind forum member also managed to track back down a Lytaloy BB axle from a frame he'd previously sold and is posting it out to me and wouldn't take any money. God I love this forum. So many top notch people on here.

Reliance on Photobucket has killed this thread. Will attempt to upload using the forum at some stage. Was sorting out my bike bits yesterday as I've got some time off work and took a picture of the Lytaloy bits that I have that aren't on bikes and waiting for the ultimate HOB frame. Also, here's a pic of me rising the Blue Riband on the forum Vintage Lightweights ride that @anidel took.
Also featuring in the photo is @falconvitesse on his A Saturday Gillott with the most lovely fork crown I've seen.

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It is really a porn worthy fork.

That is a fantastic collection of lytaloy components. I am so jealous!

Is your BB axle drilled? I think my Hobbs Superbe might have a Lytaloy drilled BB axle but I haven't taken it out so been unable to confirm. Unfortunately it has no name BB cups so that doesn't really help.

What Hobbs frame are you ultimately looking for?

the frame needs to be middle of 1947 or later, Peter he knows that we know the components are not right!

From what I can see that's almost a Full House! It takes dedication and luck to accumulate that sort of collection.

I have the 1947 frame, the headset, a possible BB axle and insufficient budget!

It will look fantastic once its all on the right age frame.

That's it Philip, I know you'll call me out if I use something not correct! :)

It takes dedication and luck to accumulate that sort of collection.

That's it. This represents 3 years of collecting bits! Really always need to have some cash waiting and be prepared to pay whatever the seller is wanting / early campag prices etc.

I do have some good news however and that is that I've just paid for this Lytaloy lamp bracket!
Getting there now.

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That's nice too. Find some BB cups and it will be a Royal Flush.

By the way, any chance you can take a picture of your Lytaloy axle end on some time? No-one ever takes them that way and it's the only way I can tell if mine matches or not. As I'm currently riding my Hobbs I don't want to have to strip the BB down to find out if the name is stamped inside.

By the way, any chance you can take a picture of your Lytaloy axle end on some time?

Sure, here you go! Would be interested in seeing a picture of yours to compare.

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Thanks @7ven. I've just taken off one crank and took a couple of pictures of mine.

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Hmmm, not sure, mine has more of a definite lip on the inside.

Yes I agree, mine has more of an angle to the hole in the centre. Well its good to know. At some point I will have to take it out at some point and see if there is anything stamped onto it.

Thanks I really appreciate your help.

the photo in the advert suggests another style of axle was available (for the photoshoot)

It was the photo of the Lytaloy axle here that made me think I might have a Lytaloy axle in the first place.

I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and take it out to find out for sure.

Mine looks like the one in photo, yours looks like the one in the advert.

Just received a second Lytaloy lamp bracket in the post. Got the heads up from Peter on the HOB ride that Hilary Stone had one for sale so pounced on it.

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That looks nice. Let me know if you ever hear of a left hand one for sale!

I have finally found the time to take my BB axle out and it turns out to be a Bayliss and Wiley 15. At least that has answered my question. Thanks for going to the trouble of uploading a photo of your Lytaloy example.

Another dream ruined... ;o)

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Another dream ruined... ;o)

No worries, sure one will pop up soon!

Hello - I am in the process of restoring my Mum's Hobbs Ladies Special Model bike, pictures hopefully attached.

I only have the frame and am looking for the best place to source some period parts.

Can anyone help. Many thanks Howard

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That is a nice rare frame to have. You don't see many ladies frames. Nice to have one with the badge at the front too. From the frame number it seems it was built in November 1950 unless I am mistaken.

Have a look here at Browns Catalogue for 1952 to give you an idea of the makes types of accessories available, then keep an eye out on ebay. It is surprising what is still available, although it can take a while to build up a set of parts.

Also have a look at Classic Lightweights for further information on Hobbs of Barbican.