For Sale: Restored Classic Holdsworth Cyclone Fixed Wheel Racing Bike 1948/9

I'm posting this on behalf of my dad, who did the (very careful) restoration. I offered to try it on here and see if anyone's interested. It's not cheap though - he wanted £699 to recoup the costs of the restoration. Advice on price is welcome though, as are comments on the bike itself. Needless to say it's a beautiful bike.

The bike is in Sheffield, but I'm in London so I'm sure we could sort out a way to get it down here.

If anyone falls in love with this and has that kind of money I'll put them in touch with my dad directly. He's just set off on a cycling trip so won't be able to reply for a week or so.

Dominic

Here is his description:

Restored Classic Holdsworth Cyclone Fixed Wheel Racing Bike 1948/9

I got this frame three years ago and decided to rebuild the whole bike using "period" parts. The frame was resprayed exactly as it was, including box lining, by Argos Cycles in Bristol. The year of manufacture was deduced from the Classic Lightweights and Holdsworth history websites. The parts I have collected since and all are the same vintage except for chain, fixed wheel sprocket, tyres and spokes. The Williams chainwheel and seat pillar have been rechromed. This bike is classy, light and great to ride. However, I live in hilly Sheffield, am not getting any younger and have no room for show bikes. So, reluctantly, it is up for sale.

Details are:

22.5" frame, number 9865, cobalt blue with red seatpost panel, box lining, period W over F Holdsworth transfers and Worthy head badge. Chromed fork crown. Sculptured seat stay tops and "pencil" stays. Bottom bracket cluster with short spear design. Bayliss Wiley bottom bracket. Oil holes in bottom bracket and head tube. Light bracket on front fork. Pump brackets on down tube.

49 tooth Williams chainwheel and cranks (rechromed), Allez alloy pedals, new 1/8" chain and 28 tooth fixed wheel sprocket.

27x1 1/4" Weinmann alloy rims. Rear hub is alloy Pelissier Modele Plume (36 hole). Front hub is chromed and similar shape but un-named (32 hole). New tyres are Continental Ultra 27x 1 1/8". Brass or zinc (?) wing nuts.

Brake calipers are alloy GB Hiduminium. Brake levers are Mafac with half rubber hoods (in excellent condition).

90 mm Pivo stem. 35cm (mid ends) alloy handlebars.

Seat post is domed and newly chromed. Saddle is Pryma (made in France) brown leather.

The price reflects the respray cost and market rate for these rare parts. Cash or cheque welcome.

Can view and collect from north west Sheffield or I can deliver within reason. Postage by courier can also be arranged.

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Some more pictures:

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Sorry, realized the pictures he sent me are way too small. I'll have to re-post with better pictures when I can get some from him.

.....I have to admit 'tis certainly a nice restoration but whilst a most desireable frame I feel the sum of the period components that complete the rebuild may make your price a little optimistic, not wishing to offend but I think your best chance of getting your costs recovered is to aim it at the US/Japanese eBay market, here in the UK restoration value often exceeds current market resale value (....unless it's a curly Hetchins or Paris Galibier etc.)

Hi, this is a message for Dominic, albeit 8 years later!
I am restoring my dads 1948 Holdsworth Cyclone and would be keen to find out where he obtained the decals on the seat tube and the box lining. Also who did the paint.
Thanks in advance for any help anyone can give.
Neil

The frame was resprayed exactly as it was, including box lining, by
Argos Cycles in Bristol

Mario Vaz would be a cheaper London option - but quality of Argos is pretty ace. https://www.facebook.com/Vazfinishes/ - you would have to convince him to do the lining - but he has done it for me in the past

This is the dude that does lots of decals - although Argos or Mario would be able to sort them out for you probably.
https://h-lloyd-cycles.myshopify.com/

Thanks for answering for me knowthejo! Yes, Argos was expensive - but it is immaculate. (I now have the bike by the way - keeping it to remember my dad who died two years ago.)

Ha - sorry! Just saw post was 8 years old and didn’t know if you were still axtuge

Thanks knowthejo for stepping in with a prompt answer.

Thanks also Dominic for the report on Argos. They were recommended to be by a well known vintage parts supplier. I had in fact already spoken to them and will probably use them despite the high cost.
Sorry to hear that your dad passed away and I agree that the bike will be a great way to remember him. In fact that is exactly what I shall be doing with my one which my dad bought new in 1948 (frame no 9884).
Do you know whether the decals your dad used were on plastic film or "water float" type?
It would be amazing to get these two bikes side by side one day and take some pics.
In the meantime, you mentioned that you are in London. I am in SW London. Would it be possible to take a look at the bike in person and maybe take a few pics? I understand if you have concerns about security and could meet you somewhere if you are agreeable.
Neil

Best to take this to PM - I'll send a message to you shortly.