List of British frame manufacturers / UK frame builders

Blog started by Rotrax. Got some lovely track frames for sale:
http://rotraxcycles.wordpress.com/

I've got a made to measure road frame built for me by Ellis Briggs. Nice frame, still going strong after about 25 years.
That's a name I haven't heard in a long time. I grew up not far from that shop, their steel road bikes were always beautiful.

Ok we didn't have anything at the time but now we have a small section dedicated to fixed bikes.

Paul

What about Roberts? I've seen some freaking nice builds from these guys, and always a super high quality finish to them.

indeed

a mate of my dads says he has a 1973 condor track frame what are your thoughts will it actually be rideable on the road?

a mate of my dads says he has a 1973 condor track frame what are your thoughts will it actually be rideable on the road?

No, tell him to give it to me.

Seriously though, it should be fine.

a mate of my dads says he has a 1973 condor track frame what are your thoughts will it actually be rideable on the road?

i ride a 1956 holdsworth. probably pretty good.

sweet now do you guys also do mercinary services?

I know they got a bit of a southern slapping earlier on, but stick http://www.wilsoncycles.co.uk/ on the list,pretty please. It's their 60th year this year, and still going strong. I've got three of the buggers, and I'm always back in time to eat me coal Mam!

Roberts and Wilson already in the list, and have been there for quite some time.

But maybe I should structure it in alphabetical order, to lessen confusion.

Should Cotic be on the list? (www.cotic.co.uk)

I know they're not your classic fgss brand, but I've had a roadrat for a year till it was prematurely taken from this world and I'm fairly sure it was British!

Yep. They definitely should be

Are they made in Britain though? I've been searching but can't find any reassurance.

Is this for current/on-going businesses or can we add historical frame builders?

Fuck it, Im adding my tuppence worth! Im trying to find out more about this lot. Well, not more. The link below tells a pretty complete story.

http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/builders/holmes.html

I really want to know if there are many kicking about and get some pictures of full bikes rather than just badges. The reason I ask is that it is my surname and I quite fancy a bike with that on the downtube!

I stumbled across one on ebay recently, that for F&F ended up going for a few quid. I was skint at the time and Im beginging to think i may never see another one.

Are they made in Britain though? I've been searching but can't find any reassurance.

they are made in taiwan. bit pricy for a hybrid IMHO

http://www.hewittbikefitting.co.uk/

Selection of OTP Taiwanese frames or the man in the workshop out the back can custom build you whatever you like.

We like historical frames with our names on ,which is why I am restoring a 1947 lugless Hobbs of Barbican

Ooh. Nice frames. You lucky or rich person.

i have just got an English path frame I can't identify. I was having a funny chat with Mr Teenslain the other night about making up random classic-english-framebuilder type names, and I think this new frame is going to get a made-up decal put on it for a laugh.

Sidney Grubb
Claud Jackson
Harry Roberts
Stan Cooper

that sort of thing.

He he.

get decals saying keith lemon please

I really like the Flying Scot frames and history/reputation (http://www.theflyingscot.com/) , but they do seem to have pretty relaxed geometry until the 70s. Nice for a relaxing pleasure cruise, but not for traffic riding.

BTW - I'm trying to find out if there's a rule of thumb to work out if a vintage frame is likely to be for 27" or 700c. For example, I assume British bikes such as the Flying Scot would use 27" until at least the mid 70s?

I might have missed, and appologies to ga2g (why do I read that as gag2gag) if I did, but did anyone mention Paris frames?
http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/Paris.html

DAWES?

http://www.dawescycles.com/

Is this for current/on-going businesses or can we add historical frame builders?

http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/builders/holmes.html

Current/on-going businesses only I'm afraid.

Paris frames?
http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/Paris.html

Paris is no longer a company that produces cycles. Monty at Condor is one of the originators, but the new Condor Paris Galibier is made in Italy
....as far as I know.

DAWES?

http://www.dawescycles.com/

Although the Dawes company is based in Birmingham, I have no evidence that their bikes are made there (ie. the new series Ti frames); I suspect they are not made in the UK, but will happily change the list if I'm corrected.

I dont know wether this is a re-post. But what about my own beloved Pashley Guv'nor? Ahh Pashley, what a classic British company. One factory and a bunch of people making quality products. Kinda reminds me of Brooks in a way.

I know Pashley make Moultons under license, but I wasn't aware if they made all their bikes here.

If that is the case, they shall definitely be in the list.