For Sale: Bates Volante Track Frame c1950

This is a stunning Volante track frame set built with Bates patented Cantifllex tubing – this is a larger diameter in the centre of each of the three main tubes and builds a really responsive stiff frame and together with the registered design Diadrant forks and attractive hand cut lugs,make a very distinctive frame.
23" seat tube 22" top tube-I'll need to double check these dimensions along with the rear spacing tonight.
No mudguard fittings but it is drilled for a rear brake,either could be altered easily when it is painted.
It came to me with at least two coats of hammerite,so I had it bead blasted by a frame builder to check for structural problems,but it is in excellent condition.



More ifo. can be found here
http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/builders/bates2.html

£295ono collected from Near Wembly or Mill Hill (NW7)

whats the story with those forks? google turned up a lot of pictures, but not a lot of explanation for the design?

http://www.futurecycles.org/2009/08/racing-debut/

The bicycle was a Bates BAR (now quite sort after) and the unusual front forks, called “Diadrant”, were supposed to absorb road shock. The gearing was 81″

I'm really very interested - f-a-b lugs - but those rear ends don't look quite right - do you have some close ups please?

Thank you

looks like another add. priced too cheaply lol,sold subject to collection

nice one - lovely frame mate - if it wont go let me know I am interested too.

Is the frame still for sale?

PM'd

Hi toomanycakestops, beerqut, mig, michael, do you still have the Speedwell titanium you got off Retrobike? I'd like to buy it if you have.

Thanks

Gary

Hi,
Bates sold as per earlyer post,Speedwell not for sale,sorry

Seems that's not quite true..
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?p=953949#953949

Perfectly true,I "swapped" the speedwell for a bigger one and it isn't for sale

whats the story with those forks? google turned up a lot of pictures, but not a lot of explanation for the design?

Back in the day, it was illegal to brand the name on the bike such that it was visible to other people. It was thought of as unpaid advertising and so bike manufactureres incorporated designs like these into their frames that were as distinctive as a name on the side.

In case anyone cares, my understanding of the idea behind the Diadrant front forks was that having two bends in the blades instead of the single curve that every other conventional bike has was as follows: the soaking up shocks ability of front forks happens not on the straight bit, but at the bend. So having two bends means twice the soaking up. Not convinced myself, as I've not noticed any difference. But hasn't stopped me liking Bates. I'm of the view, as expressed above, that it showed the frame maker without having to write the name. I've seen two other frames of this pattern: all three share identical lugwork and the same Chaler track ends, so yes, the ones in the fotos are original.