Vic Lyons cycles wandsworth

Just taking a old freddy grubb frame apart and found 'vic lyons cycles wandsworth' written in gold pen on the steerer. Interesting because we are in Wandsworth! Does anyone know anything about him/ his shop? All I could find is that he had something to do with herne hill. Any information would be great it's a really weird coincidence!

Hmm, this thread is already top google hit for vic lyons cycles, good luck!

I did find this hilarious review of Brixton Cycles by a clearly deranged OAP though:
http://recycledbogrollblues.blogspot.com/2009/07/brixton-cycles-oh-mummy-mummy-look.html

He also has a great article on how women's handbags these days are just like the one the gas man used to carry. Fascinating stuff.

And a picture of the back of our very own Teenslain!

http://recycledbogrollblues.blogspot.com/2009/07/london-cycing-campaign-enquiry-about.html

Fox - Thanks for your efforts! Thats all i could find too, i'm gonna have to do some digging.

May be worth speaking to Stratton cycles on Wandsworth, they might have a clue?

And a picture of the back of our very own Teenslain!

http://recycledbogrollblues.blogspot.com/2009/07/london-cycing-campaign-enquiry-about.html

That website is hilarious!

"NO BRAKES "BACK WHEEL JOKER" CYCLIST - HO! HO! HOW UNFUNNY."

tell me about it!

Vic Lyons was the owner of Vic Lyons cycles, a old fashioned bike shop in at 194 Wandsworth Road (just beyond the Polytechnic of the South Bank - now called) and a bit like Strattons used to be mid 1980's. The shop style was like an old ironmongers with unfinished wooden floors, a counter behind which were drawers and boxes of bits and pieces of bike stuff.

Vic Lyons was a old fella even when I frequented his shop between about 1975 and 1982-83 and he ran the shop with his wife (they were possibly a jewish couple).

A tall hippy called Ian Tait (a cross between Jerry Sadowich and Phineas from the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers) took over the shop in the mid 80's and he and his colleague continued to build/sell frames bearing the Vic Lyons brand. I don't think they lasted very long, athough they were a laugh.

The site at 194 Wandsworth Road is still a bike shop but is now called Southbank Cycles.

Cheers.

I came across the LFGSS forum when Googling Lyons Bikes. A 2009 posting by PatChurch refers to finding "Vic Lyons cycles Wandsworth" on the steerer of an old bike.
My grandfather bought a bike in from a maker called Lyons in London in 1897. It seems possible - even likely - that this is the same maker (possibly Vic Lyons' father?). My grandfather's diary entry does not give the full address of the shop. It reads "Went to Baker Street by bus and managed to find Lyons, East Road fairly easily". (The shop was still open at 8 o'clock on Christmas Eve!).
Baker Street is not near Wandsworth, and the nearest East Road I can find is 3-4 miles from Baker Street.
The bike was made for him. He specified Fleuss tyres. He seems to have had considerable problems with it. Not long after he had it, the rear frame collapsed. He was understandably upset about this. However, he seems to have got over his ensuing threat never to have anything further to do with Lyons, as the bike was rebuilt. He had further problems with the chain among other things when he took it to Ripon. It is interesting to note that he was able to get new parts sent within a day or two, even back in 1898. I have further anecdotes gleaned from his diary if anyone is interested. I would myself be interested if anyone can let me have any more info about Lyons.
Incidentally, he and his brother were keen cyclists. The diary records that they rode from Ramsbury to Bristol (and back) to visit an aunt, and his brother cycled both ways between London & Ramsbury, London & Torquay, and London & Cambridge to visit my grandfather. (No smooth surfaced roads in those days). My own cycling days effectively ended when I left school.

Strange how you find things. Just finished reading a book about Tom Simpson and generally wasting time on google when I came across this forum post. The location of Vics shop is on a previous answer. I worked there for a few years as a Saturday/holiday job in the early 60s and the shop was just how it was described. Vic fought in the 8th army during the war, was married with 2 children and lived in Morden Surrey - if my memory serves me correct. His brother [Harry?] had a shop in the North Cheam area, maybe Sutton Common Road. To my knowledge he didn't make many frames and he certainly didn't make them in Wandsworth Road. My track iron was a Freddie Grubb - maybe the same one!!!
I have a photo of Vic somewhere and if I can find it I'll post it here if that's possible.
The shop was a mecca for us local cyclists.
Glad I found IFGSS if only for these memories.

Vic Lyons
Very strange how you find things! I wanted to put a fix on my old Ken Bird but didnt think you could get the parts to fit Campag Record LFQR's. So I google bits and peices and ended up on this site with a Vic Lyons thread. I know exactly where his shop was because I used to hang around it all the time. Normally when Mike Ed was working there. Vic made me a frame which was magic and when I got a Lambretta (mod) I sold the VL to a 34th Nomad member. Anyway I have been right down memory lane and now I just have to get out on me bike more. Gissa shout please Mike.

Here's a shout - SHOUT.
Tell me bit about yourself and I'l go down memory lane as well - see what we can remember.
Mike

Mike
Rode a tricycle in the yard with you, an A S Gllott later, then a Vic Lyons then a Benley 125. Down to the Chequers most nights after school for training. 34th Nomads at Hern Hill but I hated track bikes . Thought that they were dangerous and for 'big boys'. Throwing yer bike over the line when you were already flat out and strapped in!!! A few people left some tender bits around that track. Eric Moor was one of the worst offenders for leaning on you about 50m from the finish line and 50 kph. There is a picture of Gordon Hayman from Fentiman on the 34th Nomads gallery page, have you seen it? If any of that made sense then I know you are who I think you are. If you need more I am andrew somerville from 26, Coronation Buildings.
Get in touch and I will come and see you. I am new on this site and dont know how to contact you off piste so to speak.
andy
Mean anything?

You can't believe how many times I've tried to find you online thru all these sites. Thought you'd passed or something. I assume you are still riding a bike. I got on one for the first time in 30 years this week. I don't have any contact with anyone from the buildings and would just love to meet up with you. Going to be a problem right now - I'm in Southern Florida but will be back in the uk next January. Let me have a contact email if you're comfortable and I'll expand.
Mike

^ great story! This is why this forum is great!

Mike
Ive not passed yet! Im staying this side of the grass for a while longer. I ride a bike to strengthen my legs in general and I get some good miles in sometimes. Still got the Ken Bird and I bought a Colnago a while back. Was going to change to a fixed cog for winter just like the old days but didnt know there was so much fuss about fixed wheel.
I need to strengthen my legs because of all my old motorcyce injuries. They really slow you down as you knock on a bit. andy.somerville7@btinternet.com. Likewise with trying to contact you. Look forward to it. Are you still in South London?

Yes I agree. The problem is when you're 68 and you are getting a desire to get back on a bike. I've spent the last couple of days checking out all options. Don't know whether to try a folding bike or a regular one. Of course I'm looking at some of these modern bikes which are made with the latest materials. Just beautiful but I can't help thinking - this is going to end in tears.

Andy
I'll contact you. I've just remembered that you drove that vw into a wall in battersea and busted yourself up some.

JB
Do you think we could make a film of it? My eyes misted when I read your comment.....it was lovely. Thing is until this happened I was a strict non believer in sites like this. So.....this must be a goodun.
If anyone knows where my old Vic Lyons racer is Id be happy to take it back for a price.... It had my name in transfers on the top tube.
Cheers now, nice to meet you JB

For any of you who have followed this and may be interested. Andy and me were good childhood friends. Both good club riders with the 34th nomads and generally had a lots of fun. I guess we started to go our own way when we left school and after I married in 69 moved away, I only saw him once since. I started looking to make contact a few years back but could find no trace on the usual sites. The rest is history thanks to this thread on a Vic Lyons frame. He's gotta be looking down. Thanks pat church. I'm overseas at the moment but when I get back home these two old friends will be meeting up and talking ourselves to death.

My pleasure guys this is so awesome.

Thanks for the great read :)

Internet WIN!

LFGSS WIN!

Merr Christmas!

Our pleasure ALL. Its good to talk.
Have a great Christmas.