For Sale: Bates B.A.R (F+F) up for sale

Classic bates B.A.R up for sale.
I've been riding it as fixed for the last couple of years and it's been great satisfaction. Now big sorrow to see it go.

Original cantiflex frame + diadrant forks. It's got several chips but overall in good condition I would say. I couldn't find when it's from. presumably mid-late 1950s according to its frame number.

Seat tube - 57cm (c-t) / 56cm (c-c)
Top tube - 58cm (c-c)
Rear dropouts width - 120mm
Frame No. - U15804U

Price drop - 300GBP (from 350GBP)

Prefer collection to posted. I'm in N16 or around old street station during daytime (weekdays only). Feel free to contact me if you have further enquiries.

Thanks

5 Attachments

Did the Cantiflex frame tubing and diadrant forks make any real difference to the ride?....I know Hetchins Curly stays were marketing snake oil.....like to know from a user of a Bates.

Allegedly marketing snake oil .....

;0)

Allegedly marketing snake oil .....
;0)

I believe Hetchins admitted as much before he died....it was a gimmick that worked...but if someone here hand on heart says a 'curly rear stay' improved the ride....i would be interested to know.....but there must be more to the Cantiflex idea.....bearing in mind it was a special variant of 531 tubing.....again i would like to know users experiences of riding Bates frames with Cantiflex tubing and Driadent forks.

It is a beautiful frame and a piece of architectural/sporting history and i love them...just want to know if the theory behind the tubing works......so bump.

Did the Cantiflex frame tubing and diadrant forks make any real difference to the ride?....I know Hetchins Curly stays were marketing snake oil.....like to know from a user of a Bates.

As far as I know Cantiflex frame was to improve structural rigidity without weight penalty and diadrant fork to absorb road shock more efficiently. To be honest it is very hard for me to tell the difference. Sorry to let you down. And thanks for your interests.

On the contrary dear chap....you have answered my question.

I've heard that the Hetchin's stays were to make the frames recognisable in races where manufacturers' decals were regarded as advertising and therefore prohibited.

I've heard that the Hetchin's stays were to make the frames recognisable in races where manufacturers' decals were regarded as advertising and therefore prohibited.

Hetchin's was a smart chap.....since then some have tried to give the curly stays kudos and qualities that don't merit.....yes they look nice but they won't help you go faster....they look distinctive and sets you apart from the crowd.

Another bump for a lovely frame.

Price drop
now 300 GBP for F+F

I had a Bates BAR up until recently and found it a pretty stiff ride for the frame's age (1950s).
For reference I also have a modern Condor road bike and a track frame I use on the road.
I have a article from a 1980s cycling weekly magazine (written by Hilary Stone!) that compared a BAR with a contemporary bike and the conclusion was that the frame could still mix it.

Another bump
Will accept sensible offers

Last bump
Otherwise it will be moved to ebay