Beautiful fork rake

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Bates?

Interesting fact, the reason for bates/Hitchens/flying gate was British time trial bikes couldn’t have decals on the frame at some point so it was made do distinguish their brand.

Diadrant forks and the "vibrant" rear triangle were meant to confer a mechanical advantage too :)

https://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/classic_builders/bates-cycles/bates-cycles-3-diadrant-forks/

The initial design – which was advertised as the Diadrant fork in Cycling of December 1935 – was in fact quite different to the type we know now and was changed apparently because the early prototype fell foul of existing patents held by Dunelt.

They wanted a unique look

This was a vital point for marketing in an age where brand advertising on racing cyclists’ clothing was banned by the organising body.

For this reason

Same as any marketing, they’ll tell you why it’s better like the l shaped cranks…

Remember to remember your roots, folks.

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Anyone ever seen these forks before?
They're carbon apparently.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175671610582?

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Made by the company who claims to have been the first to do both aluminium and carbon frames. Didn't know they were Italian...

The first claim can't be right, I've seen a real vintage ally bike, 30s I think.

Anyway, it looks 15 years old or so... if it was a no-name brand it would probably deserve a question mark over it, but there's a good chance Alan had enough experience by then to make it durable. Probably has an ally steerer and crown, be surprised if it's under 500g.

they were Italian...

No way! I wonder how you pronounce it?

I always assumed

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Couple of mine, pre-war.

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Now that’s just mean ;(

Still beautiful just need a bit of love.