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Bayonet fluted cranks with a Durax chain ring also. I have a number of sets - one with nickel plate (re plated later ?) but most with chrome. In the late 40's early 50's, most makers here were using Gnutti or Williams cranks. A few opted for Durax - particularly Harry 'Spanner' Rensch on his...

This is beginning to read like some social media nonsense. Not really of interest to me. Thanks for the information supplied. It really is appreciated.

Also.....a date for both the Duprat and Durax adverts would be very useful !

Excellent ! I did not think that Duprat and Durax were the same companies. The ad confirms this and I now have something to work with. Prefer Pastis personally ! Simplex became heavily involved with Stronglight This brand came into being in about 1931 when Louis Verot made the first alloy...

I have spent a great deal of time researching French component manufacturers such as Huret and Verot (Stronglight). For me the finest French made cranks came from Durax. I know that they were being offered in the UK as early as 1935 (Baines catalogue) and perhaps much earlier. However, I can...

This photo appears to indicate that she was in London to have this photo taken in August 1942. The stamp on the back seems to be a studio stamp of a photographer in the Strand

The men in the earlier photo look like Free French to me. Even the way they wear those berets seems to indicate this. plus the location. I agree that the 2 women in the photo do not look like her. The photo of EH sporting a Red Cross outfit and cap gives credence to her being a nurse. Her claim...

They appear to be wearing the uniforms of the Free French Forces. The woman at front left could be EH I suppose but the one on the steps looks nothing like her to my eyes. Given her accounts, I cannot see why she would have been a member of the Free French Forces though - but I am no expert in...

Thanks Michael Makes really interesting reading. My frame carries numbers on the bottom bracket and forks : 444 and on the bottom bracket only : 626. I am reasonably certain that it dates from late 1949 / early 1950 based on the components that I think were original to it. It had already been...

Just picked up the thread again. It is a very long time since I was in Stratford. The Leach is still in the queue awaiting re finishing although I have most of the parts i neded to complete it. I have also acquired another one from about 1960 - this time with Nervex pro lugs and it sports some...

Good Evening I also have one of her frames from ca 1949. We have no clear idea of who actually made the frames that she sold. I have been able to re create the original down tube decal that was in use at the time and I also have a number of advertisements from the time of her 1952 epic ride and...

More on Helyett : I have only recently learned that Helyett Cycles are being manufactured (albeit as limited editions) again in France. There is plenty of information on line about this. This was partly to commemorate 100 years since the formation of Helyett in 1919. The limited edition bike on...

Attention all Holdsworth owners ! I am trying to find images of the correct top tube decals that Holdsworth used before about 1955. Those that are commercially available may not be correct for this period. I have 2 projects in hand for 1954 Holdsworth frames. The correct decal for 'Zephyr' is...

Interesting reading this. I may mount a set of the decals (and obtain the others that I can get) and let the Tony Bush at the VCC have them. That way there will be an accurate record for future reference. I suppose that the shop is under the tarmac now as part of the one way system that goes...

Forgot to ask. Which Ray ? - Ray Etherton ?

No - another contact of mine has a pile of the decals - plus some others that are of a different style. I think that Bates acquired them when Bill Leach packed up - and he got them from Bates (not certain of this though) I bought 2 sets. Never applied varnish fix though - so I will probably mess...

I understand that the Nervex lugs used on the 'Speciale' frames were special supply and not used elsewhere. I am reasonably sure that Helyett disappeared when Gitane bought them. Anquetil won the TDF 3 times on a Speciale and twice on a Gitane (I think ?)

This scan has been made through the tissue carrier paper - which is why the image is a little 'milky'. These are original decals - not reproductions

Re: By way of an update on the Leach Marathon : I have slowly been accumulating period correct parts for this one and am almost there. I am working on 1948/9 as a date for this. and have most of what I need to complete the project. Fortunately I have been able to source original Leach Marathon...

Frame 1422 is documented as July 1959 - so that would indicate that yours is of similar date. My advice : Take the forks to a specialist paint supplier. They will scan and match the colour perfectly for you. Cost you about £25-30 for more paint than you will ever need. Clean up the bad areas -...