Browning Trials Unit - Built by Swallow

[one-eyed_jim]

This 1990 review of a Browning road bike mentions that the frames and stems were being manufactured by Bob Wade at Swallow Frames in Essex:

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-...view-1990-michael-browning-first-edition.html

Bob Wade is still in the industry:

https://www.bicycles-by-design.co.uk/about-us/

Worth following up?

 

[retrobikeguy]

This 1990 review of a Browning road bike mentions that the frames and stems were being manufactured by Bob Wade at Swallow Frames in Essex:

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-...view-1990-michael-browning-first-edition.html

I think you've done it!

seat tube decal and top tube signature are both there they even use the same sleeved style seat tube

I'm gonna have to drop them an equiry

That's not a crack developing under the seat cluster sleeve, is it?

looks odd doesnt it, but I checked when I got the frame and its solid on the inside ..... phew

Massive smile in hope that we have finally found the builder of this frame

 

[retrobikeguy]

Nearly 3 years later and I have an update.

During the succesful turnout at York Cycle Rally I met A chap on the Bicycles by design stand by the Name of Peter Bird, he has now confirmed that the Browning in question was in fact built by him at Swallow and they built 10 in total, he was very supprised to hear this had been bought from Germany but pleased to see a 30 plus year old bike still going, even if the fork is a bit tired.

Mystery solved

 

[raidan73]

Awesome mate. Great to get confirmation finally