Curly Hetchins. Frame only. With provenance.

[Sir Neil d'Menture]

A nice detailed history, buf look at the price

One bike I'd like to own but, apart from the price, I don't have the knowledge, patience, skill or spare parts to get it back on the road.
Not sure I'd ride it if I had it, and have no intention of going anywhere near Eroica - ever.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/13483541...tHP3S0nRW2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[Gtpulse]

Nice! Way before my time but a marque I did get to know well through my late grandfather. It is a fair wedge but in some ways building that up wouldn’t be that difficult. Assuming the bottom bracket and headset that are on it are serviceable. I’d go flip flop hub single speed probably what it had originally. Maybe a Chater Lea chainset, Cinelli bars/stem, a set of 27” wheels and some brakes you’re away. That little shopping list probably as much as the frame is though!

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

That seller always puts telephone number prices on his stuff. Think grannie gear for the road.

 

[Sir Neil d'Menture]

That seller always puts telephone number prices on his stuff. Think grannie gear for the road.

But nowadays they are very niche bikes. Good to ride if you have plus fours and a deer stalker hat.

 

[Foreigner]

No provenance on mine, in fact the serial numbers are missing as dropouts and fork steerer look like were replaced. Regardless of that, VCC marque experts put it into 1950s built. I don't really care, it rides really nicely and with tough rubbers, bar end shifters and mudguards it makes for a perfect winter bike. And why not, at less than 1/3 of above frame only price

 

[Sir Neil d'Menture]

There were copies made by other manufacturers. Maybe curly stays were the biopace rings of that era.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/22589727...tHP3S0nRW2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[Foreigner]

There were copies made by other manufacturers. Maybe curly stays were the biopace rings of that era.

Not really, they were developed to distinguish builders due to strict rules in England prohibiting name badges to be displayed. They are apparently some vibration dampening qualities to them too, similar to Bates diadrand forks . CT Wallis used both curly stays and Bates type forks.

 

[Sir Neil d'Menture]

Name badges were banned? Tell me more.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

If a frame was supplied for amateur racing no advertising was allowed. As I understand it @bagpuss @3wheeler7 @Foreigner and others are more knowledgeable.

 

[Sir Neil d'Menture]

If a frame was supplied for amateur racing no advertising was allowed.

Yes, but badges could still be on "normal" bikes. Or is my memory wrong?