Frame identification - possible MKM Ultimate?

[shushuwheels]

Hi,

I have just bought a bike frame from another forum and I believe it may be an MKM Ultimate and was hoping there may be an expert lurking on here that can confirm or deny!

It has round to aero profile tubes (top tube, down tube and seat tube).

It has internal cable routing.

Track ends with derailleur hanger.

An integrated rear brake - I think this is very unusual! It seems the nut or bolt assembly of the rear brake is brazed into the frame - perhaps aero reasons?

I'm thinking it could be a special order MKM Ultimate - or perhaps one that has been later modified?

It was found in the Yorkshire area, and fitted with Campagnolo record bottom bracket, headset, and the cobalto brakes.

 

[vcballbat]

Interesting frame, looks like it could be built in Reynolds 531 Speedstream with double taper seat stays, does it have a frame number..?

 

[shushuwheels]

Hi, yes please see pic attached

 

[vcballbat]

Does this take a smaller front wheel..? I have a Raleigh SBDU built in Reynolds 753 with oval to round tubes into lugs.

 

[ferrus]

I think this might be a later Steve Elsworth Ultimate, built after his MKM days.
Struggling to find any info online but there is this. Shame the original advert and pic’s are dead :
https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/steve-elsworth-mkm-f-f.375806/

 

[shushuwheels]

Hi, no it takes a standard 700c front wheel.

Ah ok Ferrus - I know very little of MKM and wasn't aware there were Ultimates built after their demise.

You can see a pic and read the description at the link below:

https://picclick.co.uk/Rare-Vintage-1970s-STEVE-ELSWORTH-MKM-TT-Columbus-253220591984.html

 

[Old Ned]

There were some built in Liverpool after the demise of MKM in Harrogate but not sure who by. I must admit that this does look like a very late build with the concealed cables - but are they a later addition? The removal of the DT lever boss looks a bit crude and the cable accesss holes in the TT and chainstay also appear a bit 'rough'. Not seen an Ultimate in 'aero' tubing either. and the rear facing dropouts look relatively modern in comparison to ones I've seen. There was a dedicated MKM website a little while ago. Is it still running?

Edit - yes it is -

https://www.mkm-cycles.co.uk/history

 

[bagpuss]

Here is the Sun Manx tt earlier version from the late 1940's / early 1950's . I have owned this one since 2007 , quite rare with track style rear drop outs .

Sun ManxTT 1951 .Fn SL62 by rebalrid, on Flickr

Sun Manx tt. by rebalrid, on Flickr

 

[Midlife]

I'm sure this frame has cropped up before somewhere.....

 

[Nob]

There’s the Harrison that’s on Hilary Stones website