VeloFellow54
Old School Hero
Certainly makes me wonder about the connection between Mavic & AVA given the advertisement.
Clearly there were a number of French & Italian companies selling into the UK before WW2 and soon after. Despite the huge popularity of cycling here at that time, UK manufacturers appear to have been very slow to take on board the trends coming from the continent. TDF appeared to have driven development of lightweight bikes and components - and after Desgrange lifted the ban on gears, the development of the derailleur which we were slow to adopt (I think thatb it was a Frenchman who started Cyclo in the 30's). I am almost certain that no British rider co0mpeted in the TDF until the 50's. I may be wrong but can only think of Constrictor as a manufacturer of lightweight alloy rims (and tubs also - I have one of these which I suspect dates pre WW2). Were there any alloy stems being made here before the war ? I feel sure that someone out there will know, and perhaps post some information.
Clearly there were a number of French & Italian companies selling into the UK before WW2 and soon after. Despite the huge popularity of cycling here at that time, UK manufacturers appear to have been very slow to take on board the trends coming from the continent. TDF appeared to have driven development of lightweight bikes and components - and after Desgrange lifted the ban on gears, the development of the derailleur which we were slow to adopt (I think thatb it was a Frenchman who started Cyclo in the 30's). I am almost certain that no British rider co0mpeted in the TDF until the 50's. I may be wrong but can only think of Constrictor as a manufacturer of lightweight alloy rims (and tubs also - I have one of these which I suspect dates pre WW2). Were there any alloy stems being made here before the war ? I feel sure that someone out there will know, and perhaps post some information.