Cycling UK Forum

My first Mercian a KOM was purchased in 1983 and is still perfect. I had it resprayed in 2018 so also looks like knew. Unbelievably good value and has done tens of thousands of happy miles. Cheap, no they are not. Expensive, no way. They are fantastic value and if purchased from a US frame builder would cost many times more.

- Andy

Hi All

I dont suppose anyone has a spec sheet or any other design related docs for a pair of T.A. Specialities quill pedals. I am interested in the needle bearings and how these worked to give such a nice smooth feel.
See http://www.my-bicycle-and-i.com/2012/go ... ll-pedals/

Cheers

A.

Thanks - this is all helpful info.

Thanks

Nobody huh...!

Hi All

Does anyone know what happened to the maker of Barelli Pedals (see http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/barelli.html)?

They clearly made a great product and wonder what happened to the company and the team?

Thanks

Arb

Hi All

A few years back I remember that the classic UK component company GB was relaunched by Pashley folks. I am not sure this ever came to anything. Any idea of what happened see http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2011/09/ ... -have.html

Arb

Thanks everyone for your input on this. Really very helpful and much appreciated.

Being a little more specific does anyone know what the typical retail margins are on Brooks saddles as I know they have a RRP and typically I do not see them heavily discounted? The reason I am interested in these is that you would imagine they are more healthy than some other lower end branded parts.



Regards

Arb

Hi All

Can anyone help me understand the basic economics of the bicycle business. In particular, aftermarket bicycle parts and accessories.

Lets take for example a part which retails for 100 pounds in a retail store. How much margin would:

a) the store make
b) the distributor make
c) the manufacturer make

I have seen some estimates discussed but interested in some real life examples (if possible).

Arb

Well a little bit of mystery keeps life interesting.... right..!

Thanks for the active discussion. I could have spent more time polishing the survey and even piloting it. You are all correct on the term vintage. This 'what is vintage' discussion could become its own thread but I chose to be a thief and figured people would not get too hung up.

Below is from Eroica Regulations:

VINTAGE-STYLE or MODERN BUILT BIKES
Vintage-style, steel framed bikes of new or recent construction with vintage look and characteristics may be used only if they are road racing bikes assembled using vintage components or replicated parts similar to the original, as described above.
In particular, if the bikes are inspired by the design of road racing bicycles of the 1970s and 1980s, they must comply with three fundamental rules (a,b,c) regarding shift levers, toe clips and straps, and brake cables.

We could argue about Historical, VIntage, Retro etc ......

I will happily share more when I can and I do promise to publish all the results for anyone so interested.

Cheers...

Well grumpy - I suggest you go for a ride and work it off.

I picked 1987 as that is Eroica entry year as indicated in previous post. The survey perfectly meets my research question and all responses are welcome and valued. Even those who select No to the question on do you own a pre-87 bike.

Thanks to all who are taking the time to respond...Its appreciated.

Hi

I am undertaking some research on vintage bicycles and am trying to develop some baseline information. I have developed a short survey (<2 mins to complete). If you are interested in vintage bikes I would invite you to complete the survey below.

https://goo.gl/xRNxJ5

The survey is in a simple Google Form and is anonymous.

Many thanks

Andy

Hi All

Thanks for all of the replies to the original post. Much appreciated.

The original question was really related to companies who are still manufacturing in the UK not assembling. So for example forging or machining steel parts such as drivetrains, cranks, chainrings etc. I actually asked the Bicycle Association of GB for their list and this is what they helpfully provided. I think you all got most of these.

> Brooks Saddles
> Carradice
> Fibrax Ltd.
> Goodridge (UK) Ltd.
> Hope Technology (IPCO) Ltd.
> Reynolds Technology Ltd.
> Weldtite Products Ltd
> Crud Products
> Lumicycle https://www.lumicycle.com/
> Royce UK http://www.royceuk.co.uk/
> Highpath Engineering https://highpath.co.uk/

When you think about the thousands of companies that once upon a time not only existed in GB but also manufactured locally its definitely a sad state of affairs. I think the pendulum is going to start to swing the other way.

Thanks

Arb

Does anybody have a list of operating U.K. bike part manufacturers (excluding frames?)

Thanks

Andy