1950's W F Holdsworth Cyclone.

[Illaveago]

I have just acquired this Holdsworth Cyclone from my BIL. We did a straight swap. I swapped my Holdsworth Avanti 501 for it . My BIL rescued it from a neighbours garden where it was left out in all the elements. It is a 24 inch model . A bit ouchy in the undercarriage department for my BIL . I can manage a 24.5 inch without any problems so it should be okay.
I think the bike is from the mid 50's, it has a frame number stamped into the LH rear dropout, 1**?46 I think, just going from memory . I know it begins with 1 and ends in 46 the other numbers are indistinct.
The bike is not in original condition as it has Weinmann side pull brakes from the 80's, the gears are Simplex , a long cage version at the rear. I think it was fitted to cope with the dinner plate rear sprocket. It is a bit hilly where the bike came from .
I have just started cleaning up the bike today and have started to de rust the cranks and some sections of the frame which is suffering from a lot of patina, rust.

 

[biggs682]

That's a good looking bike but needs a period fr lamp bracket

 

[Paulus]

Lovely bike, but definitely for a tall person.

 

[Illaveago]

Here are some more pictures of my bike before I started work on it.

 

[biggs682]

Nice lugs and box lining

 

[Illaveago]

I was just doing a bit of research . The latest date for the bike would appear to be 1954/55. The use of a metal head badge and the fact that it hasn't got Nervex Professional lugs would narrow it down to those years .
The rear dropout is made for the Cyclo Benelux derailleur .
The box lining has been done very well. The rear stays also have been done and show the skill of the person who did it . It seems a shame that the lugs weren't also picked out as the intricate shapes are lost in amongst the dark colour of the frame . There is some evidence of the fork crown being picked out in white but as far as I can see the lugs don't seem to have been .

 

[midlife]

Nice . There's a thread on Retrobike about dating Holdsworth bikes with a database of numbers. Post it on there and I'm sure someone will know exactly what it is

 

[Illaveago]

Nice . There's a thread on Retrobike about dating Holdsworth bikes with a database of numbers. Post it on there and I'm sure someone will know exactly what it is

Do I have to sign up to go on there ?

 

[Illaveago]

I finished cleaning it today and assembled it with a borrowed rear wheel and chain . I then took it for a 6 mile test ride this afternoon .
The weather is lovely and sunny but windy.
The bike feels light and agile but highly geared despite having a 46 tooth chainring. I can see why the previous owner had a dinner plate rear sprocket. Not sure if the wind was making it feel that way or if my legs were feeling weak. The saddle felt a little bit low. I could only use the top 5 gears of the 6 speed as the wheel isn't dished for this bike. The Cyclo Benelux mount has moved the rear mech out.
The ride went well. I seem to fit it quite well despite it being a large frame , I can just touch the ground with my toes whilst sat on the saddle, even after raising it another half inch. Length wise it feels just fine, I didn't find that I had to keep changing my riding position.
I will have to carry out a few more test rides.

 

[Ian H]

The fashion was for large frames in those days.

 

[biggs682]

Do I have to sign up to go on there ?

It's like here o KY if you want to comment

 

[T4tomo]

Nice . There's a thread on Retrobike about dating Holdsworth bikes with a database of numbers. Post it on there and I'm sure someone will know exactly what it is

https://nkilgariff.com/

no need to go via retrobike.....

I've linked to the home page - click the frame number link etc etc....

 

[Illaveago]

https://nkilgariff.com/

no need to go via retrobike.....

I've linked to the home page - click the frame number link etc etc....

Until I take the front forks out I won't be able to find the complete frame number. I have looked on that site and the head badge and lugs point to 1954 -55.