Mike Kowal

[MissyR]

I have a friend building me a bike up as I do love the look of old steel bike. Apparently it's a Mike Kowal Reynolds 531 (he thinks) I've been trying to find out as much as possible about the builder etc but the web isn't throwing much up. So, I thought you guys might be able to help tell me some things about Mr Kowal and some pictures of his bikes/frames would be nice.

 

[midlife]

http://www.classicrendezvous.com/British_isles/Kowal_Mike.htmhtm

I guess you started here?

Shaun

 

[Hugh Manatee]

I have two! When building actual frames, he was based in a unit in a little place called Weeford on the A5 close to Lichfield. I think it was a victim of the Birmingham Northern Relief Road. He brazed the frames together and his wife did all the painting including some rather nice air brushing on mine.

 

[biggs682]

I have two! When building actual frames, he was based in a unit in a little place called Weeford on the A5 close to Lichfield. I think it was a victim of the Birmingham Northern Relief Road. He brazed the frames together and his wife did all the painting including some rather nice air brushing on mine.

You learn something new everyday on cycle chat

 

[MissyR]

I have two! When building actual frames, he was based in a unit in a little place called Weeford on the A5 close to Lichfield. I think it was a victim of the Birmingham Northern Relief Road. He brazed the frames together and his wife did all the painting including some rather nice air brushing on mine.

Oooh nice do you have some pictures I can drool over

 

[Hugh Manatee]

@MissyR I will get you some at the weekend. The road bike is hung up in the garage and the fixed is sat on the rollers and therefore missing a wheel!

 

[Hugh Manatee]

Here is your first serving @MissyR This is the fixed gear I had built. It was meant for short rides hence only one set of bottle cage bosses. I know it has no bar tape. This is one job I both hate and can't do very well. I'm waiting for the chance to get it to the LBS. I have tried to pick up come of the paint details but this was only ever meant as a cheaper training bike. It has Columbus tubing.

 

[Hugh Manatee]

And another.

 

[MissyR]

So I got some updated pics of the bike.... getting excited!! Should be ready next week Just waiting on a shorter quill and the new chainset.

 

[stevevw]

Real nice that.

 

[uphillstruggler]

Good colour.

 

[kennylands]

Literally just stumbled on this thread - I think I may have bought a Kowal. How can I check? It was built for Geoff Smith's shop (is badged as such) and Geoff seems to think it might have been on of Mike's builds.
Details of the bike are here - https://forum.cyclinguk.org/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=119023
Frame and forks are stamped 8163 if that helps!
cheers
Richard

 

[biggs682]

Literally just stumbled on this thread - I think I may have bought a Kowal. How can I check? It was built for Geoff Smith's shop (is badged as such) and Geoff seems to think it might have been on of Mike's builds.
Details of the bike are here - https://forum.cyclinguk.org/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=119023
Frame and forks are stamped 8163 if that helps!
cheers
Richard

Pic please

 

[midlife]

Pic please

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=377462

 

[biggs682]

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=377462

Thanks @midlife