Woodrup's are masters of temptation

[vernon]

I called in at Woodrup's today to buy some tyres for my tourer and asked about the readiness of their flagship belt drive Rohlhoff drive, Hope hubbed S&S coupled framed tourer - I've been promised a test ride and it's almost ready. They are waiting for the frame to come back from being painted.

To whet my appetite further I was granted a second visit to their inner sanctum where there's some very tasty bikes being brazed up. Some of them are lugless a couple of them have been commissioned using supplied nervex lugs and there's a new prototype road bike frame with some polished stainless steel fittings to set it off which will become their top of the range road frame.

I was willing to contemplate the Rolhoff being my n+1 but I've now spotted n+2.

I still am managing to identify them as 'wants' rather than 'needs' but my resolve is weakening.

Excuse the redundant apostrophe in the title.

 

[Baggy]

there's a new prototype road bike frame with some polished stainless steel fittings to set it off which will become their top of the range road frame.

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[vernon]

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Neat stainless steel additions on the frames are some raised ridges to prevent cable rub on the paint work, a Maurice Woodrup (the founder) headbadge and other bits and bobs.

The bike should be finished in time to display at the York Cycle Show.

 

[Baggy]

Shame they won't be coming to the Bath hand built bike show, I'd have more chance of getting to see it there. You'll have to take some pics!

 

[vernon]

Woodrup's have a long and illustrious past that I was unaware of. I unearther the link when trying to find details of Kevin Sayle - a frame builder that worked for Steve Woodrup until 1999 and who's returned to the fold after a 10 year gap.

A bit more digging revealed that the gap was due to him working for Thorn Cycles until they stopped producing hand built frames.

He has a flickr site showing some of his handiwork.

HR Morris and 953 Maurice Woodrup galleries have pictures of the frames that I was referring to.

Steve and Kevin are both unassuming blokes who clearly know their stuff but don't trade on their past glories.

 

[Baggy]

Just look at that headtube. I've spent too much time hanging round on classic lightweights for my own good, so am aware of the history - but I didn't know they were still in business. The fact they are, and that the craftsmanship is of such a high standard is heartening.

In 2 years it will be the 10 year anniversary of my return to cycling, maybe I should start saving for a little pressie...

 

[vernon]

Just look at that headtube. I've spent too much time hanging round on classic lightweights for my own good, so am aware of the history - but I didn't know they were still in business. The fact they are, and that the craftsmanship is of such a high standard is heartening.

In 2 years it will be the 10 year anniversary of my return to cycling, maybe I should start saving for a little pressie...

The head tube looks even nicer on the almost completed frame. The frame shop was full of mouthwatering stuff and Kevin was more than happy to chat about the work in hand. I was not aware of his history at the time.

I feel privileged to be invited to inspect their wares though it's also an excellent act of salesmanship on Steve Woodrup's part - sowing the seeds of desire......

I suspect that I will be making a purchase before you

 

[danphoto]

S&S coupled framed tourer

Pardon my ignorance but ... S&S coupled framed?

 

[Fnaar]

Pardon my ignorance but ... S&S coupled framed?

http://www.bikyle.com/s_&_s_couplers.htm