[CR]MKM frames

(Example: Production Builders:Pogliaghi)

From: "Norris Lockley" <Norris.Lockley@btopenworld.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2004 10:48:14 +0100
Subject: [CR]MKM frames

Don't throw away that vintage MKM, Dave, as it could be a very useful and well-made piece of kit !

The CR entry about MKM teels much of the story, but the company in the early 70s also built a considerable number of OEM frames for various American lightweight shops. I even saw a RIGI copy being produced there for an American customer. One of the benchmark models, an "Ultimate" in track form guise, has just sold on UK Ebay for the derisory sum of £100. I thought that someone in the States would have spotted it.

MKM's master-builder, Steve Elsworth was an exceptional craftsman, and probably the finest builder of bronxe-welded frames that I have ever seen. Perfection guaranteed every time.

Derel Wilburn's frame, in the Archive,appears to be the "Dominator" model, judging by the shot-in seat stays, but this was an option on any frame, for an extra $5.50, but in later years this included a reinforcement plate brazed to the rear of the seat tube, to spread any load from the seat-stay joint. The lugs on Derel's frame were a popular choice too, but sometimes had 6mm holes drilled in the small protruding "tab" on the head-lug. Derel's frame would have cost, made to measure, about $175 in 1980.

As for renovating your frame, Dave, there's no problemes with the transfers. Derel's decals are early models, but the later ones are available from :- http://www.lloydcycles.co.uk.

if anyone on the List is interested in obtaining an MKM I think that a friend of mine is being forced to sell off several of his machines including a 23" quality MKM, due to his moving home to the outer islands of Scotland. Contact me off-List if you're interested.

Norris Lockley .. from an unduly sunny, but cold .. but who's grumbling (?)Settle, UK