[CR] Sun Manx TT & Manxman

(Example: Framebuilders:Pino Morroni)

From: "Mick Butler" <pariscyclesuk@hotmail.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR] Sun Manx TT & Manxman
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 2004 16:59:37 +0000


As far as I am aware what British cyclist's refer to as Manxman's are in fact several models. One of the leading interwar and post-war British fame designers was Fred Parkes of Birmingham. Whose work is seen in equal measure on F.C.P. and Sun machines. When he set about the ultra-short wheelbase problem he solved it by taking the seat-tube away from the bottom bracket and making it meet the down tube several inches nearer the head. The next innovation he added to this design was the use of two vertical struts from the bottom bracket to the seat-tube. This model was produced in either Sun or F.C. Parkes form as the Manx Massed Start. It had a 39" wheelbase and despite its short back triangle, accommodated a mud guarded rear wheel. There was also a Parkes & Sun Manx TT model with the same wheelbase and design. Both circa 1948 and later. The Sun Manxman was produced around the same time. Built to convential design with the added strutted bottom backet It was built with Reynolds 531 tubing and had pencil stays, Continental forks either in full chrome or enamel to match, cut away lugs and the "Strutted Bracket". This consisted of attaching two short stiffening tubes from the chainstays to the seat-tube. It was claimed "the Manxman strutted bracket gives greater rigidity at a vital point and eliminates the WHIP which is present in frames of standard design, exceptionally desirable when Chain Derailleur gears are used". I think I am right in saying that this model was produced right up to the early 1960's. I have a Sun headbadge and a spare set of front forks for this model. Please contact of list. Further reading Bicycle March 30th 1949 article on "Unorthodox Frames. Best wishes and be lucky. Michael Butler Huntingdon UK.