Re: [CR]Hetchins on eBay

(Example: History:Norris Lockley)

From: "Michael Francis Butler" <michaelbutler@fastmail.fm>
To: stevem@mail.nonlintec.com
Subject: Re: [CR]Hetchins on eBay
Date: Sat, 25 Feb 2006 03:10:28 -0800
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

Steve, You are correct in saying the term "Over the top" is British in origin. This phrase was coined when our brave Tommie's and our Colonial and Empire soldiers were taking on alone the might of the Austro Hungarian Empire in 1914. The saying originates from trench warfare. The modern version OTT "over the top" is decidedly American in origin, think you might be confused on this. The Hetchins Vibrant triangle to use its correct name and along with other notable frame designs and innovations were bold attempts to improve bicycle design. These might have not worked but that was the reasoning behind them. I have to disagree about the Italian bike statement and possibly the French one as well. Italian and French bicycles were instantly recognizable from British frames when I first stated riding in the late 50's. A Legano or a Heylett stuck out like a sore thumb when outside our cycling cafes and stops. Regarding the Hetchins Novus Doctor and time frame, I know this is possibly not a real Hetchins probably made at Jackson's by then but surely this qualifies for KOF under list rules or are British frames excluded from this category? One word of praise on Hetchins and the curly stays if you ever rode over the stones (cobbles)in the City of London by the old Biilingsgate Fish Market you would really appreciate them. They did make for a very stiff responsive frame (in the smaller sizes) and helped me speed over these with ease. On the open road I could see no discernible difference but they were originally made when most of our London roads were stone cobble sets! Finally you also said "This says quite a bit about how the country's industry couldn't get its act together back in the 1960s. This might be so but Hetchin's successfully gave and supplied what the customer wanted for over 50 years most of its competitors had long vanished. This sustained the busineess. Shame that your once great General Motors doesn't do the same and take a leaf out of the Hetchins book and make and sell the product the American public wants. Best wishes Mick Butler Hunts. UK PS. Carlton put top line Capella lugs on many cheapo frames, they were not alone in the British sector in using what ever they had to hand to solve cash flow problems and use up old stock. --
    Michael Francis Butler
    michaelbutler@fastmail.fm