[CR]Shimano Dura Ace & Return

(Example: Component Manufacturers)

From: "Mick Butler" <pariscyclesuk@hotmail.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Date: Fri, 14 Apr 2006 14:47:54 +0000
Subject: [CR]Shimano Dura Ace & Return

Dear all, Sorry for the the lack of postings during the last month or so but I had to temporary suspend my CR membership. This was due to family difficulties. Regarding Shimano Dura Ace these web site are wonderful;

http://dura-ace.shimano.com/publish/content/duraace/en/home/history/original_dura-ace.html

http://corporate.shimano.com/publish/content/corporate/en/shimanocorporatesiteen/about_shimano/company_history.html

Also remember checking Sheldon Browns site where he has posted a 1973 Shimano Dura Ace catalogue.

Martin Copeland raised a very valid point regarding British Cycle Shops being tied up with particular wholesalers importers and concessionaires. Maidson had the virtual monopoly on Shimano for a time. This shop was in Kilburn but they were a little bit prentitious and refered to their address as West Hampstead. Maidson's were never that popular with club cyclists who much prefered to go to Joe Whiskers who were also in Kilburn. Alan Ephgrave was the mamager there and a lot of customers had run ins with him as his personality could be a little bit abrasive. Me I thought he was a smashing bloke and could'nt do enough to help, great wheel builder. Joe also had a shpp at Goffs Oak which was really their wholesale shop and outlet, opening he was limited. Despite this most people used Whiskers rather than go to Maidison's. Joe would only stock good stuff that spare parts were readily available for. Shorter's in Finchley , Morris's in Walthamstow, Birds of Colindale and Farrells all had a loyal customer base and gave good service, I always thought Holdsworths and Evans (The Cut) hopeless and the welcome in Condors could be variable. Out of the last three Holdsworths was the worst. Alf Hetchin use to give our club schoolboys Triplex rear mechs (Campag Copy) for free or at trade prices. These gears if adjusted correctly where wonderful. Hetchin's was a great shop and Hanlon's.
>From where the wheels don't spin as fast as they use to. Be lucky Michael Butler Huntingdon UK.