[CR]Alan 'Cross Frames (Ian Briggs)

(Example: Production Builders:Frejus)

References: <MONKEYFOODd724TSVHs00004bdd@monkeyfood.nt.phred.org>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2006 02:49:12 -0500
In-Reply-To:
From: <lemansgtman@aol.com>
Subject: [CR]Alan 'Cross Frames (Ian Briggs)

Hi All,

Anyone out there familiar with ALAN frames, their numbering protocol / system - or indeed the various configurations they built?

I have two of their classic 'cross frames (which have the sizes stamped on the side of the seat tube - but nought else that I can see).

One is a 60cm CTT and the other a 58cm. The two differ appreciably in layout.

I believe the 60cm (red withe silver lugs) is the older of the two and is OT. It takes a 25.0mm seatpin and has an external seat-tube diam of 28.6mm.

The 58cm (black with silver lugs) takes a 27.0mm pin and bizarrely has a 28.0mm external measurement on the seat-tube - is then the butting on the top end of the tube perhaps?

Both differ completely in terms of the fork design (the 58cm is certainly more 'chunky' and robust, the 60cm more elegant) and the layout of the cable stops etc.,

The 60cm is definitely a softer ride and noticeably 'flexy' in fast turns. I have ridden both in the 3 Peaks 'Cross in the last few years and the 60cm in this years' Iron Cross IV in Pennsylvania, where I believe it was the oldest bike in the race and possibly the only OT 'classic' in the field of 180 starters (well it looked like it to me - lots of Surlys, Specializeds, Lemonds etc., etc.,).

Any info advice would be welcome.

Ian Briggs
LUTON - UK