Hello Kevin,
I'm wondering if you could clear up a mystery about a framebuilding lesson I received from someone at Woodrup one day in the summer (August I think) of 1975. I was learning to build frames at Ellis Briggs at that time and wanted to know how to do a fluted seat stay attachment similar to what was on my Masi. Jack Briggs knew that someone at Woodrup's could give me instructions since E-B painted some of Woodrup's frames. Jack himself knew in principle what to do but thought I could get some specifics from you guys and also just get a chance to see another operation. He rang up and made an appointment for me to go on over. He was a very thoughtful person. I drove the 10 (or 12 or 15) miles from Shipley to Leeds in an old Morris Minor that I bought that had large Peanuts cartoon characters plastered on the doors.
What I remember is that there was only one framebuilder on duty that afternoon and maybe a women in the office. I wonder if that framebuilder was you? I was 28 at the time and my new instructor was somewhat older but I can't remember anything more specific. Besides taking time to show me how to braze on and file up an inverted tube, I also remember talking about the need to pin and whoever I was talking to thought that with torch instead of hearth brazing there was not the need because a spot isn't likely to get broken.
Do you remember teaching an American to make fluted seat stay tops? I remember that I got a bit confused during the introductions since I wasn't speaking or hearing the king's English. Besides, I wasn't familiar with who the different Woodrups were and I vaguely recall (perhaps erroneously) that I wasn't speaking to a Woodrup anyway and didn't think it was my place to figure out who did what.
I remember Jack saying that his dad had helped Woodrup get started somehow and that there was always friendly relations between the two businesses. Do you know anything more about this connection? I was always very appreciative of that lesson and particularly to the Briggs for letting me learn how to build frames in their shop.
Thanks, Doug Fattic Niles, Michigan USA
Hello Norris, and list
Regarding the 'REW Reynolds frame' I believe it is a Woodrup
It looks exactly like the frames I was making for REW Reynolds when I was at Woodrups, the seat stay cluster is of the type we used to do, and yes a back plate was welded on to the seat lug beforehand.
If it was made during or after 1977 its almost certainly one of mine, if built before, then its one of Steve Woodrup's.
Nice to see one after all these years.
Just rebuilt one of my own 'Woodrup' bikes with original Super Record stuff and took it for a spin on Boxing Day, still feels good even though I'd not ridden it since the mid 90s, must get some pics done?
All the best.
Kevin Sayles. Bridgwater UK