[CR] Bill Philbrook Tandem?

(Example: History:Norris Lockley)

From: "David" <david@redwingmarlow.co.uk>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:19:26 -0000
Subject: [CR] Bill Philbrook Tandem?


A couple of years ago my father and I went halves on a tandem bought through ebay. Not an easy find for us, as I'm 6' 3" and he is 6'1". The story from the vendor went like this: the frame was built by Kent frame builder Bill Philbrook as a prototype to see if tandems could be added to his repertoire. It has lugless welds which look very smooth and of high quality. The frame appears to be a fairly standard racing bike design. The forks are slightly unusual with two tubes coming down each side of the wheel, joining together at the fork ends. Unfortunately, someone had resprayed the frame quite badly (no decels), the wheels were mismatched, cheap and starting to rust. We have decided, after some consideration to have it done up; stripped and repainted, new wheels, drive train, brakes + extra disc on the back (30 stone flying down local Chiltern Hills leads to rather scary brake fade). My question is whether anyone can verify the Bill Philbrook story. Coming from Bucks, I had not heard of him before the purchase. At the mo, the bike is at the shop being assessed and stripped, so I have no photos, but can take some next week. Is there anyone from the Kent area who knew Mr Philbrook's work well who could help us out if I can take some pics? David Broad, High Wycombe, Bucks, England