Got some alps events next summer if the world allows it - off for the new marmotte ultrafondo, which will act as a sort of warm up for the tour du Mont Blanc 3 weeks later. 225km/6300m the former, 330km/8700m the latter crossing 3 countries
That’s a lot of vertical metres, chapeau and good luck. I did the Marmotte 2010 with very little real training it half killed me only did it as a practise for a hilly long distance triathlon. I only just made the cut off at the base of AdH, 40 plus degrees water sprays on the last climb up. Had to stop on a long decent as I got too cold, great event ruined by my own ineptitude. Paris Roubaix was my all time favourite road event the Pave being the best bits, my highlight not falling off or dabbing at Arenburg.
Here's mine. Somewhat old school compared to the bikes on here but it still does what I need it to. Toured the outer Hebrides and north-west Scotland on it a couple of years back. And even climbed Mont Ventoux on it a while back, wearing flip-flops! Check out the rear triangle. The lugwork is pretty special too.
Two reasons. It's actually a 1930s design and at that time there were a lot of cobbled streets in London (where Hetchins frames were built). The curvy stays help damp out some of the vibes. Hetchins called them 'Vibrant stays' and it's certainly a comfortable ride. The second reason derives from the fact that Hetchins were one of the foremost racing frame makers in the land, and the curvy stays meant that the frame was instantly recognisable as such. Quite an important marketing point where winning riders were pictured in fuzzy mono in the cycling papers of the time, so maker's transfers would not be seen. The racers weren't allowed to show advertising on clothing or anything else, so it was a way of getting the brand noticed. And it looks cool...
Off to pick up/assemble my new steel frame from Saffron Frameworks tomorrow, ordered at the end of last year. Bit excited
Just did a quick google for that nice frames, remind me of English frames. https://www.englishcycles.com/
This is one of the things that makes a Hetchins special. It must take hours to cut those lug designs by hand.
Wow, that looks great. So nice to have something handcrafted to your own specification, and it's fantastic that craftsmanship in steel frames lives on. So much nicer than a chinese tupperware frame. My Hetchins was built for my Dad back in 1969 to his exact specification and requirements (light tourer), so the gauge of each individual Reynolds 531 Manganese Molybdenum tube was selected with regard to his size, weight, strength, and the purpose for which the frame was to be put. A bit like having a bespoke suit tailored. Generally, frames were built to the nearest half inch (seat tube and top tube) but this was to the nearest quarter inch. Within weeks of building it up with his own carefully selected choice of components, he had ridden it from Lands End to John O'Groats. Since then it's been ridden almost every week and has been all over Europe. I hope your Saffron gives you as much pleasure.
Arthur Caygill’s shop is just up the road from us and my wife is friends with his daughter. He gave me a tour of his shop a while back and it’s very impressive, everything is done in house. https://www.arthurcaygillcycles.co.uk/framebuilding-and-renovations
