If they didnt like the new bikes back then they would be rolling in their graves nowadays
@CandidZulu3 ай бұрын
You couldn't tell a story like that about his stuttering today! But it was funny, although his accent is a but hard for me. People had more personality back then it seems like.
@deano-uv6dr5 ай бұрын
No gravel bikes or disc brakes back then
@onelove80626 ай бұрын
Absolute madlads.
@scotiavelo14056 ай бұрын
God Bless David Duffield. Eurosport is duller without him
@ccjelley23902 ай бұрын
I think the world is duller without people wearing 3-piece suits with pocket watch and chain. What a man.
@dog-so1vj6 ай бұрын
An Amazing film. I know I'm years behind viewing this. I found this film that was shared on the Adventure Cycling Association Bike Bits newsletter recently. I'm in my 60's now and grew up in the 1960's-70's. From my very earliest age I used my bike for transportation to commute back and forth from school and just for enjoyment. Bill's commentary about the joy and adventure of cycling still resonates today. I'm so glad that I'm still able to cycle. I feel the same way he did. God Bless...Merry Christmas 🎄
@leroywertz29206 ай бұрын
Is Mr. Houston still riding?
@garyburchgb8 ай бұрын
This film must have been made after 1979 as there was a mark 5 cortina in one part and they didn't come out until 1980.
@benspeakman8 ай бұрын
I first watched this video(s) about 10 years ago and loved it having been a member of the CTC from an early age. I couldn't find the video again when I searched for it for years but saw an ad recently for the rough stuff fellowship and it must have awakened old memories. After years of searching I have finally found it again and It's just as good as I remember. Thanks for uploading. They don't make em like they used to.
@user-do5hd7zb4x9 ай бұрын
What a treat! Thank you.😅
@nigelcoghlan556410 ай бұрын
Fantastic! Can’t imagine how many times I’ve walked past it from New Inn to grifithstown and went there several times doing my fire fighter badge in scouts 😀
@daveated111 ай бұрын
Thank you uncle Ron...
@robertp.wainman409411 ай бұрын
Always remember their stand at the York Rally every year - usually at the far end of the enormous main marquee. My Mum thought about ordering one of their beautiful mixte frames - but was tempted by something else instead! Such a shame that more or less all of the UK's wonderfully skilled framebuilders have gone......sadly many younger riders think hand made frames were only made in Italy. Was Eric Robson the narrator of this film?
@robertdewar17529 ай бұрын
Yes. He is credited at the end.
@robertp.wainman409411 ай бұрын
Always remember John and his daughter on their stand at the York Rally for many years.
@peterwynn408811 ай бұрын
I sat at that table and they gave me a cup of tea and a cherry bakewell. I suppose I was 14, and my dad took me along to get his old Taylor frame rebuilt for me to ride.
@iainsmith559514 күн бұрын
That is a PRICELESS memory and i bet it was the best cuppa and bakewell you have ever had....
@poly_hexamethyl Жыл бұрын
Modern film makers have a lot to learn from films like this!
@houseofsolomon2440 Жыл бұрын
10:54 the real deal
@doronron7323 Жыл бұрын
Tried finding this for ages without any luck. Suddenly here it is! Back then most large provincial towns had at least one guy building their own frames. School workshops taught all you needed to know. Unfortunately, the average guy hadn't a hope in hell to go on and do this. All the tools available were old, very second hand and worn out. And have your own brazing equipment? Even a regular blue collar job didn't pay more than subsistence wages, you worked long shifts 6 days a week, getting home cold and wet most days and absolutely knackered. If you were lucky, your mum was still feeding you. Happy days indeed.
@frederickbowdler8169 Жыл бұрын
Never heard of these builders before a blast from the past.
@Hertog_von_Berkshire Жыл бұрын
I have a Wester Ross in my spare room right now. Not mine unfortunately. I'm looking after it for a friend. Never mind, maybe one will come my way one day.
@Caliiforniicatiion Жыл бұрын
❤️👏👏🙏🇧🇷🙏👏👏❤️
@bobwilliamson5574 Жыл бұрын
I remember those yellow capes in wet weather.
@service_andrew Жыл бұрын
My love 😍
@geoffdavies1199 Жыл бұрын
Never seen the pin striping tool being used, as an ex graphic artist I found that fascinating. Now I want one!
@danielhertercasagrande1686 Жыл бұрын
As a young man I’ve made some frames with my mechanic friend Jürgen Gasser with Durifort and with Super Vitus 971 tubes The guy in the second part of the film is a real master of his art. Steel is still a good material for a frame especially when you are traveling a hick in a metal frame has less consequences than one in a ultra light weight carbon frame
@anthonyduffy44492 жыл бұрын
21:26. I know the guy on the right is Bill Baty, but is the guy on the left his brother Norman?
@SMLinsley Жыл бұрын
Yes, it is.
@anthonyduffy44492 жыл бұрын
2:28 the legendary Bill Baty. They were hardcore back then 👍🏼
@islandhopperstuart2 жыл бұрын
TV of a type and style which, unfortunately, doesn't get made or valued these days. I discussed the making of this documentary with the Producer, Richard Else, who described it as one of his favourite works. He went on to say: "What's interesting about the film is that nothing was staged. I spent days with them before we started filming, so knew about every aspect of their day. The scene with their lunch and old electric stove was incredibly difficult to film - not because of the brothers but the crew couldn't stop laughing - it was such a comic event, yet it was the same day in, day out. When Prince Charles visited them after the film, he was scheduled to stay about 15 mins but was there over 90, I'm told. I very much think that was a golden era of documentary making and one sadly missed." Thank goodness that Richard did capture the Taylors at work for posterity.
@paulmarkham21972 жыл бұрын
Absolutely wonderful.
@gaspunkwars2 жыл бұрын
I have Margaret Berwicks tourer with full suite of racks and brazeons. Also by Fergus. I’m about to refurbish it for some touring.
@chasingdreamstravel85232 жыл бұрын
Anyone know where bill is these days or what he has done since the film was made?
@robinpelletstovesuk91942 жыл бұрын
so sad UK is an empty place devoid of making all these ownderful products and now its all about how rich those Chinese car. Bloody UK gov never have supported industry with REAL proper investment. Brexit was the great hope but the UK is broke...so it will get more poor now
@user-ho4rv6kg8u4 ай бұрын
Yes, apart from: Alex Moulton bikes, Argos Cycles, Arthur Caygill Cycles, Brompton, BTR Fabrications, Curtis Bikes, Demon Frameworks, Donhou, Ellis Briggs Cycles, Enigma Bikes, Feather Cycles, Field Cycles, Five Land Bikes, Geoff Roberts, Hallet Handbuilt Cycles, Hartley, Mercian Cycles, Quirk, Reilly Cycle Works , Rourke Cycles, Saffron, Shand Cycles, Swallow, Ted James Designs, Willow Bike, Woodrup Cycles, Wester Ross, etc etc etc And each with a youtube channel.
@user-ho4rv6kg8u4 ай бұрын
and Frog Bikes in Pontypool
@willsharp88642 жыл бұрын
Unmarried... (Still riding every weekend) hahaha Theyv gone bezerk! 13 on the back now 😉
@deeppurple8832 жыл бұрын
A genuine time for a genuine people. ☘️👏
@EXELENTEDISCO2 жыл бұрын
IM DON'T ALLIVE THAT.....
@Megadeth66332 жыл бұрын
8 pounds to fabricate the whole bike? I know it was 1980 but am I missing something? That seems too cheap
@paullinnitt5450 Жыл бұрын
As an apprentice i earned £29 a week in 1980. The £8 was only the cost of the metal, but I suppose that is the only way to make a profit on an £80 bike.
@keithbenson4915 Жыл бұрын
I was gobsmacked
@user-ho4rv6kg8u4 ай бұрын
Plus the cost of the brass, copper, oxygen and acetylene. Then painting and stickers. And its still just a heavy plain gauge mild steel frame.
@donavan86163 жыл бұрын
thanks for share!
@chrro4663 жыл бұрын
I used to go to their factory when I was a kid on my Raleigh and watch them create magic. Fascinating gentlemen.
@johnbakewell82833 жыл бұрын
Tis a strange beast the internet. John Bakewell who accompanied Ian and Gary on this journey made the comment that is now listed under Delwyn Harrison, who is my wife. So if the comment doesn't quite make sense it is because it is listed under the wrong author. Cheers John
@andrelloyd40103 жыл бұрын
Wonderful footage - To be treasured !
@unknownusername23063 жыл бұрын
3:31 I wish the bing was still that size!
@AngusMyles3 жыл бұрын
How much food did they have in their saddle bags?
@martinwilliams33653 жыл бұрын
Still laughing now about that stutter story! Brilliant video!
@martinwait3913 жыл бұрын
Really interesting vid, I got to know John back in the mid nineties when he used to frequent the garden Centre i worked at in Beverley, East Yorkshire. He offered to sell me the jig that’s in the vid and remaining tools he had, at the time i had a genuine interest in frame building! Unfortunately i declined the offer as i thought it could be passed onto someone more deserving! He was a really pleasant and interesting guy to know!
@C345OFR Жыл бұрын
Such a shame! The jig looked fantastic. Mind you, I probably would have said the same - the problem of course is that it might only take 2 or 3 people in a row thinking like that before John thought there was no interest in it at all. Hope it found a good home eventually...
@joshrforsyth3 жыл бұрын
This is a long shot...my uncle is Fergus in the video and John Connell is also in my family. I would love to somehow track down a frame/bike. If anyone could offer some advice it would be fantastic. We didn’t hold on to any really on my side
@gavinsbailey3 жыл бұрын
I have two Wester Ross frame sets, both with bottom bracket stamped with FGF that indicate they were built by Fergus. One is a touring bike and one a racing bike. I’ve owned both since the early 1980’s. They’re not for sale but happy to send you pics if you share your email address. John sent me some spare transfers years ago for my tourer. Is he still around?
@slowther81153 жыл бұрын
Let me know if you are still after a bike as my uncle has one that he no longer needs
@joshrforsyth3 жыл бұрын
@@gavinsbailey Hi Gavin, would love to discuss this. Do you have a contact that I would be able to use. Can’t figure out here how to reply privately, sorry.
@joshrforsyth3 жыл бұрын
@@slowther8115 Hi, that would be great, so you have a way to contact you as I can’t figure out a private message here?
@jerrysmith71663 жыл бұрын
love the old english hand built quality, amazing. Cheers from the US!
@deanstanley57994 жыл бұрын
Adrian is on a Carlton professional
@tomodowd55504 жыл бұрын
This is wonderful. I first saw this on TV in 1988 and was so taken with Bill’s story. I’m glad to have found this again. The drumming up scene has stayed with me all these years. Thank you for posting.
@Merseysiderful4 жыл бұрын
I remember seeing this repeated in 1994 on BBC 2 in the U.K. on the “Look Stranger” serious of documentaries. The announcer on the end credits mentioned as an update that Bill had retired and was still cycling. The scene brewing up with the stove is brilliant. Few cyclists these days carry paraffin or petrol stoves as they consider them too heavy and bulky. I use a 1952 Monitor Tourist paraffin pressure stove when out cycling all day with friends as they are very versatile.
@georgejenkinson56124 жыл бұрын
I had a jack taylor toure of Britain, old English transfers on, the frame cost £19, SIX weeks wages, in 1962.
Пікірлер
If they didnt like the new bikes back then they would be rolling in their graves nowadays
You couldn't tell a story like that about his stuttering today! But it was funny, although his accent is a but hard for me. People had more personality back then it seems like.
No gravel bikes or disc brakes back then
Absolute madlads.
God Bless David Duffield. Eurosport is duller without him
I think the world is duller without people wearing 3-piece suits with pocket watch and chain. What a man.
An Amazing film. I know I'm years behind viewing this. I found this film that was shared on the Adventure Cycling Association Bike Bits newsletter recently. I'm in my 60's now and grew up in the 1960's-70's. From my very earliest age I used my bike for transportation to commute back and forth from school and just for enjoyment. Bill's commentary about the joy and adventure of cycling still resonates today. I'm so glad that I'm still able to cycle. I feel the same way he did. God Bless...Merry Christmas 🎄
Is Mr. Houston still riding?
This film must have been made after 1979 as there was a mark 5 cortina in one part and they didn't come out until 1980.
I first watched this video(s) about 10 years ago and loved it having been a member of the CTC from an early age. I couldn't find the video again when I searched for it for years but saw an ad recently for the rough stuff fellowship and it must have awakened old memories. After years of searching I have finally found it again and It's just as good as I remember. Thanks for uploading. They don't make em like they used to.
What a treat! Thank you.😅
Fantastic! Can’t imagine how many times I’ve walked past it from New Inn to grifithstown and went there several times doing my fire fighter badge in scouts 😀
Thank you uncle Ron...
Always remember their stand at the York Rally every year - usually at the far end of the enormous main marquee. My Mum thought about ordering one of their beautiful mixte frames - but was tempted by something else instead! Such a shame that more or less all of the UK's wonderfully skilled framebuilders have gone......sadly many younger riders think hand made frames were only made in Italy. Was Eric Robson the narrator of this film?
Yes. He is credited at the end.
Always remember John and his daughter on their stand at the York Rally for many years.
I sat at that table and they gave me a cup of tea and a cherry bakewell. I suppose I was 14, and my dad took me along to get his old Taylor frame rebuilt for me to ride.
That is a PRICELESS memory and i bet it was the best cuppa and bakewell you have ever had....
Modern film makers have a lot to learn from films like this!
10:54 the real deal
Tried finding this for ages without any luck. Suddenly here it is! Back then most large provincial towns had at least one guy building their own frames. School workshops taught all you needed to know. Unfortunately, the average guy hadn't a hope in hell to go on and do this. All the tools available were old, very second hand and worn out. And have your own brazing equipment? Even a regular blue collar job didn't pay more than subsistence wages, you worked long shifts 6 days a week, getting home cold and wet most days and absolutely knackered. If you were lucky, your mum was still feeding you. Happy days indeed.
Never heard of these builders before a blast from the past.
I have a Wester Ross in my spare room right now. Not mine unfortunately. I'm looking after it for a friend. Never mind, maybe one will come my way one day.
❤️👏👏🙏🇧🇷🙏👏👏❤️
I remember those yellow capes in wet weather.
My love 😍
Never seen the pin striping tool being used, as an ex graphic artist I found that fascinating. Now I want one!
As a young man I’ve made some frames with my mechanic friend Jürgen Gasser with Durifort and with Super Vitus 971 tubes The guy in the second part of the film is a real master of his art. Steel is still a good material for a frame especially when you are traveling a hick in a metal frame has less consequences than one in a ultra light weight carbon frame
21:26. I know the guy on the right is Bill Baty, but is the guy on the left his brother Norman?
Yes, it is.
2:28 the legendary Bill Baty. They were hardcore back then 👍🏼
TV of a type and style which, unfortunately, doesn't get made or valued these days. I discussed the making of this documentary with the Producer, Richard Else, who described it as one of his favourite works. He went on to say: "What's interesting about the film is that nothing was staged. I spent days with them before we started filming, so knew about every aspect of their day. The scene with their lunch and old electric stove was incredibly difficult to film - not because of the brothers but the crew couldn't stop laughing - it was such a comic event, yet it was the same day in, day out. When Prince Charles visited them after the film, he was scheduled to stay about 15 mins but was there over 90, I'm told. I very much think that was a golden era of documentary making and one sadly missed." Thank goodness that Richard did capture the Taylors at work for posterity.
Absolutely wonderful.
I have Margaret Berwicks tourer with full suite of racks and brazeons. Also by Fergus. I’m about to refurbish it for some touring.
Anyone know where bill is these days or what he has done since the film was made?
so sad UK is an empty place devoid of making all these ownderful products and now its all about how rich those Chinese car. Bloody UK gov never have supported industry with REAL proper investment. Brexit was the great hope but the UK is broke...so it will get more poor now
Yes, apart from: Alex Moulton bikes, Argos Cycles, Arthur Caygill Cycles, Brompton, BTR Fabrications, Curtis Bikes, Demon Frameworks, Donhou, Ellis Briggs Cycles, Enigma Bikes, Feather Cycles, Field Cycles, Five Land Bikes, Geoff Roberts, Hallet Handbuilt Cycles, Hartley, Mercian Cycles, Quirk, Reilly Cycle Works , Rourke Cycles, Saffron, Shand Cycles, Swallow, Ted James Designs, Willow Bike, Woodrup Cycles, Wester Ross, etc etc etc And each with a youtube channel.
and Frog Bikes in Pontypool
Unmarried... (Still riding every weekend) hahaha Theyv gone bezerk! 13 on the back now 😉
A genuine time for a genuine people. ☘️👏
IM DON'T ALLIVE THAT.....
8 pounds to fabricate the whole bike? I know it was 1980 but am I missing something? That seems too cheap
As an apprentice i earned £29 a week in 1980. The £8 was only the cost of the metal, but I suppose that is the only way to make a profit on an £80 bike.
I was gobsmacked
Plus the cost of the brass, copper, oxygen and acetylene. Then painting and stickers. And its still just a heavy plain gauge mild steel frame.
thanks for share!
I used to go to their factory when I was a kid on my Raleigh and watch them create magic. Fascinating gentlemen.
Tis a strange beast the internet. John Bakewell who accompanied Ian and Gary on this journey made the comment that is now listed under Delwyn Harrison, who is my wife. So if the comment doesn't quite make sense it is because it is listed under the wrong author. Cheers John
Wonderful footage - To be treasured !
3:31 I wish the bing was still that size!
How much food did they have in their saddle bags?
Still laughing now about that stutter story! Brilliant video!
Really interesting vid, I got to know John back in the mid nineties when he used to frequent the garden Centre i worked at in Beverley, East Yorkshire. He offered to sell me the jig that’s in the vid and remaining tools he had, at the time i had a genuine interest in frame building! Unfortunately i declined the offer as i thought it could be passed onto someone more deserving! He was a really pleasant and interesting guy to know!
Such a shame! The jig looked fantastic. Mind you, I probably would have said the same - the problem of course is that it might only take 2 or 3 people in a row thinking like that before John thought there was no interest in it at all. Hope it found a good home eventually...
This is a long shot...my uncle is Fergus in the video and John Connell is also in my family. I would love to somehow track down a frame/bike. If anyone could offer some advice it would be fantastic. We didn’t hold on to any really on my side
I have two Wester Ross frame sets, both with bottom bracket stamped with FGF that indicate they were built by Fergus. One is a touring bike and one a racing bike. I’ve owned both since the early 1980’s. They’re not for sale but happy to send you pics if you share your email address. John sent me some spare transfers years ago for my tourer. Is he still around?
Let me know if you are still after a bike as my uncle has one that he no longer needs
@@gavinsbailey Hi Gavin, would love to discuss this. Do you have a contact that I would be able to use. Can’t figure out here how to reply privately, sorry.
@@slowther8115 Hi, that would be great, so you have a way to contact you as I can’t figure out a private message here?
love the old english hand built quality, amazing. Cheers from the US!
Adrian is on a Carlton professional
This is wonderful. I first saw this on TV in 1988 and was so taken with Bill’s story. I’m glad to have found this again. The drumming up scene has stayed with me all these years. Thank you for posting.
I remember seeing this repeated in 1994 on BBC 2 in the U.K. on the “Look Stranger” serious of documentaries. The announcer on the end credits mentioned as an update that Bill had retired and was still cycling. The scene brewing up with the stove is brilliant. Few cyclists these days carry paraffin or petrol stoves as they consider them too heavy and bulky. I use a 1952 Monitor Tourist paraffin pressure stove when out cycling all day with friends as they are very versatile.
I had a jack taylor toure of Britain, old English transfers on, the frame cost £19, SIX weeks wages, in 1962.