Stallard, P T

By the late 1940’s other models were being introduced, all heavily French influenced in design. Firstly the Montlhery model built from Kromo SAQ tubing with 73/71 angles. Later, touring, club and fillet brazed models including the Berwyn, Clent, Malvern and Cotswold were produced. A Mixte framed model, the Universal, introduced in 1948 was probably the first frame of this type produced in the UK. Copied from a French design, it was later taken up by other makers and the type is still available today.

Top of the range was the Zacopane road race model (image above-1952) introduced in late 1949 and named after Geoff Clarke’s Katowice – Zacopane stage win in the 1949 Tour of Poland on a Stallard machine. This bicycle featured 72/71.5 frame angles and 10 speed Simplex gearing, probably the first catalogued British machine to do so. Available direct from Percy Stallard, to special order and from limited stock, or through a network of approved dealers as a frameset or complete cycle, some were exported with Australia a favoured market where Percy’s brother Denis was the distributor.

Stallard cycles were well designed, well made, functional machines that lacked the fancy lugwork so cherished today. However they were in great demand by shrewd clubmen who appreciated sound design and good quality with top equipment at a competitive price. Production continued until the late 1960’s when frame building ceased. Fortunately, all Percy’s production records from 1945 onwards survive and are held in the Archives department of Wolverhampton Library. These are available for public viewing. Staff will supply photocopies of original build sheets and other documents for a small fee upon receipt of the frame number. This is always located on the left hand rear dropout and steerer tube.