Allin (Stan Butler Special) - 1954
Posted: Wednesday 12th August 2020
This is a precious bike with precious memories for me. I recently had new wheels built using the old hubs and it is great to get back on fixed again after so many years. I belonged to the Addiscombe CC, as did my elder brothers Jack and Ken.
I bought this frame when in 1960 I was 14 from Allins in West Croydon. It was second-hand, six years old and cost me £6. A complete bike at that time was £20.
Later I rode for Croydon RC. I had a Croydon-built Jenson which was stolen and two Gillotts, one for track racing at Herne Hill, the other for road racing.
I worked at the time in a local greengrocers from 5-7pm Monday and Tuesday, 5-7.30 Thursdays, 5-10pm on Fridays and all-day Saturday where I was paid £1 for a week’s work and Fridays would produce 5 shillings in tips. I gave my mother 5 shillings towards my keep.
With this money I was able to save £1 each week in the Post Office savings account towards my bikes and accessories.
| Frame | Allin (Stan Butler Special) 1954; built by Ching Allin; seat tube 22" |
| Wheels | French Atom small-flange hubs, 36 hole, with Mavic Open Sport rims |
| Chainset | SR Apex 48 with SR bottom bracket |
| Pedals | Lyotard with Cristophe clips and straps |
| Gears | Single speed fixed |
| Brakes | Mafac Racer front |
| Stem/Bars | GB bars on SR tem |
| Headset | SR |
| Saddle | Brooks Prodessional |
| Extra details | Frame had been resprayed once - by Allin Cycles |
Posted: Wednesday 12th August 2020
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