Hetchins 'Magnum Opus' - 1952
Owned by: Bob JohnsonI, like many cycling enthusiasts in their youth hankered after an exclusive and expensive Hetchins bike but could not afford one. When some 20 odd years ago I heard about this bike through a friend and was told it was a top-of-the-range Magnum Opus with the most expensive all-chrome finish to boot I drove down to Brighton determined to buy it. On seeing the bike I was immediately disappointed, firstly that it had also been converted into a track bike by the owner and secondly and more importantly, it did not have the famous 'curly stays'. I even managed to get some money off the asking price for this perceived flaw. It was fun finding the correct period components to convert it back into the fast tourer it had been originally. Since that time I have been lucky enough to own a few classic lightweight cycles but I have become more fond of this particular bike precisely because of the scarcity of Hetchins 'Magnum Opus' with straight stays. It also helps that it rides beautifully.
| Frame | 1952 Hetchins ‘MAGNUM OPUS’ 23 ½” Orthodox Frame No. H24700. Unrestored all chrome frame |
| Wheels | Dunlop 27" stainless steel rims on Sturmey Archer
AM rear hub with Blumfield SF front |
| Chainset | Chater Lea on Chater Lea BB |
| Pedals | Chater Lea |
| Gears | Sturmey Archer AM |
| Brakes | GB Hiduminium stirrups with early GB hooded levers |
| Stem/Bars | Titan chrome stem with alloy Maes Kint bars |
| Headset | |
| Saddle | Brooks B15 on
Reynolds alloy seatpin |
| Extra details |
 Classic Magnum Opus headlugs
|
 BB also showing Chater chainset
|
 Blumfield - the Rolls Royce of
hubs
|
 Front view showing ideal
components for this period, early GB Hiduminium stirrups and early GB
levers with brass adjusters
|
 Side view of classic Hetchins
Magnum Bonum fork crown and head lug
|