W P Newton - early 1950's touring machine
Owned by: Neil Foddering
| Frame |
W. P. Newton - early 50s; Frame - 22.5". Reynolds 531 DB tubing, with early pattern Nervex Professional lugs. Braze-ons for: front and rear custom-built tubular steel racks (front one was disposed of by earlier owner, due to corrosion); Lucifer dynamo on nearside chainstay; twin Simplex gear lever, which operates front and rear derailleurs on the same side; lug on offfside chainstay, just behind bottom bracket for rear derailleur tension spring; pump pegs and lamp bracket. |
| Wheels |
FB (Fratelli Brivio) large flange hubs with
unknown make of 27" x 1¼" HP rim |
| Chainset | Simplex steel "Tourist" model 44/28 double
chainrings mounted on BSA steel 6.5" 5-pin cranks. |
| Pedals | Brampton racing with aluminium alloy side plates |
| Gears | Front Cyclo Benelux, operated
from offside of frame. Rear 4-speed Simplex Touriste model,
introduced in 1951. 4-speed Simplex block, with 14- 28 tooth
sprockets, providing a bottom gear of 27" |
| Brakes | FB (Fratelli Brivio) large flange hubs with
unknown make of 27" x 1 1/4" rim |
| Stem/Bars | GB alloy 'girder' stem with GB Maes bars |
| Saddle | Brooks B15 Standard |
| Extra details | W. P. Newton
was president of the "Actonia" cycle club, and the head transfer
incorporates the Acton coat of arms. I have owned this bike for about four years, and have used it for many hilly rides, including one over Bwlch Nant Rhyd Wilym, the pass across the Berwyn mountains which made "Wayfarer" famous (see http://www.tracks.me.uk/wayfarer.html). |
 Simplex double lever for front
and rear changers
|
 Rare Simplex
Touriste double chainrings on BSA cranks
|
Braze-on fitting with Simplex Touriste 4-speed changer with 4-speed Simplex block
Note Cyclo 'Rosa' rear end adjusters to position wheel in dropouts