Dave Russell 

Dave Russell (image left) was born in Fulham, however his family moved to Slough when he was a youngster.  He attended Slough Grammar School until 1950 and then went on to serve a five year apprenticeship with OMT, a local engineering company. Upon completion of his apprenticeship he went on to serve out his two year National Service in the Royal Air Force.  He then worked for a few  engineering companies but could not settle down.

During the fifties cycling was booming and bikes were the pre-eminent mode of transport, recreation, exercise and sport for many so it was natural for Dave to settle down and work with Ron Kitching. After several years with Ron, Dave moved on to Hobbs of Barbican. Some time later an opportunity opened up for him to rent premises in Slough close to the town centre. He now could open his own shop to repair, build and sell bikes.

His business expanded and it was not long before he had to find larger premises. He rented and then purchased a shop in Chalvey Road in Slough. This was his shop for many years. Eventually, upon reaching retirement age he decided to slow down and moved to smaller premises in Twyford, near Reading. It was from these premises that Dave finally retired.

Dave Russell bikes were built only to order.  He was certified to use Reynolds 531, 653 and 753 and was particularly proud of the 753 certification because of the intensive testing required. Dave incorporated both Nervex and Prugnat lugs into his bikes. In later years he incorporated Ishiwata and Columbus tubing into his bikes.

Dave's building career stretched over 30 years and amounted to over 3000 frames including tandems. He lost count of the wrecked frames he resurrected and made so-called bargain bikes ridable. He had a reputation for being open with his customers explaining in clear terms the work that was required. He would equally use his skills on a custom bike as well as in the repair of a boy's cherished wheels.

Dave Russell bikes were designed and built in the best tradition of the Classic British configuration and Dave's shop was always a one man operation.  He expressed his high regard for the frame builders he worked with but had a special regard for Harry Quinn and the quality of his work.  During his career Dave Russell always gave his support to local riding clubs and individual riders. In the early days Dave rode for Maidenhead Road Club and was an active member of the Chiltern Road Club. He also often gave his support to many individuals just so that he could see his frames coming in well placed.

 

This narrative was developed from conversations between Dave Russell and Stewart Paton.

 

Steve Heffernan another friend of Dave Russell added the following;

In the seventies, racing in West London was in its heyday. Steve Heffernan and Ian Bradbury were both National Pursuit Champions. Roger Queen of the Velo Club Slough was National 50 mile Time Trial champion and was in the top three in the National 25 Time Trial  Championship on several occasions. It was these successes on Dave's machines that caused several top dealers to use his frames, branding them in their own names. Reg Barnett of South London was one such dealer. 

 
Paul Gittins has supplied three of the the following images: