Witcomb Lightweight Cycles

Witcomb Lightweight Cycles have traded as Witcomb Trading Co. since 1949 at Tanners Hill, Deptford, London SE 8.

In February of 1964 in Sporting Cyclist their advert states "You are invited to call and see our new models in production at Tanners Hill where all frames are built on the premises and under personal supervision..........". In October 1963 they had advertised, "What can't talk can't lie. You are invited to call and inspect our works at the above address at any time without prior arrangement, where ALL our framesets are made by craftsmen." It would seem that there must have been rumours put around stating that Witcomb were not building their own frames. Anyone researching 50's production will be aware that the stories of who builds for who produce many conflicting accounts even to this day.

Witcomb Cycles had an advert in Sporting Cyclist (April 1964) announcing that they had signed Dennis Farr, Barry Wiloughby and Howard Cooper to ride under the famous Witcomb Lilac/Black colours for 1964. They would be riding the Giro-D-Italia Mk II framesets (price £17 9s 6d) together with GB brakes, bars and stems; Williams AB77 chainsets; Cyclo P2 gears; Carlton tyresavers and Witcomb clothing. They also advertised that their "frames are second to none. Used in World Championships 1963 and many other famous events." Also that they were "Suppliers to Forces Cycling Clubs".

Bob Smith of Wisconson says: I have a 1973 Witcomb with which I'm extremely happy, having covered many miles in the thirty plus years of owning it. The Witcomb was built in the UK. I believe for a short time in the mid 1960's Witcomb frames were built in the USA - Connecticut I think - but the timing was bad, ten years too soon.

Details of Bob's machine below show head and seat lug clusters:

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