Lytaloy components

Before WWII, Hobbs marketed some highly desirable equipment including continental dural brake cantilevers, dural hub spindles, handlebars, cranks and stems, everything to make the clubman’s bike more exclusive.

After WWII  Hobbs of Barbican, resumed marketing components under the marque name of Lytaloy.  These components were bought in from manufacturers which specialised in the specific items.  This was at a time when the use of alloy was to some extent quite experimental and, especially the cranks, were soon known for being rather fragile.  Here are some of the components marketed by Hobbs:

Pedals, the most obvious of the Lytaloy range with "H  B" (Hobbs of Barbican)

Above: Component parts of the Lytaloy headset Left: Lytaloy headset  as assembled for fitting

Lytaloy headset - regarded as a quality component by many builders



The very rare Lytaloy brakes with QR and cable adjustors



Lytaloy cranks mounted on a classic lightweight.
Sadly these were Hobbs' achilles heel as the cranks were prone to breaking and it is rare
to come across a pair. In this early post-war period there was some suspicion about the use
of alloy for componentry and cranks did seem to be the base of much misgiving.

Below - Lytaloy technical sheets - click on image for specification
(Images Peter Lowry - Marque Enthusiast)