Hetchins Experto Crede - 1961
| Frame | Hetchins Experto Crede - straight;
1961; frame number H28286; 22"; Reynolds 531 Agrati ends |
| Wheels | Dunlop Special Lightweight, 40/36 spoked, on
Gnutti hubs, Continental Sport tyres |
| Chainset | Campag 3-pin with Simplex 42/52 rings |
| Pedals | Lyotard Marcel Berthet with AFA toe clips |
| Gears | Campag Nuovo Record |
| Brakes | MAFAC racer with half-hood levers |
| Stem/Bars | GB stem with GB Tourmalet (Map of Britain) bars |
| Headset | Original - unknown make |
| Saddle | Brooks B17
Champion Narrow with Campagnolo, 2-pin seatpin |
| Notes | The frame is
a Hetchins Experto Crede dating from 1961 with the typical very
attractive lugwork, bought from a chap in Portsmouth. Framebuilding
quality is tip-top (I think top racing bike customers in England in
those days looked very carefully at the quality of build), with brazing
of lugs and braze-ons perfect all over. The parts are period as far as possible (GB bars and stem are I think are later than 1961). The ride is interesting, sporty and responsive on inclines out of the saddle (not cumbersome as was an old Claude Butler I once owned from this time) and comfortable and relaxed on the flats. Len Ingram (VCC marque enthusiast) wrote about the frame: Your frame number is H28286 which is a 22" straight Experto Crede Frame. I think it was built by Stan Broom. The date of sale was 11th June 1961 and the price was £13.19.4d. |
 Although not Hetchins fanciest
lugs the Experto Crede still shows the craftsmanship of the builders
|
 Campag cotterless cranks with
Simplex double rings
|
 GB stem with engraved bars -
just a few years too young for this machine
|