Rory O'Brien Bike
lastpubrunner
Posts: 108
Hi,
I have a Rory O'Brien bike, but so far, I've not managed to find anything about either the bike or Rory O'Brien.
I believe that the bike dates back to the early 1960s. It has a nice Brooks Colt saddle and the original Bluemels mudguards. The headset is Campagnolo. It has 26" wheels.
It has no badge on the headset, though it looks as if one may have been there many years ago.
It has nice curved lugwork on the headset; by the seat post & on the bottom bracket. These are shaped a bit like a Fleur De Lis. (There is probably a name for this, but I don't know it).
I can't see any serial numbers, but under the bottom bracket is stamped the letter 'M' or possibly 'E'; it looks rather like two overlapping semicircles. Should I look elsewhere for identification marks ?
The only identification it carries is the name 'Rory O'Brien' on the downtube.
I would be greatful if anyone could tell me anything about the bike. Who is/was Rory O'Brien ? Did he make the frame or was it a model name for another manufacturer ? Will it have Reynolds tubing ? What sort of quality are these bikes ?
Thank you for any information.
I have a Rory O'Brien bike, but so far, I've not managed to find anything about either the bike or Rory O'Brien.
I believe that the bike dates back to the early 1960s. It has a nice Brooks Colt saddle and the original Bluemels mudguards. The headset is Campagnolo. It has 26" wheels.
It has no badge on the headset, though it looks as if one may have been there many years ago.
It has nice curved lugwork on the headset; by the seat post & on the bottom bracket. These are shaped a bit like a Fleur De Lis. (There is probably a name for this, but I don't know it).
I can't see any serial numbers, but under the bottom bracket is stamped the letter 'M' or possibly 'E'; it looks rather like two overlapping semicircles. Should I look elsewhere for identification marks ?
The only identification it carries is the name 'Rory O'Brien' on the downtube.
I would be greatful if anyone could tell me anything about the bike. Who is/was Rory O'Brien ? Did he make the frame or was it a model name for another manufacturer ? Will it have Reynolds tubing ? What sort of quality are these bikes ?
Thank you for any information.
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Comments
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The frame was probably built by Les Ephgrave.,see below
"Les Ephgrave initially learned the art of frame building before WWII from his first employer, Harry Rensch of Paris Rensch Cycles. He moved on from Paris to Claud Butler where again he was employed as a frame builder until 1948. At this point he decided to set up his own business ‘Ephgrave Lightweights Ltd.’ at the Avertey Works in East London. It is thought that he had produced some frames of his own before this date, probably whilst at C Bs. He was helped in the setting up of the business by Rory O'Brien and in return he built O'Briens top-of-the-range models for him."
The E stamped on the BB seems to indicate this.Though LE and a serial no would confirm it. Worn away maybe?
Google "Ephgrave Lightweights Ltd" for pics and history.0 -
Rory's used to be a good lightweight shop in Romford, East London until about 10 or more years ago. Sadly it is no longer in existance. The only "lightweight" shop in the area now is Cyclos Uno in Barkingside.
There are still a few Rory frames around, useually ridden by the older riders (like me!)
Chris
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