E G Bates cycles

stevechambers34

does anyone know anything about E G Bates cycles, I have just bought off Ebay a very nice E G Bates from the mid 60's and would like to find out a bit about the history of the make, I know he was in business with his brother prior to WWII and set up on his own afterwards.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... SA:GB:1123

Pete Beer

http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/bu ... bates.html

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/bates.html

Dickie

I used to drool through EGBs window as a teenager. Im not very helpful sorry

SamWise72

EG and HR Bates were brothers, who initially traded together, before splitting up and building independently. HR Bates became more famous, with his trademark Cantiflex tubing (specially drawn 531 which was thicker in the middle, and thinner at the ends), and Diadrant forks (see pic below). EG Bates, however, made some very lovely, if much more traditional looking bikes. I'm lucky enough to have one of each, an EB Bates tracky, and an HR Bates BAR from 1940, with a 4 speed Sturmey Archer, which I'm working towards restoring as a traditional club racer bike. See below!

stevechambers34

I reckon the BAR is too small for you Samwise(which is suprising for a hobbit) it would be better in my shed ! The EG Bates looks quite late?

SamWise72

The EG is 90's, I reckon - they traded up until quite recently. I got it for around £200 on eBay, which considering the price much lower spec track bikes go for was a huge bargain. The HR is a little small, but hey - long seatpost. Right? I got it for £150, cos I can't pass up a bargain, and I'd always loved the Horace Bates bikes. It's the oldest bike I own, at 68 years and counting.....

frank cole

I just read your query about eg bates bikes.I grew up in plaistow and dreamt of owning a bates bike I finally saved enough money and bought the bike of my dreams.Bates was famous for his intricate lugs and I remember mine was called ECCE SIGNUM, I had 24 inch bike with a four speed simplex deralleur gear, it was painted in two tone red and silver and I thought it was the best bike I ever owned, it gave me many years of pleasure and I eventually gave it to my younger cousin who also had it for many years. your query brought back many happy memories.
f. cole

bagpusscp

Hello Dickie.I thought you had up sticks and gone abroad