Wilson Cycles, Sheffield

simonaspinall

Anyone had any experience with these guys? Good bikes and service?

fastbatard

As a kid I dreamed of owning a JF WIlson bike after seeing many flying about round Sheffield. I have never had any personal experience but know that the shop is open only 3 days a week. I was advised by a colleague to make an appointment if I was to go as sometimes they don't open at all!

redballoon

They have had a good reputation in the past but the word on the street in sheffield is that they are not as good as they were. Friends who have bought stock there found out later that it was overpriced and often old. I have heard some say that the paint work is often not that good on their frames and I did here a story once that they passed a 501 frame as a 531. I live in Sheffield, but would not go there to buy parts or to have frame built or re-sprayed. I can vouch for the spray work at Bob Jacksons and I thought their service was good, expensive but really first class. Brian Rourke is also very good in stoke-on-trent and have a long respected racing pedigree and I own one of their steel bikes and they are dream to ride.If you want a frame made then it is really worth shopping round..

Red Balloon

racingt

My sons first road bike 15 years ago was a second hand small Wilson.
It was fantastic, class bike, but probably dated from the 70/80s
Don't know what they are like now, but would think they still had a good pedigree for steel framebuilding. Understated & undersold probably, would be my guess on the frames.
Probably got a tiny turnover and can't compete with Halfords, but they probably build traditional bikes very well.

racingt

My sons first road bike 15 years ago was a second hand small Wilson.
It was fantastic, class bike, but probably dated from the 70/80s
Don't know what they are like now, but would think they still had a good pedigree for steel framebuilding. Understated & undersold probably, would be my guess on the frames.
Probably got a tiny turnover and can't compete with Halfords, but they probably build traditional bikes very well.

simonaspinall

Thanks guys I think I get the picture. I live right near Bob Jackson so may have to give him a call.

sheffsimon

simonaspinall wrote:

Anyone had any experience with these guys? Good bikes and service?

Only one guy, Nigel, who is the son of Jim (JF) Wilson. Never had any problems with them, my first 531 road frame was a Wilson, back in the 80's. Handbuilt in the shop cellar.

Jim's brother Sid still races, at 82 (I think) yrs old, mucho respect.

As a business they have put plenty of money into racing teams, both in the 50's and 60's and in the 90's.

I doubt there is a more knowledgeable LBS in Sheffield, or a better steel framebuilder.