J F Wilson of City Rd info/memories sought

[pitcanary]

Hello,

I'm trying to compile information on the J F Wilson cycle shop on City Road. Does anyone have early memories/photos/info about the business which they would be willing to share? I am particularly interested in the early days, late 40's/ and 50's. Although anything at all would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I am planning a 60th anniversary ride, to take place sometime this summer. The ride would be aimed at any cyclists wanting to take part. Though I would like to get as many Wilson's out of the sheds as possible. Do we have any/many Wilson bike owners on the forum?

Cheers,

Mark

[Puffin4]

I had a bike made by Jim Wilson in the mid 50's and I was very proud of it. I spent almost all my time there whilst he was building it. I used to ride with the Beighton Wheelers but gave up bikes when I joined the RAF in 1959. I did, however have a Claude Butler which I used for work in the 70's.

 

Mike

[pitcanary]

Cheers Mike. Oddly enough, I've just bought an early 50's Wilson. Where from? Beighton.

Don't suppose you have any photos of you and your Wilson?

[slh73]

The shops still open, and being run by Nigel Wilson now. Pop in and have a chat, Im sure hell have plenty to talk about. Or you can contact him through their website

 

http://www.wilsoncycles.co.uk/

[Puffin4]

Sorry, no photographs, there's a lot of water gone under the bridge since my schooldays. I didn't live in Beighton, I lived in Richmond which was not too far away.

 

If my memory serves me correctly; my JFW had a black frame and was originally set up with five speed and double clanger although I used to ride it with fixed wheel a lot of the time. Could be a bit of a sod going down Baslow Hill. I had large flanged hubs too. I'll have a think about it in bed - I do a lot of thinking there when I can't sleep - the only time I get a bit of peace!

 

Mike

[Puffin4]

The shops still open, and being run by Nigel Wilson now. Pop in and have a chat, Im sure hell have plenty to talk about. Or you can contact him through their website

 

http://www.wilsoncycles.co.uk/

 

Hi,

 

Looked at the link with interest, memories came flooding back.

 

Mike

[Timbuck]

I've got a Wilson bike and I bought it 47 years ago and am still riding it today it's had a few bits replaced over the years due to crashes and rust.. it's had several resprays..it has the same Brooks leather saddle and GB handlebars and centre pull brakes....I knew Jim and his wife Olive very well and his Brother Syd (who I believe is still riding) he must be in his 80's by now...Some times I used to help out around the shop and do a bit of brazing on the frames in his celler under the shop...I often think back to one day many years back in Brittany when I was out on a training session with Jim and Syd and Ron Coe (5 times British National champion) at that time...Jim and I got completely wiped out by Ron and Syd...I met Jim thro: his intrest in music and we played together sometimes him on Hammond Organ or Sax and me on Bass...He used to manage a group in the 60's called the Four Blades....I have many stories about him and most of the have been documented by Nigel...I'm now living in Stockton on Tees..but willing to participate.

[pitcanary]

The shops still open, and being run by Nigel Wilson now. Pop in and have a chat, Im sure hell have plenty to talk about. Or you can contact him through their website

 

http://www.wilsoncycles.co.uk/

 

Yes, I put the world to rights with Nigel in the shop whenever I get chance. I have some info from him but I'm also keen to hear from the customers/fanatics of the business too.

[pitcanary]

I've got a Wilson bike and I boiught it 47 years ago and am still riding it today it's had a few bits replaced over the years due to crashes and rust.. it's had several resprays..it has the same Brooks leather saddle and GB handlebars and centre pull brakes....I knew Jim and his wife Olive very well and his Brother Syd (who I believe is still riding) he must be in his 80's by now...Some times I used to help out around the shop and do a bit of brazing on the frames in his celler under the shop...I often think back to one day many years back in Brittany when I was out on a training session with Jim and Syd and Ron Coe (5 times British National champion) at that time...Jim and I got completely wiped out by Ron and Syd...I met Jim thro: his intrest in music and we played together sometimes him on Hammond Organ or Sax and me on Bass...He used to manage a group in the 60's called the Four Blades....I have many stories about him and most of the have been documented by Nigel...I'm now living in Stockton on Tees..but willing to participate.

 

Great stuff. Riding with those three is history in itself. Fantastic. I'm hoping to try and track Sid down for a chat. I spoke to Nigel recently, and yes, Sid is still riding. Don't suppose you have any early photos of your bike, the shop or Sid and Jim you'd be willing to let me use?

Thanks for the post.

[Timbuck]

Great stuff. Riding with those three is history in itself. Fantastic. I'm hoping to try and track Sid down for a chat. I spoke to Nigel recently, and yes, Sid is still riding. Don't suppose you have any early photos of your bike, the shop or Sid and Jim you'd be willing to let me use?

Thanks for the post.

I'll have a look see in to my archives.