Holdsworth 1953 Catalog — Cyclone, La Quelda, Hurricane, Tornado, Typhoon, Whirlwind, Zephyr and Roi de Velo

— Page 1 (front cover) —
EXTRAS which may be specified
(Purchase Tax.[?] which is payable where the extras apply to a complete cycle is shown in brackets).
£ s. d. | s. d
Super Flamboyants on “Nickelex” polished base …. 1 10 0 | (7 4)
Diamond panel to seat tube. In place of ordinary band …. 3 6 | ( 10)
Three 2″ colour bands to seat tube. In place of ordinary one colour band …. 4 6 | (1 1)
Full Continental style panelling throughout from …. 1 7 6 | (6 8)
Enamelling all head, in contrasting colour, including approx. 2″ of top and down tubes finishing in spearpoints. (La Quelda only) | 11 0 | (2 8)
Enamelling head tube only in contrasting colour. Where not standard (Brazed frames) | 8 3 | (2 0)
Flamboyant head tube to brazed frame.
Where contrasting head tube is not standard | 10 6 | (2 7)
Where contrasting head tube is standard …. 2 3 | ( 7)
Lining edges of all lugs in contrast …. 13 9 | (3 4)
CHROME PLATING
As you probably know, the Government has prohibited the use of nickel as a base for chrome plating. We are pleased that we can now offer you Chrome on a “Nickelex” base which gives exactly the same appearance and has, at least, the same durability.
Front Fork Crown …. 6 8 | (1 11)
Front and rear ends, approx. 6″ …. 1 1 4 | (5 2)
Front and rear drop-out plates only …. 14 0 | (3 5)
Front forks, all over …. 10 0 | (2 5)
N.B.—FRAME SETS quoted in this list, include the best Continental or British Head and Bracket fittings ([illegible]” diameter bearings top and bottom) all as available. Alloy seat pillar and adjustable lamp bracket.
Usual brazed on fittings—18″ Pump pegs, gear boss and stops if required.
[Right-hand page.]
IN THE LONDON “SIX”.
Photo by Ted Lees, S.W.8.
Holdsworth Cycles
1953

[The outer cover opened flat: a price list of extras and chrome plating on the left, and on the right a front cover photograph of two track riders in the London Six over the script title Holdsworth Cycles. The left page lists enameling and lining extras with Purchase Tax in brackets, chrome plating on a Nickelex base and a boxed note on what frame sets include; the rider in front wears the number 2. A vertical fold crease runs through the left page.]

— Page 2 —
CYCLONE
My most popular model during the past six years, the “Cyclone” has proved its worth up and down the country for road racing and Club riding. The 73° head and 71° seat with 22[illegible]” top tube, bracket height.[?] 11″ with 27″ wheels, produce an easily handled frame which can be ridden in comfort and at speed.
I also produce a “Short Reach” model with a shorter top tube which provides a comfortable position for the “pocket Hercules” type of rider without stretching.
Usual brazed fittings with Continental drop-outs. “531” or Kromo tubing, solid steel forged crown.
Complete specification as follows:
William’s C.34 Chain Wheel Set; Dunlop High Pressure Rims and Tyres, built on Bayliss Wiley famous 9 and 10 Hubs; Two “G.B.” Alloy Brakes; “Allez” Alloy pedals; Pelissier, Maes or Binda Alloy Bends on “G.B.” 2¾”[?] Alloy Extension; Brooks B.17 Saddle; Coventry Chain; Bluemel Guards and Pump.
Finished in any colour Flam, Lustre or Enamel, double lined or lugs lined band to seat tube.
Frame Set – £14 7 6
Complete Cycle as specification above including P. Tax …. £33[?] 3 0

[Holdsworth’s Cyclone, a photograph of the complete bicycle with drop handlebars, with its description, specification and prices for the frame set and the complete cycle. A boxed drawing beside the specification shows a lugged head tube with its fork crown.]

— Page 3 —
LADIES CYCLONE
Here is a model built specially for the racing and club girl. It is no longer necessary for the lady rider who has progressed beyond the “Company Built” cycle to study specifications of men’s machines and endeavour to adapt them to her requirements.
Of the same standard as the man’s CYCLONE it is specially designed with its grace and liveliness to fulfil the desires of the discerning lady rider.
Short top tube of 21¼” gives easy reach and with smaller frame and angles of 72° head and 73° seat tube it will provide comfortable riding without loss of ease in steering.
Specification. Dunlop high pressure rims and tyres on Bayliss Wiley light 9 and 10 hubs. Brooks famous B17 saddle. Williams C34 chain wheel set. Coventry chain. Alloy fittings including brakes (two G.B.) pedals (Holdsworth’s famous “Allez”), bends (choice of Binda, Maes or Pelissier), Extension Alloy (1[illegible]”). Bluemels Guards.
You can have it finished in brilliant flam, gleaming lustre or pastel shade enamel. Double lined or lugs lined and with contrasting band to seat tube.
Frame Set – – – £14 7 6
Complete cycle to above specification (including P. Tax) – £33 3 0

[Holdsworth’s Ladies Cyclone, a photograph of the bicycle with mudguards and drop handlebars, with its description, specification and prices for the frame set and the complete cycle.]

— Page 4 —
LA QUELDA
THE MOST FAMOUS WELDED CYCLE
First introduced in 1936, the “LA QUELDA” set the standard for Welded Cycles, although often copied has never been excelled for clean finish and perfect workmanship.
Many riders prefer the “feel” of a Welded Cycle, claiming that their smooth running properties (shocks evenly distributed and jars eliminated) are unique to this type of frame construction.
“531” Reynolds tubing welded and finished to absolutely clean lines and measurements as “CYCLONE”.
Finished in any colour Flam, Lustre or Enamel, double lined, band to seat tube.
Frame Set – – – £13 2 6
Complete Cycle to the specification of “CYCLONE” model, including P. Tax …. £32 2 10
TUBING
ALL HOLDSWORTH’S Frames are built from BEST BRITISH TUBING—Reynold’s “531”, the High Carbon Steel or “KROMO” Accles and Pollock’s Chrome Molybdenum. These produce light, responsive, but sturdy frames and should not be confused with the much inferior tubing used in so many of the imported Continental frames.

[Holdsworth’s La Quelda welded cycle, a photograph of the bicycle with drop handlebars, with its description and prices for the frame set and the complete cycle. Below it a boxed note headed Tubing names Reynolds 531 and Accles and Pollock Kromo tubing.]

— Page 5 —
HURRICANE
This new introduction to the HOLDSWORTH Range will enable yon to join in all Club activities—Runs, Racing, and Tours—on a genuine handbuilt cycle. You will have the pride of riding a “HOLDSWORTH” made by the same maker who, over the past twenty years, has built machines for a succession of famous riders.
Two models are available, one welded and the other brazed, and either can be obtained fitted with a Huret Gear, the famous French Gear as used by many Continental pros.
Here is the specification:—
Built throughout with Reynolds “531” butted or A. and P. Kromo tubing.[?] Frame size 22″, 23″ or 24″. 73° Head and 71° Seat tubes. Fancy cut-out lugs on the brazed model. Oval to round fork blades. Dunlop 27″ steel high pressure rims and tyres. British Hub Co.’s “Sivida” or Bayliss-Wiley Hubs. 15/17 double butted spokes. “G.B.” alloy brakes. Williams C34 or Brampton detachable chainwheel set. Coventry chain. Brampton chrome rat-trap pedals. Alloy bars (Maes, Binda or Pelissier) in Reynolds “Flywate” stem. Bluemels guards. Wilby narrow sports saddle. 18″ (the Continental size) pump.
Finish. Flamboyant on Lustre in bright red, brilliant blue, bronze or purple. Light blue diamond on seat tube and fancy lining.
Price for the complete Cycle with Huret Gear (including P. Tax)
Welded Model …. £25 11 5 | Brazed Model …. £26 8 10
Or less Gear but with Fixed Cog—
Welded Model …. £23 13 3 | Brazed Model …. £24 13 2[?]
For SUPER FLAMBOYANT (Flamboyant on polished “Nickelex”) with lined head lugs (on brazed model), top eyes and crown.
Add …. £1 17 4
We regret that, owing to the price at which these models are offered, we are unable to depart from the above specifications, but, so there may be no undue delay in the despatch of your order, we reserve the right, should any fitment not then be available, to substitute one of similar value.

[Holdsworth’s Hurricane, a photograph of the bicycle with mudguards and drop handlebars, with its description, specification and prices for the welded and brazed models with a Huret gear or a fixed cog.]

— Page 6 —
TORNADO
This model caters for the man who wishes to specialise in the massed-start game. TORNADOS have scored many successes in Open Road and Circuit Races.
The machine combines the latest Continental ideas with good honest British Workmanship.
Built throughout with Reynolds “531” or A. and P. Kromo tubing, the seat stays are a fine taper, and the chain stays are also tapered for full tyre clearance.
Really sturdy Agrati style drop-outs are fitted for strength and speed in changing. Latest gradual rake oval fork blades with a solid Continental crown.
Brazed-on fittings consist of 18″ pump pegs, offset to clear all gear fittings, Continental guard eyes, gear boss and stops. (No lamp bracket boss unless requested).
Sizes are 21[illegible]”, 22[illegible]” or 23[illegible]”. Frame designed with low bracket (10[illegible]” with 27″ wheels), parallel head and seat tubes, 72° and long back so that the utmost advantage can be obtained from use of 8 or 10 speed gears.
You can have your Tornado finished in almost any colour Flam, Lustre or Enamel, lugs lined and contrasting band to seat tube. Chrome Crown.
Frame Set – £15 10 0

[Holdsworth’s Tornado, a photograph of the bicycle with drop handlebars, with its description and the frame set price. A boxed drawing beside the text shows a lugged head tube with its fork crown.]

— Page 7 —
TRICYCLE CONVERSION SET
HOLDSWORTH’S TRICYCLE CONVERSION SET enables any cyclist to taste the joys of tricycling without being put to the expense of ordering a Tricycle. Sets are in use all over the Kingdom and they have secured many National Records.
In addition, we have supplied several to those who are disabled or suffering from the effects of infantile paralysis, enabling them once more to participate in the joys of the open road.
Details as follows—
Direct Drive by shaft mounted[?] on annular bearings to near-side wheel—very rigid and responsive—offside wheel runs free. Overall width from cone to cone 28″, will go through most doors and conforms to modern tricycle design.
Bracket—Height reduced by 1″.
Finished in Gold Lustre Enamel. (Other colours 7/6 extra).
Fitted to any machine in a very few minutes as follows: loosen clamping bolt to release off-side wheel complete with stub axle. Pass through rear triangle of frame; replace off-side wheel. Tighten clamping bolt. Adjust [illegible] bolts to rear ends of frame, passing them through packing pieces provided Adjust telescopic seat stays to frame height. Fix to seat bolts and ALL IS READY!
Price £13 2 6
with Endricks, Sprite or Pixie Tyres.
H.P.’s and alloy rims can be supplied as available.
TRICYCLE FRAMES with similar design back axle and drive …. £24 10 0
Finished to your choice in Flam, Lustre or Enamel.

[Holdsworth’s Tricycle Conversion Set, two retouched halftone pictures of a bicycle converted to a tricycle by the set, with its description, fitting instructions and prices, and the price of tricycle frames of similar design.]

— Page 8 —
TYPHOON
This is a product of HOLDSWORTH’S Workshops which is within the reach of the man who, whilst appreciating a fine job, must watch his expenditure.
Reynolds or Kromo tubing. Continental fancy cut lugs. Oval to round fork blades with 2¾” rake. Angles, 73° head, 71° seat.
The equipment includes such world famous items as Brook’s B.17 Saddle, Williams C34 Chain set, 27″ x 1¼” Dunlop high pressure rims built into British Hub Co.’s “Sivada” or Baylis-Wiley 9/10 Hubs. Dunlop Skin-sided Speedy H.P. Tyres and Tubes. Perry Chain and HOLDSWORTH’S famous “Allez” quill pattern alloy Pedals. Two British “G.B.” alloy Brakes. Pelissier, Binda, Maes or South of France Bends in “G.B.” alloy Stem. Alloy Guards and Pump. Brazed-on Stops. Boss for Gear and Pump Pegs.
Finish in any colour, Flam, Lustre or Enamel to choice; hand-lined head lugs, top eyes and crown. Complete set of transfers, including 5 colour Olympic bands.
Frame Set – – £11 9 0
Complete Cycle to this fine specification, including P. Tax …. £28 10 3
Or with Simplex Tour de France or Beneluxe Derailleur Gear …. £31 4 6

[Holdsworth’s Typhoon, a photograph of the bicycle with drop handlebars, with its description, specification and prices for the frame set and the complete cycle with or without a derailleur gear. A boxed drawing beside the specification shows a lugged head tube with its fork crown.]

— Page 9 —
THE WHIRLWIND
As you know, every maker has one model which is built, finished and equipped regardless of cost.
The “WHIRLWIND” is my “pet” and I am honestly of the opinion that it cannot be bettered.
You give us your specification which we will faithfully follow or, if desired, we will advise you upon it from our long experience.
Lugs are handpicked and finished by our craftsmen to the design shown here. Tubing is Reynolds “531” high carbon steel or Accles and Pollock’s latest Kromo, the Chrome Molybdenum tubing. Continental decagon head-fittings.
Especial care is given to the finish which may be in any colour, flam, lustre or enamel, lined and with contrasting seat band or diamond to your choice. Chrome crown and tips.
I would like to say that this is still a ‘personal’ business and the details of all these machines have had my own consideration.
W. F. (“Sandy”) Holdsworth.
We do not quote a complete cycle as with a frame of this standard you will wish to make your personal choice. If you prefer, however, and will indicate the use to which you will put your “WHIRLWIND”, we will suggest a specification.
Frame Set – – – – £17 17 0

[Holdsworth’s Whirlwind, a photograph of the bicycle with drop handlebars, with its description and the frame set price. A boxed drawing shows the ornate cut-out head lugs, and a portrait photograph of a man sits beside a statement signed in type W. F. (“Sandy”) Holdsworth.]

— Page 10 —
THE ROAD-PATH MODEL
ZEPHYR
This is a frame which will specially appeal to the many who mix track and short-distance road work. Introduced in 1952, in it’s first year has had many successes on the path, whilst Riders competing in short distance road events have set up National figures on their speedy “Zephyrs”. Built on the lines of Holdsworth’s well-known Path machines, parallel head and seat tubes 73°, but the bare guard clearance and slightly increased fork rake make it equally suitable for the short distance road specialist who mixes such rides with grass or hard track work.
Lugs cut out to “Coronet” pattern ornated with “Windows”. The ultra-modern wrap-over top eyes. Of course we fit the exclusive W.F.H. Heavy Plate Path Ends, giving the full 2″ slot adjustment, manufactured from 3/16″ best quality mild steel for a really sturdy job.
Finished to your choice in Lustre, Flamboyant or Enamel. Lined lugs and contrasting band to seat tube. Chrome crown.
Frame Set – £15 15 0
Complete Cycle as specification on Cyclone including P. Tax …. £34 6 4

[Holdsworth’s Zephyr, the road-path model, a photograph of the bicycle with drop handlebars and no mudguards, with its description and prices for the frame set and the complete cycle. Two boxed drawings show the seat lug cluster and the lugged head tube with its fork crown.]

— Page 11 —
ROI DE VELO
PATH FRAME
The many victories gained in the past by Amateurs on my Path Frame cannot, of course, be quoted. In the year 1952 the establishment of a British Pro School has enabled me to contract two professional riders, Jack McKellow and Stan Saunders. These two riders have had many successes on theirHOLDSWORTHS (I know as I have paid out their bonuses week by week) and demonstrated that my Path Frames will stand up to all calls made upon them.
Jack McKellow
Stan Saunders
You can rely upon obtaining the very utmost from your efforts as their sturdy, yet light, construction will respond to your every demand. I would especially mention my exclusive Heavy Plate Path Ends. These are cut from 3/16″ best quality mild steel and provide full 2″ slot adjustment. This obviates the necessity for several expensive block chains when more than one gear is needed.
Round fork blades in our own design oval box crown which gives great strength in this vital spot. Built to give bare clearance with large section grass tubulars.
Finish as you wish in Flam, Lustre or Enamel. Lined lugs and contrasting band. Chrome crown.
Frame Set – – – £15 5 0
We illustrate the frame fitted with a Williams 1″ pitch Chain Ring for Block Chain. This can be fitted as an extra cost of …. £1 6 6[?]

[Holdsworth’s Roi de Velo path frame, a photograph of the frame and fork with a chainset, with its description and the frame set price. Two portrait photographs show the professional riders Jack McKellow and Stan Saunders, each captioned with his name.]