Forum | So why a Guv?

I like your approach, Schloopfeng,

so I will reply honestly. My post may sound defensive, but it is the truth

I am 42. When 17, I scored my (20 yrs older) uncle’s 50s Humber. twin forks, Sturmey 3 speed. I got it rolling again after 20 dusty years under Grandad’s house. New tyres, Neatsfoot oil to the old Brooks, a drop of oil in the hubs, new brake blocks.

And a smaller rear sprocket off my sister’s Raleigh 20.

It was overgeared, but I was young and fit.

When I got it, the North Roads were upside down, and so they stayed.

I could blow off most guys on their fancy 10 speeds in 1986 and 87

Then, in 1988, the bottom-bracket axle sheared. It was pre-internet, so I stupidly believed the LBS guy when he told me there were no replacements available. What he really meant, is he couldn’t be bothered fixing it. And pre-internet, I didn’t know a 50s Humber was a Raleigh, and an axle should be no problem.

So I foolishly discarded said bike, and bought a second-hand 12 speed with Arabesque 600

In 1992 I bought a mountain bike which I still have, and 2 more since.

But I have always hated the rigidity of the frames, and the non-ergonomic straight handlebars.

As I have nudged into middle age, I have hankered more and more for that Humber.

Then early 2009 I bought an old 20s BSA and did it up a la Guvnor, except much more traditional. It is the feeling I have from my Humber. I love the look of the Guv but don’t much like its modern fittings, but I know you guys don’t want to hear that. And what I have is more individual, and period in appearance.

What I love is the springiness of the steel frame, enhanced by the shallow frame angles and 1 1/2″ tyres which effectively engender a built-in suspension as well as giving it a long-wheelbase cruisey ride, something an old lazy 28″ wheeler frame has over the 50s ‘Sport-based’ 26″ wheeled Raleigh derivatives. I can say this with a degree of personal experience, as I also own a 1955 FG SA 4 speed Raleigh 26″ wheeler “All Steel Bicycle”, and have done the back-to-back test.

So for me, a simple, springy, 28″ wheeled bike is very much ‘back to the future’, and a superior ride

And that is my philosophy. I am enjoying going backwards, and unlearning modern ‘improvements’

A grandiose comparison, but anyone listened to Eric Clapton’s recent work? I love his Robert Johnson work…

PS: why does no current manufacturer make a decent North Road-style bar in aluminium of a diameter which will take modern brakes, gear levers, etc? that hand position is so much more ergonomic and comfortable

Niche for some enterprising fella

One and all,

I didn’t come to the Guv’nor through being a cyclist, it was the other way round. In fact the last time I rode a cycle was my Dad’s ‘Armstrong’ when I was a lad back in the late fifties!

First saw the Guv’nor featured in the Daily Telegraph Magazine in the summer of 2008. That was it, got the catalogue from Pashley, kept browsing and pondering, what size frame, model etc. etc.…. for a year, then finally took the plunge and ordered.

Wonderful to have rediscovered cycling again, keeps me fit and flexible and fulfills my need to fettle and fiddle with something mechanical. Cyclists also seem to be quite a talkative and sociable lot, but that may be due to the Guv’nor!

Safe rides, Geoff.