www.carpenterbikes.com | All about Carpenter Cycles

Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race. (H. G. Wells)

…welcome to our virtual museum dedicated to 50 years of specialist bike building by Henry and Frank Carpenter. Come and browse around – entry is free! You will find galleries displaying the bikes they made, stories of the athletes that raced them and a history of the business. If you have anything to add, just get in touch – petersbed(at)aol.com

We also have a Facebook group for current blog stuff…. https://www.facebook.com/groups/711818479176074

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But first, bikes are there to be used. We often have rides in our calendar. Why not come and join in! Contact petersbed(at)aol.com for details. Or head on over to our Facebook group.

Introduction…

The bicycle. Such a simple machine, kids master them before they start school. And yet the story of the bicycle is woven through two centuries. It starts during an agricultural revolution, advances through an industrial revolution, now benefits from a technological revolution. Its origins can be traced back to the biggest ever volcanic explosion in recorded history; it stayed at the forefront of the technical advances of the Industrial Revolution. It played its part in great wars then profound social changes. It was the cradle of man’s first faltering efforts to fly, maintained a surprisingly close relationship with the rapidly advancing aerospace industry and even now as man reaches into space, bicycle design challenges the best aerodynamicists and advanced materials experts. Cycle sports have thrilled generations with its heroes – and villains. Astonishing records have been set, only to be surpassed.

In 1872, when Henry Carpenter was born, ‘Penny-Farthing’ bicycles were playthings of the rich, the Ferraris of their day. Then in the 1890s they were swept aside by the diamond-framed ‘Safety’ cycles we know today. These bikes were much more affordable, safer, lighter & faster especially when Dunlop’s pneumatic tyres came along. The mobility they brought triggered a social revolution.

Britain led the world in an explosive growth of cycle making; mass market producers flourished, hundreds of small artisan workshops sprung up, custom-building lightweight race bikes to order.

Fast forward 100 years…………………………………………..

The demand for bikes had gone through highs and lows, eventually pushed back by the post-war growth of car ownership. Then the 1980s ‘running boom’ signalled a renewed interest in participative sports. A new enthusiasm for ‘mountain’ biking sprung up. Exotic new materials revitalised interest in road bikes; there was a new understanding of the importance of aerodynamics; Greg Lemond’s last-gasp 1989 Tour de France victory brought the drama to millions of TV viewers. By the 1990s all was set for a resurgence of cycling as a recreation and a sport. But ….. this revival was not one that would support the army of craftsmen that built specialist race bikes. Carbon fibre wheels & components presaged the end of the steel framed bike. Chris Boardman’s astonishing dominance in the 1992 Olympic pursuit on a high-tech monocoque carbon framed bike confirmed that after 100 years the long reign of artisan builders of steel frames was over.

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Henry and Frank Carpenter, father and son, were more than mere bystanders through the era of steel, they were specialist master craftsmen of lightweight race cycles. Their work spanned the 50 years from the end of WW1 until the close of the 1960s. This covered two distinct chapters of technological, manufacturing and social development.

Henry Carpenter opened his cycle manufacturing business in Islington early in the 1920s. Britain had emerged from WW1 victorious, its vast empire intact, its industries still the most advanced anywhere. There was a huge demand for bicycles both in Britain and abroad, bike racing flourished. From then until WW2 Henry, his son Frank (sometimes employing another frame-builder) hand-built over 3000 racing bikes. Their meticulous workmanship secured an envied reputation for the Carpenter marque. The pre-war history, with Henry in charge, is detailed here.

After WW2 Britain was in very different place: at the very forefront of advanced technology but financially broken. This was a time of prolonged rationing, strikes and a crumbling rail network. Not yet a land fit for heroes. Austerity fuelled a brief recovery in the demand for bikes as daily transport until living standards recovered, then they were quickly displaced by cars. The demand for bikes declined rapidly. British bike manufacturers faced an uncertain future.

But competitive club cycling went on – and that was Carpenter’s speciality. Islington was a blitzed ruin. Frank Carpenter re-opened his business in Kingston-on-Thames immediately after the war, quickly re-establishing the reputation of the marque. It was the choice of many leading riders and champions of the day and ridden to national and olympic honours. By the time he retired in the late 1960s almost 2,000 more bespoke Carpenter race bikes had been built. A business that opened at the time of the first stuttering transatlantic flight had responded to the needs of the most demanding, discerning athletes right up to the time of the first moon landings. The post-war history under Frank is here.

Frank lived on in retirement until 1990. He witnessed the arrival of BMX and mountain bikes; he might well have enjoyed watching Greg Lemond’s milestone 1989 Tour de France victory; perhaps it was merciful that he missed seeing Chris Boardman’s 1992 Olympic victory which effectively closed the book on craftsman-built steel race bikes.

This website draws together information about their business, the bikes and their riders, set in the context of their time. The ‘Carpenter’ story illustrates the steady development (and eventual demise) of British built race bikes. Any text that is in red is hyperlinked to further information or pictures, elsewhere in the site or on other websites. Click for more! (Then close the new tab to return to where you were). If you would like to add more information, or comment on what you see, feel free to contact us on petersbed (at) aol.com

Most recent updates:

29/10/2023 New section added with examples of frame numbering, BB and steerer.
11/10/2023 #5223 road frame being restored by Eddy Fawdry
26/9/2023 #5172 stunning track iron, fully restored, offered on eBay.
8/9/2023 #5203 has been bought by Barry Adams, a full restoration in prospect!
12/8/2023 #5344 Olympic Massed Start, restored by Gerry Raymond-Barker
25/6/2023 #4893 frame now owned by Les Lazell.
16/6/2023 John Barclay‘s page has been updated on the passing of this unsung hero.
31/5/2023 Mark Powell’s lovely restoration of #4766 added.
20/05/2023 #5146 for sale by Ian Berry
29/01/2023 unknown frame number, unrestored Olympic Pursuit track bike. (David Thornley)
25/01/2023 1958 Road frame #5146 added (Ian Berry)
25/01/2023 1946 tandem #3860 is for sale by Pete Davy. Ride away (with a mate!) on a fully working geared tandem in great condition.
9/10/2022 John Froud, Festival RC, has tragically died after being knocked down while competing in an open 25. His page has been updated.
13/03/2022 Don Green’s race bike #4922 added. Verified by Don as 1/6/1956 so we have to make some adjustments to our our dating estimates around this time.
11/01/2022 Alexander von Tutscheck is offering a complete set of Carpenter waterslide decals. See details in ‘For Sale‘
2/11/2021 Peter Evans has sent in pics of his neighbour’s Carpenter #5511 with lots of documents
5/10/2021 Don Green, Charlotteville CC, added to ‘The Riders’.
14/9/2021 Simon Levy has acquired #5435 from Patricia Killiard.
9/7/2021 #5047 ’58 road/path offered on eBay
25/5/2021 Ian Murray has carefully restored #5425
11/4/2021 Goldenage Cycles are offering this Clubman #4830 for sale – original paintwork, upgraded in 1958 by fitting SA hub gears.
14/3/2021. Dave Buckingham has done justice to his bike built up on this superbly renovated frame #4756.
17/1/2021 Previously undated tandem #3860 now identified by Mark Atkinson
22/11/2020 Steve Broughton is selling ’34 Super Clubman #2621 & ’59 track frame #5203
22/11/2020 For Sale. Scott Hitchens is selling #4971 with its stunning chromed track frame. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/313836690021310/
22/11/2020 Ian Sorrel has submitted more inspiring ‘Icons of Steel‘. Thanks mate!
25/10/2020 John Bitten’s fixed bike #5239 added.
06/10/2020 ‘Carpenter’ DE9833829 A possible Carpenter from the shop way after FC retired. Probably bespoke but not a classic lightweight in the accepted sense. So I’ve logged it in ‘other bikes’.
5/10/2020 Icons of Steel. A personal alphabet of the icons that inspired ordinary clubmen. Chip in your own if you think we’ve missed someone/something essential.
6/08/2020 #4962 added. Matthew Line’s ’56 immaculate Lightweight Tourer, in regular use. Original finish in excellent condition. Mafac Cantilever brakes, mainly original components.
18/07/2020 #5406 added. Restored frame from David Buckingham
18/07/2020 #5045 added. Richard Deayton’s road bike, with receipt from first purchase by Dave Lidyard as a frameset. Original top-line Campagnolo/Stronglight/Mafac components.
06/07/2020 #4474 added. Richard Deayton’s road/path bike, first raced by Neil Fisher then Dave Lidyard. All three of Festival RC.
23/04/2020 #3862 added. Peter Wilkey’s father’s bike, now superbly restored.
06/04/2020 #4220 added (Clive Griffiths). Full details awaited. Replying direct to your email address doesn’t work, Clive!
06/04/2020 #4791 road frame added (Andrew Jones, Sydney)
04/04/2020 #4845 Barbara Atkin’s 1954 race bike, now owned by Celia Jenkins
29/02/2020 #4006 added (for sale by Louay Robinson)
17/02/2020 #5462 frameset added (also for swop/sale)
06/02/2020 #4215, 1948 track bike raced by Jack Manning being sympathetically preserved by Peter Wagg
14/01/2020 A reference in the post-war history to Ken Janes, master lug-cutter
12/10/2019 Martin Wikner’s #2805 -the earliest Carpenter sporting original parts
8/10/2019 A section on Component Materials. (in particular aluminium alloys).
7/10/2019 A little bit on Tubeset materials added. 531 and more….
4/10/2019 #4104 Lightweight tourer with early ’90s components.
14/9/2019 #4510 added (eBay)
8/9/2019 #5007 added, Trevor Bailey’s ’56 track pursuit bike.
1/8/2019 #5767 added, a track bike on the cusp of a technical revolution.
22/6/2019 #4487 added, Ray Miller’s mother’s race bike.
1/3/2019 #5005 added – for sale by Brian Wright.
10/01/2019 #4775 road frame added.
27/11/2018 John Barclay, Festival RC has been recognised for his decades of inspirational coaching with a citation in the Pedal Club’s Golden Book.
2/10/2018. #5545: Herczeg Gábor’s Carpenter frame fitted with cantilever brake bosses.
2/10/2018 Something completely different : Michael Jermář uses this folding bike for his adventures from Prague. A ‘Carpenter’? Well not as we know it. Any clues?
8/9/2018 Two from 1949, both for sale: Peter Goodbun’s Road/TT bike #4293, and #4306 on eBay #173513004767
7/9/18 Mark Campion has been busy in Oregon restoring his track bike #4806
22/08/18 Lorna Wray has supplied a pic of a classic f/w Carpenter in a time trial, 30’s or early 40’s.
18/08/18 John Whiffen’s lovingly restored bikes #4871 and #5191 added.
14/08/18 Scott Hitching’s bike with its gorgeous chrome ’56 track frame #4971 added. 60+ years on and still meeting the demands of a regular city commute.
6/08/18 Gil Carter’s 1956 lightweight tourer #5030 added. It’s been in the family from new.
19/06/18 A page started on Graham Edwards, Festival RC
7/06/18 A page started for John Vaughan, frame builder and Clarence Wheelers
30/05/18 Richard Restrick’s ’59 Olympic Pursuit #59-3064 added,
photos of #3540 added.
19/03/18 Preliminary info on #5418 submitted by Paul Ayers
19/03/18 Tracy Tools, tap and die specialists, added to Links.
15/03/18 Frame #2948 sold at Clevedon Saleroom auctions.
5/03/18 A couple of rather special bikes added: Bob Sargent’s road bike (#?975) and Lorna Wray’s ‘Club Girl’ #4002.
24/02/18 frame #5002 added. (Now sold by Steel Vintage Bikes)
13/02/18 Lots of new info on the early days of Festival Road Club from David Lidyard and Tom McCall, with photos of members and Frank Carpenter at club dinners. Details of #3540 added (Now sold on eBay).
20/12/17 Details added of Graham Nevett’s USWB tandem #3680 and Mark Campion’s track frame #4806
04/12/17 Photos of road frame #3223 submitted by Huw Evans
27/10/17 Photo of road frame #4756 for sale on eBay
15/10/17 Info on Alan Ball, Festival RC, added + #4494 (Steve Ball)
17/09/17 Details of #3060 21″ road bike for sale.
15/09/17 Pictures of Pete Kennish’s bike added, #5201
30/08/17 #5030 extracted from the back of a garage after 40+ years
29/08/17 Details of #4041 frame for sale on eBay
29/08/17 Photo of tandem for sale on eBay. Frame number unknown
21/08/17 Photo of #4368 for sale on eBay
10/08/17 Richard Williamson’s #5444 added.
03/07/17 A section on Clubs has been started. Contributions welcome!
12/06/17 Rod Boot’s Olympic Pursuit #5035 added.
22/05/17 Details of Colin Cape “Carpenter Olympic” #CC7274 added (also for sale)
25/04/17 Photo of #4146 and links to YouTube clips of #3115 and Saxon-Bailey #88137 at Herne Hill
07/02/17 #3138 added to readers bikes, renovation docs here.
02/02/17 Youtube video added to Cronosquadra Versilia TTT event report
02/02/17 #4374 added to bikes seen on the Internet (with receipt)
29/01/17 #5085 added, owned by the wife of “WyvernRH” in NSW, Aus.
12/01/17 Wheelbuilding price list 1963 added to Docs
Receipt for #5457 added to Docs

Some Acknowledgements:

Terry Harradine for encouraging me to restore my loved but tatty old Jensen;
John, my brother, for saying “Nice! I still have dad’s old Carpenter. Let’s fix it up”
Peter Underwood for his inspirational Classiclightweights site, our main source, now managed by the Chater-Lea gang;
John Gill, V-CC Carpenter ‘ME’ , for his hugely informative piece on Peter’s site.
Janet Bedingfield for her research into the lives of Henry & Frank Carpenter;
Everyone who has said “Carpenter? There’s one in my shed. Too good to scrap. Have it.”
Sonia, whose car now has to live on our drive.
Garry Needham, Mark (& Martin!) for their expertise at Argos Racing Cycles;
H Lloyd Cycles for turning scraps & doodles into works of art;
Mick Madgett for magicking true wheels from salvaged bits. Canes on Lee Valley!!
Vince Warner for giving me the confidence to delve into epicyclic hubs;
Everyone at East Grinstead CC for putting up with an anorak in their midst;
Giancarlo Brocci. A true hero, a legend. Say no more.
Joe Bedingfield for helping set up this website. He rides a bit too…..