W. F. Holdsworth & Holdsworthy

An Italic model name is a link to that model’s dedicated page.

1934 Catalogue

From the addresses and other data, this undated catalogue will have been prepared late in 1933 for the 1934 season.

The Curlew was advertised in March 1936.

1936 Catalogue

La Quelda , the Cyclonic Tandem and a Solid-Drive Trike were launched during 1936. This Olympia Show advert dated 3 Nov 1936, mentions La Quelda, Cyclone Road-Path, Cyclonic Tandem and Tricycle Conversion Set ready for the 1937 range. The late 1936 sheet (far right) shows a Solid-Drive Tricycle and Abingdon Axle Tricycles were also available.

1937 Catalogue

‘THE BICYCLE’ paper dated 31st March 1937 has an ad for the HOLDSWORTH CYCLONE for £10 10s, apologising for a 3-4 WEEKS WAITING FOR NEW BIKES due to demand.

New Models were normally launched at trade shows, so they do not run to the calendar year. “The main thing was to have something new for the cycle show at Earls Court. So launch dates were set around then” (Charlie Bruce, Holdsworthy 1967-71). Just because a model first appears in a particular catalogue that does not mean none were made in the previous year. The model may have been launched at the trade show in Sept-Nov of the previous year or indeed at any time during that year. cf The Super Rapid(e?) & Milanais(e?) first catalogue appearance was 1939, yet both were advertised in ‘The Bicycle’ on 15 Feb 1938.

22-29 Sept 1937 Earls Court Cycle Show, Holdsworth announced their ‘1938 cycle programme‘, they exhibited 12 cycles and 3 tandems. Models are as per the 1938 cat, except the Middlesboro Velo is not mentioned and a Ladies Typhoon is. The Reynolds Stand has ‘A’, ‘HM’ and ‘531’ tubing. Accles & Pollock display Kromo.

1938 Catalogue:

‘The Bicycle’ 15 Feb 1938 has a feature on 4 NEW MODELS for 1938 … LA VARIABLE (with pic ), MODELE TORNADO, TYPHOON and OLYMPIC plus a pic of the CYCLONIC SWB TANDEM and details of FRAMES and other products. There is also an advert for the SUPER RAPID, MILANAIS and LA QUELDA. The Super Rapid(e?) & Milanais(e?) post-date the printing of the 1938 catalogue, so appear in the 1939 catalogue.

1 Feb 1939 5 new models were advertised: La Quelda Supreme, La Quelda Flyer, La Quelda Club, all steel welded, L’Internationale (Road Race) and Empire Champion Path.
The La Queldas are all the same, it is only the finish that varies.

1939 Catalogue: Many 1939 models are available as Ladies frames, see bottom of each model’s page for details.

ID Hints:

 Pre WW2 all Holdsworths had clip type headsets with cups built into the frame except L’Internationale. This model was new for 1939 and had the new push-in headset cups. Clip headsets continued to be used immediately after the war. In 1946 they used some pre-war components, but they were soon used up. Bill Hurlow recalls that when he returned in Oct 1946 the first frames he made had clip headsets. The Frame Number location and type of lugs used also helps ID these frames. The frames were built with either Reynolds HM Aircraft or ‘351‘ tubes, relaxed angles and fork dropouts front opening (mounted straight into the tube with no angular offset); there was an alternative to Reynolds later in the 1950’s, Accles & Pollock Kromo (chrome-moly steel).

Early lugs were either bought in blanks which were then modified/lightened or made in house, all very simple compared to post war model distinctive lugs; later frames like the L’Inetnational had slightly fancier lugs. Seat stays were cut away at the attachment point to the seat lug until around the time frame numbers got to 5000. Mudguard tabs were used along with rear reflector mounts, chain rests and multiple oilers as needed. Some early post war frames retained these presumably at customer request, front opening fork dropouts also continued for a time post-war. There is a distinct change in the style of bikes post war with more upright angles, fancier lug work and improved equipment.

The exact change to post war style is not as clear cut as any particular date. Two L’International frames have numbers in the early 7000’s suggesting old stock builds or specific customer requirements. It could also be that Holdsworth did not stop building completely during the war, but again, if this was true then they used some components considered post-war during this time. All of which makes dating frames all the more difficult during this period. 

An aluminium head badge can indicate an immediately post war frame. At the start of war aluminium became very scarce as all available aluminium went to depth charge production. As the war came to a close & aircraft and munitions production reduced aluminium then became more readily available than brass.

Post WWII La Quelda frames were soon “bronze welded”, now called “fillet brazed”. Top seller from 1947-52 inclusive was the Cyclone.

In 1947 a specialist aluminium welder (Ray Cook) was employed and at least one all aluminium-alloy welded prototype frame was produced using Reynolds Hiduminium tubing.

In the 1940s to 1970s the UK applied a heavy Purchase Tax on new bikes (over 24% in 1949), but this tax did not apply to all components. To reduce the tax, many enthusiasts would buy a frameset, pick their components and do the assembly themselves. So a high end Holdsworth frameset could have any mix of components. However, a Holdsworth frame stockist in UK would probably have offered the Holdsworthy range of components too, so a certain kit similarity could occur. Many US bikes were bought as framesets and built-up.

1948 Cyclone de Luxe launched.

1949 Catalogue Only three frames on offer, presumably due to the “present conditions” mentioned on the front cover.

1950 Catalogue

An all aluminium-alloy welded Holdsworth was shown at the Earls Court Show, Nov 1948, as was one by Hobbs. These experimental frames had been made over 1 year previously from special Reynolds Hiduminium tubing. These were the first all-welded aluminium-alloy frames to be constructed in Great Britain. It was unclear whether they would go into general production. Continued petrol rationing meant supply difficulties and high demand. In the 1949 & 1950 catalogues Sandy says in both “I regret that owing to present conditions I can only supply a proportion of the prospective riders of Holdsworths”. Both cats offer the same limited range, probably an attempt to increase production.

Petrol rationing ended on 26 May 1950 so materials supply would improve and demand will have stayed bouyant for a short while. However when the huge Fawley and Cheshire refineries came on-stream (The PM opened Fawley officially 14 Sep 1951), demand fell again as more folk splashed out the extra for a motorbike or car.

1957 There was a bust up at the factory, foreman Charlie Roberts left as did the “Specials” builder Reg Collard and many others. Holdsworthy now produced a set range of cycle frames and were no longer prepared to build to individual requirements. Specials were discontinued a couple of months after Reg left.

Production of ‘Special Builds‘ moves to ‘132 Putney’

1958 The shops were being asked for ‘specials‘ and so Holdsworthy allocated W F Holdsworth a block of frame numbers and Reg Collard, the ex Holdsworthy frame builder mentioned above, started building Holdsworth frames to order, in a small workshop at 132 Lower Richmond Road. “Reg’s output was 2 – 3 per week. He was often hindered in his work by customers who wanted to see their frame being built” (RT). Demand was high so delivery was typically 3 months, until 1964 at least. (For more information see History page for this period)

In 1961 the Holdsworthy factory did not do “Special Builds“, but the WF Holdsworth shop at 132 Lower Richmond Rd did. These do not show in this catalogue. The “Specials” builder was Reg Collard. He tells me he made quite a few time trial framesets amongst others. These had track ends with mudguard eyelets, as most folk TT’d on a fixed wheel until the mid 1960’s.

Sandy Holdsworth died on 28 Aug 1961.

The shop started producing it’s own Holdsworth models, prior to Mrs Holdsworth’s death on 24 Jan 1964, as the plan was to split and form a separate company, but she died before that could be instigated.

Some stock frames were made by Alec Bird, but only for a couple of years, other frame builders were also used for stock frames. When Reg left (1970?) Tommy Quick took on the building of ‘specials’ and continued to 1995, although the name on the shop frames changed from ‘Holdsworth’ to ‘Roy Thame’ in 1975.

1963 The Mistral was launched with Campag forged ends & Prugnat Lugs, distictive Italian I type. This was the start of a more modern bike range using bought in lugs and angles becoming parallel & progressively steeper giving the ride a more sporty feel. Rear brake bridges also move from curved to straight and included bosses in later years. The level of equipment used was also modernised.

Remember that WF Holdsworth ‘shop models’ do not show here.

1965 The shop adopted their own frame numbering system, since 1958 they had been issued periodically with batches of factory numbers for their Special builds.

York Rally Lightweight Cycle Show 1966: “Much interest was shown in the lightweight racing tricycle on the Holdsworthy stand, and as well as examples of Grubb and Claud Butler club models, there were displays of tracksuits, Regina ‘Gold’ freewheels, and Kowlait tubulars”. [CycleTouring Oct/Nov 1966]

If the date frank is Nov 67 then it could be for the 1968 season, but it does mention their “Professional” in the singular. Bob Addy was their only Pro in 1967, his first year with WF Holdsworth . In 1968 he was joined by Roger Newton, with others added after the 1968 Olympics.

1968 the Super Mistral was top of the factory range. It had a fully sloping Prugnat fork crown, half chromed rear stays, fully chromed forks, a quick release seat bolt and brazed on hanger for the centre-pull rear brake. The very first ones probably didn’t have any chrome.

The Equipe appears in the 1969 Catalogue. It has plain gauge Reynolds tubing, Prugnat lugs and 105cm wheelbase. It was available in orange with blue panels, blue with orange panels or silver with white panels in 1972, although the brochures imply team colours only. The 10sp Tourer had a wider gear range using 40/48 rings with 14 to 26 freewheel. Full length plastic mudguards and a rear pannier. The Record was launched for the 1969 Season.

Early 70’s track bikes were Pista, Professional Sprint and Competizione Track.

Mar – Jun 1972, as the team has early 1972 successes, but not yet Garry Crewe’s BRRC win.

1973 Cycles & Frames for USA Export: They say “There is an International shortage of top quality components such as Campagnolo, Stronglight, TA, Cinelli and Clement…we reserve the right to substitute if considered necessary”. This shortage, continual European price increases and pound/dollar conversion rate fluctuations has made it impossible to produce our “Bike Riders Aids” (USA only?). Due to great demand, delivery on the Strada, Pista, Cronometro and Professional models is approx 20 weeks. Catalogue prices for complete cycles include UK tax. Exported cycles are exempt from this tax, prices for USA are as follows: (“All carriage and custom charges are payable on receipt”).

Range in Jan 1973: Holdsworthy	frameset	cycles
Equipe  5 spd, 10 spd or 10spd Tourer		$96, $100, $125
Record 5 spd, 10 spd		$138, $156
Cyclone with Standard or Campagnolo Ends	$45 or $50
Mistral 5 spd, 10 spd	$63	$238, $315
Super Mistral 5 spd, 10 spd	$76	$299, $330
Super Mistral Fastback	$78
Professional Track	$76
Professional 12 spd	$98	$407
Tricycle conversion sets.	Not available at present
WF Holdsworth
Competizione (Road, Track or Cyclo-Cross)	$75
Italia	$83
Pista: optional: chrome forks + 12″ rear	$95 or $110
Strada: optional chrome forks + 12″ rear	$98 or $112
Cronometro: optional chrome forks + 12″ rear	$98 or $112
Cronometro Ultralight: option chrome fork + 12″ rear	$105 or $119

1974: The W.F. Holdsworth LTD Catalogue has the Italia and Competizione ranges, but also offers the factory Professional

1974 Holdsworthy models were Mistral, presumably Equipe, Record, Professional 12spd, Cyclone, Super Mistral, and Super Mistral Fastback. Possibly first year of New Record ‘Sport10’ and Special.

1975: Shop ceases ‘Holdsworth’ production

Probably between Mar and Sep 1975, the shop stopped making Holdsworths, so the Strada, Italia, Pista, Cronometro, Cronometro Ultralight and Competizione models were no longer ‘Holdsworth’, they wore Roy Thame decals. “For the 1975 Harrogate show we introduced the Campionissimo range, these replace the Strada etc”. (Roy Thame)

The Autograph was probably launched late in 1974. The ‘Keith Lambert’ Autograph bore a decal celebrating his 1974 BRRC win. The Autograph continued celebrating other HC riders BRRC wins. It was shown at the 1975 Harrogate show. Les West won the BRRC in 1975, Geoff Wiles in 1976 and Phil Corley in 1978.

About 1975, the price of chrome from South Africa increased substantially, so it’s use was progressively reduced (Jim Hagan, Holdsworthy).

List July 1975 with Campag gear	frameset	cycles
Equipe 5 spd or 10spd Valentino Extra		£64.45 or £68.75
Autograph 5 spd or 10spd Nuovo Gransport		£77.95 or £82.25
Record 5 spd or 10 spd Record		£99.95 or £111.75
New Record “Sport 10” Record		£130
Cyclone with Standard or Campag. Ends	£35.25 or £40.50
Mistral 5 spd or 10 spd Nuovo Record	£47.25	£194 or  £212
531 Special	£59.50
Professional Sprint Frame (Track)	£56
Professional 12 spd Nuovo Record	£71	£275
Professional 12 spd Super Record/ORO		£365
Tricycle conversion sets – Production ‘temporarily’ discontinued

1977 The Competitor and Silver Jubilee were available in the 1977 range only and so are quite rare. The Competitor appears to have been adopted from the Claud Butler range. The Silver Jubilee tourer was to commemorate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. The Super Mistral was also offered in this year for the last time.

1980 Catalogue: The Elan was offered, probably it’s first year along with the Classic.

Marlboro had a presence at Oakfield Rd since pre Easter 1985, but they bought Holdsworthy cNov 1985, and production quickly transferred to Darlaston in the West Midlands.

Marlboro-Holdsworths

The Marlboro Rapier was launched, sporting a ‘Made by Holdsworthy Co Ltd’ decal during 1987 or later. It appears that when Marlboro sold the Holdsworth and Claud Butler brands to Falcon in 1987, they retained the ‘Holdsworthy Company Ltd’ name.

Falcon-Holdsworths

After the 1987 takeover by Falcon Cycles Ltd (an Elswick PLC Company), they offered Holdsworth “Racers”, Claud Butler Tourers (neglecting MTBs) and Falcon “Sports Cycles”. The Holdsworth Derwent is from this era, the Corsair is c1994. The Racers and tourers were made from Reynolds 531 Compertition tubing which is distinuisted by having the pump pip on the back of the headtube, double bottle mounts and a chain hanger on the diriveside seat stay.

Year	Holdsworth Model	Colours	Frame Sizes
1990	Professional	Black	21, 22, 23.5, 24.5
	Espirit	Red	21, 22, 23.5, 24.5
	Criterium	Pearlescent Pink	21, 22, 23.5, 24.5
1991	Professional 346	Black	21, 22, 23.5, 24.5
	Criterium 345	Pearlescent Pink	21, 22, 23.5, 24.5
1992	Professional 619 14sp	Midnight Blue	21″, 22″, 23″, 24″
	Criterium 618 14speed	Pearlescent Pink	21″, 22″, 23″, 24″

Planet X-Holdsworths

Link to more information on Holdsworth

Also

https://classicrendezvous.com/country-of-origin/the-british-isles/roy-thame

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holdsworth

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/vrbn-g-n.html#holdsworth