Here we have a beautifully preserved late
1970's E G Bates, which was built for mainly
TT work, but would also double for general
road work.
EG Bates was a shop run by Eddie Bates, brother of
Horace T Bates, famous for the classic cantiflex frame,
Eddie was a partner with his brother in the original Bates
until 1947, when he decided to split from Bates
and start E G Bates.
Eddie soon built a reputation for well built machines,
that were always to a very high standard.
After thoroughly stripping and reassembling this
One of the things that I really like about this bike,
is it's nice mix of well thought out components.
Campagnolo Head set, Bottom Bracket, Seat pin
and Hubs, Brooks Professional saddle.
First generation (1977) Suntour Superbe derailleurs,
shifters and brakes set and
Sugino Super Mighty Chainset.
Sun Tour RD 2100 R/D
Sun Tour FD 1500 F/D
Sun Tour 4700 brake levers and calipers bear
striking similarities to Campagnolo brakes of
the period.
Sun Tour Superbe decals, proudly displayed beneath
the Reynolds DB 531 decals (of course).
One of my favorite seat clusters, for me so British.
A very well preserved piece of boutique English
frame building, with a classic period group set
still fully intact, right down to
the cloth bar tape and brakes hoods.
It doesn't get much better.
E G bates son managing the Barking Road, Plaistow, London
Shop in 1981, E G Bates was still building the frames out the back.
E G bates son managing the Barking Road, Plaistow, London
Shop in 1981, E G Bates was still building the frames out the back.