It is my intention to write a tribute to Bill Philbrook who was, in my opinion, a frame builder of unmatched ability. Perhaps more importantly he was a really interesting and nice man. Unfortunately I am struggling to obtain hard facts about his ca
reer. I know he worked for Claud Butler and Gillotts and when I first met him in 1978 he had a business in Arden Street, Gillingham, Kent. He was a club cyclist and I believe he had raced in his youth.
I have three of Bill’s frames and the photos of the seat lug are from a 1978 road frame. The lug started as a Prugnat long point before Bill reduced it to next to nothing. I don’t expect that the lug adds anything to the structural integrity of the frame, that came from the perfect mitreing and brazing.
I came across these photos on a Lambretta owners’ forum. Many thanks to whoever posted them. What a trip down memory lane. Does anybody know who the young guy is? Could it be Jeff Lyon I wonder.
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I want to believe that all those lottery millions are being spent on a worthwhile cause yet I cannot become enthusiastic about Britain’s track success. I would much prefer Bradley Wiggins to get one podium place in the Tour of Flanders than win a hat full of track Golds.
