Product Description
In the 1930's, 40's, and very early 50's Saxon of Britain produced these luxurious twin seat tube frames. This split tube allows the rear wheel to be moved forward and spin between the two tubes. The goal was by shortening the wheelbase, you could make the frame stiffer. Another famous bicycle that used this split tube theory is the Rigi Strada. Other's used even more bizarre methods to shorten the wheelbase, such as the Baines Whirlwind Flying Gate (we have one for sale!).
During World War II, the Saxon company was sold to Claude Butler. Butler modified the design in 1950, and models after that featured a section of normal seat tube at the top before it split. This frame does not have this, and is absolutely pre-1950 and likely Pre War. The final number on the BB serial number is "38", possibly indicating the year of make, though this is more likely the number relates to the lugs more than the frame. There were three sub models produced; the TT Road Race, TT Path, and top of the line Paramount. It seems the models were more based on the build than the frame, but either way I cannot determine which this frame fits into.
Frame Details
The frame has been restored in lovely fashion at some point. It's paint is a highly metallic burnt orange, which is drop dead gorgeous. The photos do not do justice just how nice this color is. The transfers are gold, and a rather elegant font. The original fork has the light mount on the drive-side leg that was common to English bikes of the day, and a lovely chrome boxed crown. The bottom bracket is a period correct Bayless Wiley cottered. The headset is unmarked but appears period correct or close. The bottom of the BB shell features a single cable guide for a rear derailleur. Finely crafted pump peg and top tube cable stops. Nervex lugs (as marked on the BB shell). Front and rear fender eyelets.
Markings
- Bottom of bb shell: Nervex, 61 (degree sign) 64 (degree sign) D22 (small "z" or "2") E38. The 64 degree likely refers to fork offset.
- Dropouts: Cyclo 9342
- Seat lug drive-side: 72. This indicates 72 degree head/seat angles
Size
- Top Tube: 54cm
- Seat tube: 53.5cm (c-t), 51.5 (c-c)
- Wheelbase: 38"
Condition
Beautiful restored condition. ZERO dents, bends, cracks, rust, or damage. It has top quality paint and transfers, which are in excellent condition. There's barely a mark in the paint anywhere. A few marks to note are a 1-2mm chip on the back of the drive-side fork leg, above the fork light mount, and the drive-side chainstay. The inside of the seat tube top and steerer tube have been painted. Chrome on fork and stays is in excellent shape with only very minor imperfections.
The headset spins smoothly, but isn't perfect cosmetically. The bottom bracket looks nice but could be cleaned up better and really shine.