Elswick Hopper Tour Anglais (1959?)

Mike · Aug 16, 2011

Hi All

Does anybody have any information on a 1959 Elswick Hopper Tour Anglais? I've just collected the bike (pics to follow) but I can't find any information on the internet about them. Mine has Sturmey Archer rims/hubs, Huret/Benelux 5 speed gearing and randonneur-style drop bars.

It's a lovely blue colour but is unfortunately likely to be too big for me at 58cm.

I'll get some pics up at the weekend, I'm just trying to see what the original spec would have been so I can get the bits I need to restore it.

This sold last night, but it's the 'de-luxe' version (not that I can see any difference).

OldTel · Aug 17, 2011

Hi Mike, Elswicks weren't very high up the food chain as far as I can make out in times past, I don't know why, as they are generally a sound bike, hence there's not a lot of info around. I believe the Tour Anglais was the model below the Lincoln Imp, and I happen to have a 1960 Imp ( straight 531 tubing ) which is similar and I believe it should of had Sturmey Archer rims/hubs, Benelux gearing, Nicklin Crank, Weinmann sidepull brakes. The earlier Imps had GB brakes and probably better steel hubs and rims. This may or may not help, but do some searches for a lincoln imp on tinter net, at least you will get a bit more info on the subject. I presume you have worked out the year via the date code with the serial number on the B/B. Terry

Mike · Aug 17, 2011

Thanks for the info Terry.

I'll do a full check over the bike at the weekend. If it turns out to be too big I'll sell it, if it's the right size I'll get it back to original for L'Eroica.

Living near York, it would be nice to ride back to the factory (still there) where it was built just across the Humber.

OldTel · Aug 17, 2011

Hi Mike, had a look at that fleabay auction, that was a strange price for a 1950's elswick. Yes its in original condition, but as indicated earlier cheaper end components and not 531, I would of expected 70 - 100 on a good day, thats the prices I've seen for similar lincoln imps. Usually when this happens its a foreign buyer involved - Sheldon Brown had one, so maybe an american ? Terry

Old Ned · Aug 17, 2011

Mike":o2zp42ev said:
Thanks for the info Terry.

I'll do a full check over the bike at the weekend. If it turns out to be too big I'll sell it, if it's the right size I'll get it back to original for L'Eroica.

Living near York, it would be nice to ride back to the factory (still there) where it was built just across the Humber.

I believe there is an Elswick museum in Barton. PM me for details and a contact. Also a recent book on the brand history.

Elswick Hopper Tour Anglais (1959?)

Mike

Retro Guru

OldTel

Mike

Retro Guru

OldTel

Old Ned

Old School Grand Master

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