<p>Retro Handbuilt Bike Frame & Forks - Made by Philbrook of Gillingham Kent in 1980-1981</p><p>Beautiful lugless tubing. The frame was build with a steep rear angle which I think is 78 degrees for a faster ride - similar to a modern day TT/ Triathlon angle</p><p>Made from Reynolds 531 special...
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I don't think I specifically have a holy grail builder. I'd quite like a locally-built bike, either from where I grew up or where I live now. Maybe something like an EF Russ, since it would be South London built and Ernie Russ was my colleague's grandfather. I'd feel a kind of connection to that I think. At the moment I have an early Parkes Lightweight which is a lovely bike, fits perfectly and is a superb ride, but it doesn't have that connection.
I'd vote for Philbrook, too...quietly classy and not too well known.
One of my cycling friends when I was starting out cycling in the West Kent CTC in the early 80s had a bi-lam Philbrook which he'd bought as a retirement present to himself.
It's pale blue metallic, elegant smooth lines and thinned out lugs made me realise that there's so much more to a frame than just joining the wheels together.
My off-the-shelf, shop badged Wes Mason was definitely in a different, lower class.