Why? Bikes - anyone heard of them?

[converse320]

I've just picked up a tiny fillet brazed late 90s woman's road bike labelled Why? Bikes. Has anyone any info on this make? The chap I bought it from said they were in Oswestry, and had frames made by Jacksons. It's a bit of an oddity - 26" mountain bike rear and 520 front wheel, but nicely made, and definitely a road bike from the tires.. Looks a bit like a UK copy of the US Terry bikes made around the same time.

 

[Old Ned]

I've just spoken to an old friend who has lived in Oswestry since 1958 and knows virtually all there is to know about cycling in the area and he has never heard of this brand. Do you have a photo?

 

[converse320]

Thanks for reply. Hope these upload ok.

 

[Old Ned]

Nice little frame, well brazed joints. Have you spoken to Jacksons to see if the number is one of theirs?

 

[converse320]

I've dropped them a line. I think a 5 digit number around 22XXX is about right for a 97/8 Jackson - but I couldn't find much on frame numbers for Jackson's online. Curious more than anything. My 5' daughter loves it.

 

[converse320]

Just had a reply from Jacksons:
"Why Bikes was the brain child of Pete Bird ( Swallow Tandems)

We built loads of the Why Bikes for him,
You are right this built in 1998 and the Citrus colour is original."

So nice to know where it came from, and thanks to Jacksons for the fast reply with good info.

 

[converse320]

https://www.bicycles-by-design.co.uk/about-us/

They are even still trading - see above. And they were based 8 miles from Oswestry when the bike was made, so everything lines up.

 

[Old Ned]

https://www.bicycles-by-design.co.uk/about-us/

They are even still trading - see above. And they were based 8 miles from Oswestry when the bike was made, so everything lines up.

Interesting. Where were they exactly? Their current location is a long way from Oswestry! Surprised my mate didn't know - but he may have known about Swallow and Pete Bird but not the Why? brand.

 

[converse320]

"The business moves to Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant and the Tandem Shop opens in The Old Bakery in the High Street"
That's from their website - it sounds like a very small town/village well off the beaten track.