Freddie Grubb
 

Hello,

I just thought I'd share some pics of my new ride with you. It's a 1958 Freddie Grubb - an old British marque that was bought by Holdsworth. I don't know anything about the bike and only bought in on a whim because it was cheap, my size and, most importantly, PURPLE! It hasn't arrived yet and I don't even know what parts are on it, except that it has an old 5-speed Campagnolo Gran Sport derailleur. With just five old rattling gears, it might be a good candidate for conversion to a fixie... But it looks to be in good condition and I like the old headbadge and lugs.

If anyone knows anything about Freddie Grubb bikes or recognises any of the parts on the bike I'd be fascinated to know more. I'd love to know what model it is - most likely bottom of the range knowing my luck, and I expect it'll weigh a ton... Anyway, here are the pics, as they appeared on eBay:

http://i4.ebayimg.com/03/i/04/f5/d9/70_1_b.JPG
http://i13.ebayimg.com/02/i/04/f5/ef/e0_1_b.JPG
http://i16.ebayimg.com/01/i/04/f5/f7/c9_1_b.JPG
http://i18.ebayimg.com/02/i/04/f5/aa/87_1_b.JPG
http://i8.ebayimg.com/01/i/04/fc/87/84_1_b.JPG
http://i14.ebayimg.com/02/i/04/f5/c9/61_1_b.JPG
http://i13.ebayimg.com/01/i/04/f5/f3/5f_1_b.JPG
http://i11.ebayimg.com/01/i/04/f5/7a/1d_1_b.JPG

That's bleedin' gorgeous. Jimi Hendrix Purple! Seriously, I love that. I thought Grubb was pretty much just a high end maker - not aware that they did ANYTHING that wasn't good. What did you pay for it?

I paid £127 for it, which isn't at all bad for a bike that I'll be riding 100 miles a week come rain or shine!

From the pictures it looks to be of similar quality to other classic British marques like Bates, Witcomb or Mercian - the lugwork isn't as flamboyant as Ephgrave or Hetchins, but looks nice nonetheless.

It'll arrive in a few days and I'll let you all know how it rides!

Docus,

I've seen some discussion of Grubb on Classic Rendezvous.
check the archives, I believe a few of the UK contingent
will be able to fill you in (i.e. proprietor of Bespoke cycles).
here's the archive link:
http://search.bikelist.org/
On list to search use pull down for CR.

That bike is brilliant! I love the colour (good thing my wife
hasn't seen that) and the componentry looks to be to die for.
GB stem and bars would have been standard (I think). I don't
think the brakes are original, don't recall aero brake levers in
the 5 speed era.

Marty

Does anyone recognise the make of the hubs or cranks from the shots?

It's just a shame it doesn't come with a Brooks saddle. And I think it's crying out for some complementary purple bar tape! Or perhaps fluo pink...? (Joke...)

Hi Guys, I had a Freddie Grubb custom made for me in 1969 by a bike shop in Leicester. It was made from Reynolds 531 tubing, painted Cherry Red, had Weinmann large flange hubs, rims & centre pull brakes, Campagnolo 5spd gears, later updated to 10, and a Brooks leather saddle. My friend Paul Baxter (pictured with Carlton bike) and I rode from Oadby to my grandad's place in Birmingham just after I bought it. My family emigrated to Perth Western Australia in 1971 and I took the bike with me. Sold it to my younger brother to help fund my first car and I don't know what he did with it, but I wish I'd never sold it!
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=261193

Wow, great photo! We don't see too many Grubb frames here in the states. I have a Carlton Corsair. What model was yours?