The frame was checked with Brian Rourke, Stoke-on-Trent and the frame number confirmed that it is the frame built for Sid Barras, made in Nov 1984 (probably by frame builder Paul “Washo” Wahington, a former glass blower and highly skilled frame builder who taught Brian’s son, Jason) for the 1985 Season: Reynolds 753 frame, including 753 chromed rear triangle and forks! The process of identifying the frame has provided all the information featured in this website. I hope you enjoyed the journey as much as I did!
The frame (with Sid Barras’ name on the top tube) can be seen in the 1984 team pic,with black stem fitted and was later ridden with a silver Cinelli 1A stem in the pics below, including a feature on the front cover of Cycling May 1985. Pics of the fully restored frame in its original 1985 Team colours will be added asap. Build near completion, just bar tape and setting the seatpost and saddle:
Sid Barras in 1985, riding his Rourke-made bike.
Where are they now?
Sid Barras’ career continues: receiving an honorary doctorate and winning the over 50s National Road Race Race Championship (in his 60s) in 2008, Pontefract.
Phil Corley: Corley Cycles
Steve Joughin: established with his son a Potteries-based sports clothing company Provison Clothing
Nigel Dean: owned a bike shop in St Albans and manufactured bikes under “Tiger Sports and Leisure” based in Barton on Humber, the old Elswick Hopper site.
If you enjoyed this blog, why not visit my other blog: Stephen Roche branded bikes
Moducel Cycling Team 