Hyman Hetchins began selling a variety of bicycle brands in England in the 1930s. He also began selling frames under his own name that were hand-crafted by several local frame builders. The Hetchins’ trademarks are its ornate cutaway lugs and unique “curly stays” –the rear frame members that along with the seat tube form a conventional bicycle’s “rear triangle”. Dubbed “vibrant” stays by the manufacturer, the curved and S-shaped stays were claimed to provide a more efficient transfer of pedaling energy to the rear wheel on the bad roads of the time. A side benefit was that a Hetchins bicycle was immediately recognizable even when no brand name was visible on the frame. This was advantageous for sales because in the early days of amateur racing, strict prohibitions against the “taint” of commercialism and sponsorship meant that bicycles raced in such events could bear no identifying decals, transfers or paint.
These frames continue to be built in the traditional manner by successors to the original Hetchins artisans in England. They are still valued for their beauty, unique appearance, and superb performance.
Manufacturer: Hetchins
Location: England