- Bespok e d 2016 Have you heard of The Light Blue bicycle brand ? Perhaps you’re aware of our retro style production machines?
Our modern production Reynolds Steel Sports machines have been receiving some good reports lately too! cycling-active-logo.pdf
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But, what has any of this to do with the Bespoked show? Is there perhaps more to The Light Blue brand than just a company making some good production steel bikes.
Brief History : The Light Blue bicycles began life way back in 1895, when John Albert Townsend produced hand built bicycles for the wealthy members of Cambridge University. These custom made machines were produced in a converted dairy in Norfolk Street in the city at a rate of around six bicycles per week. The Light Blue brand name was inspired by the World famous university’s sporting ‘colours’. To celebrate the new centenary in 1900 and to promote his shop and bicycles, John made his own track bike, featuring a custom-made 100 tooth chainwheel. John rode this bike until his death in 1942 and it remains with the family to this day. By the time of The Great War production of The Light Blue bicycles ceased, as men were called away. Following this, larger manufacturers began to produce more affordable models on a greater scale and The Light Blue bicycle was seemingly consigned to the history books. However, the family have remained deeply involved in the cycle trade to this day. In 1992 John’s great grandson Lloyd Townsend formed a distribution company called Ison, and has now reintroduced The Light Blue bicycle brand back into life.
There must be something in the blood… In 2015, Lloyd found he had a burning desire to do something a little more unusual other than designing some neat production bikes, so, 120 years after The Light Blue bicycles were first made, late 2015 saw Lloyd Townsend turn his hands to hand-making a replica of his great grandfather’s frame.
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Paint shop : Custom Paintwork for the new Light Blue replica was handed over to the magical skills of Simon at Flying Tiger (Bury St Edmunds). www.facebook.com/FlyingTigerPaintwork/
Photo: www.joolzedymond.com
Lloyd Townsend adds : “Being a 4th generation Townsend involved in a family bicycle business in the cycling city of Cambridge, bicycles are literally in my blood and it’s hardly surprising that I would find myself immersed in the bicycle industry… - and I really couldn’t wish to be involved in a nicer industry with such wonderful people”
The Light Blue, after 121 years, very much still alive and kicking. Lloyd Townsend’s replica of JA Townsend’s original frame from 1900.
w w w . th e l i g htbl u e . c o . u k
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