30: 1984 Hetchins

 

Blotto: Glenn, thank you for letting us photograph and feature this bicycle, and taking the time to answer some questions about this wonderful ride. First, what is the background on the Hetchins bicycle company and do they still produce frame and forks to this day? 

 

Glenn: Hi Blotto, thanks for including me/us: Old Spokes Home. The Hetchins site will say it best for me: "Hyman 'Harry' Hetchin started selling bicycles in the 1920s; later he acquired a partner and frame builder, Jack Denny. Victory in the World's and Olympic Championships in 1936 entitled Hetchin to display the champion's color bars on his transfers. The elegance and fine workmanship of the frames have made the marque legendary." For more information, visit the website that’s dedicated to their bicycles of historic interest: http://www.hetchins.org/101.htm

 

 

Blotto: Upon seeing this bicycle displayed in the window at Old Spokes Home this past spring, it appears to have been ridden (or toured) to some degree, what is the story or history with this particular bike? Did you make any modifications to it after acquiring it from the previous owner? 

 

Glenn: This bike was custom built for John Freiden in October 1984. John was the founder of Vermont Bicycle Touring Company (VBT) in the early 1970's. Freiden gathered a group of friends for a bike ride and an overnight at an inn. “I had this flash,” says the retired Middlebury College history professor. “People love Vermont. I could add a nice place to stay and provide mechanical support to take away people’s worries (while touring their bicycles).” Biking in cut-off dungarees and sneakers and without helmets, Freiden and his friends were the first Vermont Bicycle Tour. “That first year 75 people joined us,” Freiden says.  

 

The bike is as I got it with the exception of the period Blumels fenders. They had Esge and these look better. I also put the Carridice Bag on it. It’s a classic Brit touring bike. Most Hetchins used the signature Vibrant "Curly" or curved seat and chain stays. This bike was built with straight stays…stiffer for carrying a load. The model is a Hetchins Magnum Bonham with Spyder lugs. 

 

Blotto: This bike is primarily outfitted with Campagnolo gear; and to our surprise we see Phil Wood hubs. Any particular reason for not going with Campy hubs to match the rest of the componentry? 

 

Glenn: The bike is indeed outfitted with mostly Campy but John selected only the best touring components for the time. Phil Wood was known during this period for the absolute best touring hubs. The Huret Duopar was the best shifting touring derailleur using dual parallelogram as a shifting design. The derailleur on this bike is the Titanium version…a little lighter…a little more expensive! 

 

Blotto: It’s fair to say you know bicycles inside and out, everything from history to design to repair and modification. Within your collection, does this gem rank in the Top 10? 

Glenn: As far as the top 10…being a bicycle "nut" it occupies a position in the top ten for it's category: vintage road/touring iron! I have too many top 10 machines! A love for the contraption called a bicycle! 

 

Blotto: Any closing words? 

  

Note John's initials J.F. as a badge on the seat tube as well as the H for a head tube badge. Both had to have been cut and filed at Hetchins, an upgraded touch. Oh yeah, it rides nice, a solid tracker built for comfort with elegant style, very fancy lugs, and a hallmark of Hetchins. Ultimate steel! 

Blotto: For those of your unfamiliar with The Old Spokes Home in Burlington, Vermont, they are a full service bicycle shop that offers new, used and rare bicycles for sale, expert repair, a helpful attitude and Glenn always has some amazing bicycles on display. Be sure to walk upstairs and check out some really unique bikes from the past and maybe find yourself a keeper as well. Blotto  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All photos by Blotto, captured at the Old Spokes Home, Burlington, Vermont 2011