This article chronicles the remarkable journey of a Hetchins track bicycle, initially ridden to victory by Alan Johnson in the 1967 National School Boy Sprint Championship. It details the bike's subsequent ownership by the Marsh family, who continued its racing legacy throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. The narrative also highlights the meticulous restoration efforts undertaken by Dave Marsh and his team, emphasizing the bike's unique characteristics, including its departure from Hetchins' renowned curly stays, and the classic components that complete this historical cycling artifact.
In 1967, Alan Johnson, a prominent figure in 1970s track and hill climbing, secured his initial major triumph aboard this specific Hetchins track machine, clinching the National School Boy Sprint Championship. During this period, Johnson was a proud member of the Polytechnic CC, a fact reflected in the bike's distinctive red, white, and blue livery, mirroring the club's colors.
Soon after Johnson's victory, the bicycle's frame found a new owner in Joe Marsh, who acquired it for his son, Dave Marsh. Dave, now the proprietor of the Universal Cycle Centre in Rotherham, where numerous classic bicycles have been photographed, utilized the Hetchins for racing throughout the sixties and seventies. The bike subsequently became a family heirloom, passed down to Dave's younger siblings, Sally and Stephen, who continued its successful racing tradition well into the 1980s, making it a familiar sight on the velodrome's black, red, and blue circuits.
Following its illustrious competitive career, Dave Marsh and his dedicated team meticulously restored the bicycle to its former glory. This comprehensive restoration involved applying a fresh coat of period-accurate paint and re-chroming the fork tips and rear stays. Consistent with the era's favored materials, both the frame and the slender, elegant track forks were crafted from Reynolds 531 tubing, a ubiquitous choice for high-performance bicycles of that time.
However, what truly distinguishes this Hetchins is its departure from the brand's signature design. While Hetchins bicycles were celebrated for their distinctively curvy rear stays, a feature that offered both a unique aesthetic and a rudimentary form of suspension, this particular track bike boasts uncharacteristically conventional, straight rear stays. This design choice is likely attributed to the functional demands of track cycling, where stiffness and direct power transfer are prioritized over compliance, thus necessitating a regular-shaped rear triangle.
The bicycle's classic components further underscore its historical authenticity. The handlebars are chromed steel Cinelli 14s, with cloth tape meticulously applied only to the drops, a common practice for track riders who primarily utilize this grip position. The chainset is a charming Chater Lea three-pin model, featuring a 48-tooth ring and slender 165mm cranks. These shorter cranks were specifically chosen to provide maximum clearance during cornering on the velodrome's banking. Completing the drivetrain are Lyotard pedals adorned with Christophe toe clips, secured by elegant blue leather straps.
The wheelset comprises Fiamme rims, drilled with 32 and 40 holes, built onto large flange anodized Airlite hubs. The rear features a 17-tooth cog, perfectly suited for track racing. The rider's comfort is ensured by a well-worn Brooks Sprinter leather saddle, mounted on a Campagnolo Record two-bolt seat pillar, a testament to the enduring quality and craftsmanship of these classic components.
This Hetchins track bike stands as a testament to a significant era in cycling history, embodying the spirit of competition and meticulous craftsmanship. From Alan Johnson's early victories to its extensive use by the Marsh family and its subsequent loving restoration, this bicycle represents a cherished piece of cycling heritage. Its unique design, particularly the straight rear stays, provides a fascinating insight into the evolving priorities of track bike engineering, while its period-correct components offer a glimpse into the technology and aesthetics of the time. The legacy of this machine extends beyond its racing achievements; it symbolizes the passion and dedication of those who rode and preserved it, ensuring its story continues to inspire generations of cyclists.