I am often asked what kit would have been fitted to a vintage Hetchins. The simple answer is, the same kit which would have been fitted to any other bike frame of similar quality and vintage. But, I suppose, you'd really like more detail. While an extensive list of possible components for each decade is beyond the scope of this web site, I can at least offer some pointers.
By far the best sources of information for period-correct components are catalogs and periodicals (magazines), or, very occasionally, sales receipts from customers. I have a few samples below.
First up, a receipt dated 17th Aug. 1950, from a bike shop in Newcastle, for a new Bates frame with complete kit: Conloy Asp rims, Blumfield low-flange hubs, high-pressure clincher tires (manufacturer not specified), South of France handle bar, Brooks B17 saddle, and so on. See below:
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HUBS |
British Hub.Co. Airlite Continental large and small flange. Solite, Racelite, Bayliss Wiley. Continental Fratelli Brivio (F.B.), large and small flange. Harden, large and small flange; undrilled large flange hubs are known as 'Bacon Slicers'. Blumfield, large and small flange. Campagnolo, large and small flange.
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CRANKSETS |
Williams. C34, C45, C1000, C1200, B100. Chater-Lea. Gnutti. T.A.
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BRAKES |
GB. Hindiminium. Courier Plus. Sport Mk. II. Mafac Racer/Competition.
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PEDALS |
Chater-Lea, Sprint and Standard. Allez. Lyotard N0.23, Faucheax Road, No. 15S, No.45 Piste. Campagnolo. Constrictor, Boa, Viper, Asp, Cobra. Webb. Phillips, Credalux, Apollo.
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TOE CLIPS & STRAPS |
G.B. Professional. Christophe. Constrictor. Catos.
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HANDLEBARS & STEMS |
Cinelli. G.B. Dawes. Allez. Il Primo. Titan Stems.
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SADDLES |
Brooks B17, B15, Swallow. Ideale (French). Mansfield. Leatheries, L.99, L.20, L.710.
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SEATPINS |
Campagnolo (1956 on).
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RIMS |
Fiamme. Weinmann Alesa. Constrictor Asp, Boalloy, Cobra, Supalitti.
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GEARS |
Campagnolo Gran Sport. Simplex, JUY543, TOUR-DE-FRANCE, 303 TOURISTE, JUY51. Huret, Bobet Model, TOUR-DE-FRANCE. Cyclo Benelux, Mark 12, Mark 7. Sturmey Archer Hub Gears (many variations).
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CHAINS |
Perry. Reynold. Brampton. Sedis.
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