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Holdsworth was founded in London, England in 1927 by William Frank “Sandy” Holdsworth. The company would become one of the most famous names in British cycling. Known for making high quality road bikes.
It started when Sandy Holdsworth bought Ashlone Cycle Works. The shop was located at 132 Lower Richmond Rd. Some frame building started in a shed in the back, but didn’t really pick up till frame-builder Bill Hurlow was hired in 1938.
In the 1950s and 60s they acquired Freddy Grubb, Claud Butler, and Macleans brands. Roy Thame was hired in 1953, and he established a professional racing team that they co-sponsored with Campagnolo. Holdsworth had the rights to distribute Campy in the UK.
Sandy Holdsworth died in 1961, but his wife Margaret continued the company until her death in the 1970s when Roy Thame inherited the retail side of the company, W.F. Holdsworth. The Holdsworth family owned the rights to the wholesale and mass-productions side.
In 1987 the family sold to Elswick who would sell the company to Planet X in 2013. Planet X now offers Holdsworth bikes.
Models
Avanti – mid-level road bike
Elan – mid-level road bike
Lady Mistral – high quality ladies touring bike
Mistral –high quality touring bike
Professional – top of the line road bike
Tornado – one of their earlier models
Photo Gallery
1981 Holdsworth Professional
Really nice example of a Holdsworth professional with Campagnolo components.
Links
List of vintage bicycle manufacturers and brands
Vintage bicycle component companies
