Tripping on a bicycle

Tripping on a bicycle is a new film, being released in 2009. It is a wonderful story of a monk who decides to return to cycling after twenty years to raise money for charity. Written by Savio Suneer Noronha and produced by Grey Films.


There is one particular character in the film we are very proud of, one of our Witcomb bicycles in our Lilac racing colours.

There will be a sneak preview of the film Tripping on a bicycle, together with short BBC feature, The Bespoke Bicycle from the 1970s and a recent film by a local film student, Proper Bicycles, on our stand at the Earls Court Cycle Show this year.

Made to measure

London Cyclist, October/November 2008

Readers of the London Cyclist, the magazine of the London Cycling Campaign will enjoy a four page article on the last framebuilders in London.

The article outlines brief histories and current information on Roberts Cycles and Witcomb Cycles, comparing the present day bicycle market to the times when most London bicycle shops had a frame-builder out the back.

There is also a competition to win one of the 100 limited edition bicycles that we are producing for our anniversary, details are on the LCC website.

It's been a busy week here at Witcomb Cycles, with preparations for the cycleshow, prototypes for our 2009 bicycle range being completed, a special one off frame for fashion brand Carhartt being finished, not to mention Lilly and Barry's birthdays!

Happy Birthday Barry

A photo of Barry before he discovered bicycles.

In our second Birthday of the week, we would like wish Barry a happy 65th Birthday.

Happy Birthday Lilly

Everyone at Witcomb Cycles would like to wish Lilly Witcomb a very happy 94th birthday! The photo above shows a very young Lilly and Barry Witcomb.

The indomitable Mrs P

The history of Witcomb Cycles is scattered with lots of nice little bits of folklore, the legend of 'Mrs P' is no exception.

After Lilly left her daily post managing Witcomb Trading, she "allowed" Ernie to hire an assistant to act as secretary and day-to-day manager. Enter Mrs P.

Within a week she had organised Ernie, and put three frame-builders in their place for being "in excess of two minutes late for duty". She promptly introduced a clocking-in machine. Which apparently still resides in the deep dark space of the loft at Tanners Hill.

Ernie remains silent on the rumor of her caning a young trainee frame-builder were true or not, (apparently for doing 'frame work on the side'.). Her quick and direct discipline together with her ultra-efficiency still make Ernie and Barry wince when her name is mentioned, but they both agree, she was absolutely essential to the company.

After ten years with the company, aged 75, Mrs P retired. She is still talked about and missed even today.

2008 London Freewheel: tomorrow!

Registration for the 2008 London Freewheel has begun, you can register online and more details are at www.londonfreewheel.co.uk

Last years event was a showcase for what a great cycling city London is becoming, we're hoping this year enhances that success.

You may well spot a few of the Witcomb Cycles workshop team out and about on their Witcombs.

Look forward to seeing you.