We have been able to establish without any doubt that this very original machine was the bicycle carefully assembled for and ridden by Anthony (Ant) Taylor in 1968 and on which he rode. There are some equipment changes from its 5 speed timetrialling days, but these do not in our view detract from its “competition” appearance or significantly from its cycling history.
This is the bicycle which he used to first beat four hours for a ‘100’ (Newark), used in the International Time Trial (Reading), and used in the ’25’ Championship (Manchester), won by Ray Ward when one second covered the first three riders.
The machine had been sold to one of Anthony Taylor’s old friends in the early 1970s and it was he who made these changes we believe.
The Finish.
A Major paint job of the period for his choice frames with head, downtube and four seat tube panels in blue enamel on the Ruby Red Flam main colour. There is a Reynolds 531DB decal, contrasting red and white lug-lining and white double fishtail motifs on the wrapover seatstay panels and white Major Nichols gothic capitals on the DT and the Reform St transfers on the head and seat tube panels.
The forks, rear chain and seat stays are half chromed.
The Frame
Major used the long spear-point lugset from Prunat which featured on his Italia model and the same semi-sloping fork crown yet to be identified. There are his trademark curved reinforced seat stay and chainstay bridges plus a centrepull rear brake bridge.
Braze-ons are only for front and rear derailleur cable guides. The dropouts are Campagnolo. It is not a short wheelbase machine. It would have been a very rideable machine for long distances.
The Equipment
A substantial amount of the equipment appears original.
GB Ventoux Bars on an Ambrosio Grand Prix stem. Brake quick release and headset and Universal mod 61 centrepulls. Unicator saddle on a Nitor seat pillar. Campagnolo Nuovo Record rear changer and Piste pedals. Ribbed cable outers.
There has been a change to a double chain ring and front changer system and also Brake levers. This would have replaced a Campagnolo single band on lever, Pista crank set and BB and cheap basic lightweight Weinmann levers of the TT set up.
We hope to see it at the August 22nd Ride!
Major Nichols lightweight racing cycles 