Over the years, the comments on this page have become a beautiful tribute to Pongo and his Aende frames. Please scroll to the bottom to have a read and add any memories you might have.
I ride a classic Aende track frame from the 80’s, . My Aende is going into semi retirement this month, with my new build underway.
I knew Pong Braithwaite as I raced with the North Notts Olympic Road Club in the 1970’s (13 – 16 years of age at the time).
A genuine good bloke and very good time trialer.
Pongo also built Paramount Frames and I had one of these as a road /time trial bike.
I would like to hear from anyone who now owns a paramount frame as I am into restoring 1970’s road cycles.
Chris C.
Awesome piece of info Chris, thanks for sharing. If you have any old photos or stories or the likes we would love to post them.
Cheers.
David
Chris,
I have rebuilt a 78 fixed wheel Aende – 59cm. Bought as a frame but found photographs of the original and tried to match the spec. It was allegedly used for time trials and owned by someone active in Leicester. Painted the original 70s green with drilled lugs picked out and lined in silver. The slenderness of the rear forks a thing of beauty. My most comfortable bike.
Chris
I have a ACS Paramount frame in excellent condition. It has a Zeus Titanium bottom bracket which I thought was pretty amazing. It was built with Shimano 600 series gearing.
The bike must have done about 100 miles in total as its mint. The only issue is the size it’s a small frame. How would I know if it was a Pongo built frame?
Alan was one of my dearest friends. We met in 1976 when I first joined the North Notts Olympic Road Club of Alan was the president at the time. He was a time served bricklayer and got into frame building with his friend Cyril Harper who had worked at Raleigh before opening the local bike shop A & C sports (Alan & Cyril) Cyril used to make PARAMOUNT frames and Alan would help. After a few years Alan decided to make his own brand of frame and with a lot of backing from another dear friend of mine Derek Wood who along with his dear wife, were tragically killed in a car accident in Oct 1983, they decided to build AENDE (Alan and Derek A&D)frames. Derek was a qualified engineer so left the frame building to Alan. He started building them in his brother in laws Malcolm Mumfords garage. Mac Mumford was also a prominent member of our club. The most famous riders who rode Pongos bikes were Mick Bradshaw,Tom”Ticker”Mullins,Noel Lilley,Mike McNamara,Owen Blower,Dave Beaumont and our very own superstar Mick Gadsby to name a few. These names will very little to Joe Public, but to time triallists of the 70’s and 80’s they were household names. I myself had a PARAMOUNT and AENDE frames so as not to show favouritism
to either builder. Sadly Alan and Cyril are no longer with us but the impact they had on so many local cyclists lives me included will live
on forever.
Brian this is really intersting, thanks for taking the time to write it up. Adding that extra level of biography to my frame makes it feel even more special.
All the best and thanks again
David.
just in the process of building up a paramount.being a mansfield lad myself couldn’t resist buying the frame.its got campag dropouts and i’ve put stronglight bb and chainset on it.kitting it out with retro suntour gear set and rigida wheels.hard nowadays to get all the correct stuff for a fair price so had to compromise with brakes and levers so chose retro dia compe items.seem to suit the bike so there we go.classic cinelli bars and stem.should end up being a sub 22lb bike.frame size 22.5″ being 6ft 2 might be just to small so might be willing to swap for a larger paramount.should be finished in 2wk or so cheers jay
Sounds quality- send us a photo when its ready!?
Great pictures. I just wanted to find out about Aende after seeing a bike for sale listing..
http://www.preloved.co.uk/fuseaction-adverts.showadvert/index-1033218817/0d1c3801.html
Fascinated by this. I bought a second-hand aende Reynolds 531 frame about 13 years ago to use on Meadowbank track. After a few kids and a loooong lay-off I’ve rediscovered track riding and was using it down in Newport. One of the more mature riders was admiring it and told me that it was a good bike in it’s day, so I looked up t’internet and found out that it has a very interesting Palmares.
It’s great to see I’m riding a bit of history in this disposable age.
How’s this for strange? I was making my way through the Meadows area of Nottingham and encountered an oldish chap carrying two bulky shopping bags. He called out something and I stopped to chat. He said that he was a cyclist and had done this race and that. He then asked me if I knew his brother Alan “usually known as Pongo”. I said that I had met him twice and that he had been very helpful. He then extracted from one of his bags a letter he had got that morning from Asia. He urged me to read part of it. All seemed to be well with him. So what is so strange other than a chance meeting? A few days later I learned he had died. When I looked on my calendar and did some calculations I computed that he was dying as I was speaking to his brother (whose name I have forgotten). Well done the 5 floor for recording the life of this larger than life character. Cyclists might enjoy my website http://www.bikejumbles.co.uk (despite the co.uk it’s not commercial) Stuart
I met Alan in the late 70’s, I think! I was teaching locally and a bike- mad boy wanted to go to his workshop on work experience. I was well received when I went to see him and the pupil learnt a lot and had a great time. I now own 2 Aende frames and love them both. One is Reynolds 653 and the other Reynolds 531. The 531 frame has little cut-outs in the lugs that look like shamrock leaves. They are both far too good for me but I wouldn’t part with them,
David
Great memories, I purchased a Aende road bike second hand 20 years ago finished in Ford Cortina Ghia MK4 gold paint work. The rear wheel clearance was tight to say the least and the front forks were as straight as an arrow. I miss riding that bike around Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire. I still pass the old Aende building on Wharf Road most weeks.
Paul
Fantastic frames, I rode one in the late 70’s as a teenager, purchased it of a guy who use to come into the newsagents I worked on Saturdays. Can’t remember his name but he had one of the first lo pros with TT bars built and was an engineer for Conoco…. Having rekindled my love for cycling in the past decade have been riding Bianchi’s, recently picked up a couple of the classic Pongo frames. Now up to three, one built as a fixed and ready to ride, one pimped up as a Columbus (it is the tubing but why! an ongoing retro project) and a third lo pro project to go. Aendé is up there with the best….Would love to get one of the low pro’s with curved top and seat tube. Visited the bespoke bicycle show in Bristol earlier this month and pleased to see a healthy resurgence of UK steel frame builders….A possible career change for myself possibly!!!…Love these photos of the man in action….here’s to you Pongo…bless you…..
I have an Aende 531 light touring frame. There are holes for panniers and clearange for mudguards. I ride it in London with late 80s shimano 600 gears and flat handlebars. It’s a lovely machine with the most beautiful nervex-style curly lugs. It could really do with a respray but I don’t want to make it look too desirable or I am sure it will get pinched.
hi my late father in law (tony burton) from mansfield use to socailise with pongo and also had two aende bikes one being his time trial bike & the other for training on,he also rode for north notts olympic in the 70’s.unfortunately he passed away 3years ago and on friday 16th sept 2011 a gentleman from sheffield will purchase the aende tt bike.
I found this page by chance. I have an Aende – from new – which Pongo built for me in the early 1980s. I still ride it. He built up a complete bike for me. Lovely man. Great bike.
Hi Steve, any pictures sounds incredible.
Lovely to read the history. Although Pongo built two TT frames for me we never met.Sadly one(531 or columbus I believe) is only 3/4 aende because I sent it off with my wifes frame for a respray. My front forks (drilled steerer a la pongo) was lost/sto;en so a replacement set was provided and spray jobs were free of charge. Shame it was my oldest son’s mother in laws bike business!!
My second, in Pongo’s first purple bike–he loved it– has sloping top tube in 653.
It sits loved and now unused in my walk in attic.
I used to ride for North Notts Olympic from 1968 to 1974 and was a friend of Alan who was a great guy and keen cyclist.I also rode a Paramount and later an AENDE.I have many fond memories of Alan and the North Notts Olympic and the positively suicidal sunday club runs everyone used to attend in the off season.
I am sorry to hear the sad news of Pongo having been told recently of his death. I was a member of the NNORC from 1968/1976.
Pongo and I rode in the Doncaster Wheelers 25 mile 3-up TTT on the O2 in 1976 our third rider being Derek Wood – both are no longer with us and sadly missed.
On a brighter note I also rode a 3-up TTT with Andy Stubbs and Richard Winter whose comment I have read, this prompted my reply.
Barrie Cooper
03/05/2014
I was a member of the North Notts Olympic from 1968 to 1976 and a friend of Alan, I was sorry to hear the sad news of his death. Alan and I rode in the Doncaster Wheelers
25 mile 3up team time trial on the O2 in 1976, the third member of our team being
Derek Wood who sadly is no longer with us.
I also rode a 3up with Richard Winter & Andy Stubbs.
After 38 years I manage to cycle two or three times a week still using my old Holdsworths.
John White joins me on many cycle runs, just to point out these are no longer suicidal.
Hi Barrie cooper
Remember me Ian Booth? Used to cycle with John shooter before his sad death.
Still cycling down here in Somerset and trying to get hold of a paramount frame to build up for retro etc
My email is ianbooth61@gmail .com? Would love to here from you.
Can remember your Holdsworth
Phil Smithhurst, J Nurrish etc
I also remember Richard Winter with his Hetchins!,,,
Ian Booth ex NNORC 65 to early 70s now living in Chard Somerset
I have a frame of an aende at home made by pongo.I am his eldest daughter I can tell you more about my dad
its just so sad that daddy already died 5 years ago due to cancer..he was married to my mom who was a filipina for almost 15 years however my mom also died 2 years ago.I have 2 younger sisters and we are living here in the philippines..I hope to see more about my dad.he was a great man..Id also try to post some of the pictures I have at home with his aende frames contact me if you want at 09068141818 or search me in facebook @ yas_sw8chck@yahoo.com.tnx
its great to see his legacy still living..God bless you all,It makes me proud..
Yasmin, lovely to hear from a relative, thanks so much for your kind words.
All the best
David
Yasmine – could you email us at contact@the5thfloor.cc i’d love to chat about how we could do another really interesting article on your father
Best
David
I was introduced to Alan when a young man ridng with the Nottingham Clarion. I use to spend ages watching him build frames and chatting away the day. Always a good stop in winter for a mug of tea on my way home from a ride. Alan was always happy to chat and was more than helpful when I had a problem with a frame.
I have found a “made in mansfield paramount” track bike in the loft of an aging relative. Anyone interested in seeing a photo, making an offer? Orange in perfect condition except perished tyres.
Patrick Mountain
I would be very interested in the Paramount that you have found in your relative’s loft. Can you please contact me by email at ‘2stroke@clist-woodward.co.uk’.
thank you
Martin
A friend suggested that I have a look at an Aende time trial bike which was for sale and so I somewhat reluctantly did! I suppose you could call it love at first sight. Every one who sees it loves it. I thought about showing it on your site but I know the reaction so decided not to.
Simply the best!
Just reading the great comments about Pongos Aende bikes, my grandfather Harold Betts was a good friend of Pongos. Harold spray painted all of Pongos frames in a workshop in Mansfield Woodhouse owned by the late Cyril Harper. Harold is still with us at the ripe old age of 94 and remembers Pongs well. I asked why were Pongos bikes good? his reply was that he only used the best tubing and all part handmade by an excellent craftsman.I also remember Pongo well as a child he was always bringing gifts for me as all the work Harold did no money ever changed hands so I was spoilt by Pongo, Great memories of a very king man.
i havent seen another aende frame apart from mine which i was going to restore the frame is 24 inches and to big for me so i would like to sell it i live in derby
Back in the late 1970’s early 1980’s I can remember Mick Bradbury who rode for Beeston RC had a lovely Pink Aende as his best bike.
I was a young lad when Mick rode the Beeatons 10….. The same time as old Tom rode too!
Paul I was a young lad too, remember Tom too, great guy. The 10 mile course was 10.8
I had three Aende frames and still have one – a lo-pro built in 1994, currently occupying my turbo. My wife still has her Aende TT frame and did some exceptional rides on it – she said it fitted her like a glove.
I used to go and see Alan when he had a workshop in his garage in Mansfield. He did a couple of resprays for me but I had little choice about colour – he told me which one I should have! He applied the same policy to frame building – you got what he thought you needed – but he was generally right.. I went to him for the last frame when he had moved to Nottingham and remember him talking to me then about his problems with the immigration service, trying to get his wife into the country (hence his subsequent move to the Philippines). A great cycling character.
I inherited my Aende TT frame from my Dad when he upgraded to Carbon, but i stuck with it and soon showed him a clean set of tubs and went on to better all him (and my) PB’s. Had the frame re-sprayed about 10 years ago, but after reading this piece really wished i’d kept it original. A true bike building legend
I have two classic’s one TT and a road bike. My brother and myself had them built when pengo was ill, we were very insistant teenagers and wanting the bikes for the new racing season. The bikes are still in fantastic nik, although they have undergone refurb and re-spray, one is fitted with Campy record and the other is Campy Corus. Still used as and when the weather suits my mood. We had the pleasure in meeting him on several occasions and introduced to him by the late Mr G Walshaw, father of Jon Walshaw one our fantastic youth cyclist of the time. I had my ideas of what I wanted when being fitted up for my bike, the end result was far beyond my ideal, but what a fantastic bike and still is, we are missing true engineering men like him who can put his slant on your creation! LONG live AENDE, god bless PONGO. 🙂
[…] odd story around the web about him and his frames, there's a good comment here from Brian Hall: http://the5thfloor.cc/2010/07/25/aende-bikes/ "After a few years Alan decided to make his own brand of frame and with a lot of backing from […]
I bought a steep tourer off Alan from his Nottingham workshop I think in 1992 (after writing off my Bob Jackson). Alan was literally packing up shop and about to go to Philipines as he finished it. I lived about a mile away and went down frequently during the build (mainly to pester him because it was taking forever) and he kept telling me stories about his time trailling including his 450 miles in one day feat. I still have the frame complete with campag set up but it needs some love and attention – does anyone out there have any Aende original transfers?
Hi there, used to see these men when I went into A&C in Mansfield. One was a bit funny, he had to take to you then he was ok. I had a Paramount. My Dad bought it for my brother off a guy who lived on Chesterfield Road, it was green, fitted Campag gears etc, Stronglight crank. When I inherited it, was repainted in white with gold detailing. Broke the rear derailleur mount, never got it fixed, but kept it, stored in a unit which went up in flames and all those lovely campag bits turned to scrap, as did the frame. Anyone wants to sell a Paramount or Aende, give me a shout please.
I own a aende my uncle gave it to me five years ago his brother in law bought it new in the 80s,beautiful frame,this winter its getting restored but need info were to buy my frame decals from love this bike.
I own a aende my uncle gave it to me five years ago his brother in law bought it new in the 80s,beautiful frame,this winter its getting restored but need info were to buy my frame decals from, love this bike.
I rode for Notts Castle bicycle club from 1971-76 as a school boy and junior. I met Pongo on a few occasions and always admired the Aende frames. I left the Nottingham area due to work commitments over 20 years ago and moved to a small village in Leicestershire. Quite by chance this morning, I was making a trip to our local tip when I came across a unit that had a number of old cycles for sale. I immediately spotted an Aende tandem just standing among some other random cycles. I went to have a closer look and that was it, I had to have it! It was a very reasonable price too so was extra pleased. Who would have thought that a routine visit to our local tip would result in me buying a piece of cycling history. The only downside is that now my workshop is almost full of other cycling relics, old Raleighs, Carltons amongst others. However, can’t wait to give the tandem a good spruce up and take her for a ride.
[…] for all things Aende. Post your Aende. Ask your questions. Celebrate their beauty and quality. http://the5thfloor.cc/2010/07/25/aende-bikes/ http://www.flickr.com/groups/689006@N24/ Mine was bought on here a few months ago… it will be […]
Hi I have an Aende time trial bike with cut away down tube for wheel clearance.
Fitted it with GP4 s on campagnola hubs built by Dave Hindes. Improved 4 minutes
In Yorkshiire Vets event with a 59-18. Winning event handicap. Oh I bought it S/h in
Nottingham.
I was at school with Mick Gadsby trying to find out what happened to him. Anyone got any info I would be grateful
Hi if I’m correct he lives in rainworth on Top street I believe of python hill
Mick used to train with me keith north & kev etches in the 70s he could have done the 76 oylimpics on track but were not interested. Then wine women, etc etc. He was the one most likely to go on to serious success.
Great site, always a joy to read about Pongo. He fixed my Moulton Speedsix after a crash in about 1991, then built me a 653 lugless road frame in 1994 – getting close to one of his last. That bike was destroyed by baggage handlers in 2004 and now rusts gently in a garden in San Francisco. I bought another frame from the Harvey Haddon cycle jumble a few years later, which turned out to be stolen. After a few years the original owner contacted me and I’m pleased to say the frame went back to him. Alan was a great guy with some strong opinions, especially about some other frame builders in the UK! He was impressed by my knowledge (as a young lad) of cycling history, and once asked me where I’d got it from. “I read a lot”, I said. He replied “You must read a lot of rubbish, then!”
Dave S-W, have you considered having the “garden” Aende restored? There are some real artists with bike frames around the SF area.
At the start of the 1990s Pongo told me he made a few mountain bikes for Tim Gould and David Baker, re-badged as Peugeots. He showed me an unpainted frame lugless MTB frame hanging in his shop – very nice. Do any of these still exist?
I’ve got one. Reynolds 531c and lugless, tri colour, (well worn Aende pink, yellow, blue) badged Aende. I still have all the original fittings even the brake blocks. It’s my only and current bike. And yes a beauty.
I mr Geoff daws knew Alan braithwaite in 1953 and he built cycles before he worked for himself for ACS aurther and Cyril , he built my sons bike in the 1980’s and he’s still got it, he also jointly started the MG car club in Mansfield in the late 50’s, we used to go racing on a Sunday there was 14 mgtc ‘s, Ã…lans dad had his own paint shop in Mansfield he only had one arm due to led poisoning he used to cycle with just one arm.
Chris,I have one of Dads paramount frames at home 🙂 Im from the Philippines
i am looking at 2 Aende bikes that were built to order for previous owner one in 86 the other 87 . Any ideas how many wer built originally and how many still exsist ?
It is really overwhelming to hear all of this from you 🙂 And yes,my grandad had a paint shop.He only had one hand as dad told me.Lets continue the AENDE spirit! I love you all.I might post some of my pictures at home when I have time.More power to you all! You may contact me via gmail at yas.braithwaite@gmail.com 🙂
i have my old Paramount that i am having restored,
is there anyway to trace it’s history?
i have some numbers off it, also anyone have any photos so i can replicate the logos?
regards
Christian
Would it be possible to pass my e-mail address to Barrie Cooper I would like to hear from him again after all these years
February 22, 2016
Reply
Ian booth
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Hi Richard Winter
Remember me Ian Booth? Used to cycle with John shooter before his sad death.
Still cycling down here in Somerset and trying to get hold of a paramount frame to build up for retro etc
My email is ianbooth61@gmail .com? Would love to here from you.
Can remember your Holdsworth
Phil Smithhurst, J Nurrish etc
I also remember Richard Winter with his Hetchins!,,,
Ian Booth ex NNORC 65 to early 70s now living in Chard Somerset
Hello friends! Im just so grateful to haer all these tributes to my dad! Daddy would have been very happy. I hope to hear more from you.
Warm Regards,
Yasmin Braithwaite
I was a young cyclist in the 1970s and your dads place was the place, there and at the shop in mansfield A+C sports, he was never too busy to stop encouraging us, loved him I have 2 of his frames I will never sell them. Your dad was held in the highest regard at the top of cycling in the 70s and 80s. This was instrumental in the spectacular success of england in the recent past, in cycling events. There is something else, he had a wicked sense of humour. Love and miss him, N.
Hi Yasmin
i was given a tine trial frame by Tina the daughter of the late Trevor and Maisie Boyden who knew your dad. I have had the bike built and it looks stunning.
Best wishes
Alan Mills
Hi Alan. Very pleased to hear that. Do you know where I can contact Tina? 🙂 Keep in touch.
Please have a look at the following site if you are interested in Aende Clothing.
As a local Nottingham lad I knew Alan a little bit and when I was younger and I have one of his bikes, I also have friends who were good friends with him and assisted him in the shop.
As the name is a cherished icon in the hearts of many UK rider we decided to put some thing together so it doesn’t get forgotten for good.
I have Yasmin about this and she is happy about it.
In true Aende style we aim to keep it simple, high quality and made with passion.
The jersey design is based on an actual Aende jersey, rare in itself.
All designs are produced in Nottingham, I hope you like what we are doing.
http://aendecycle.bigcartel.com/
hi
I still have 2 bikes in my garage which alan built for me in the mid 80s bloody brilliant bikes not used them not used the in over 25 years but will never part with then, one is a conventional racing bike and the other is a time trial bike with bendy down tube ,curved top tube and small front wheel, they were the dogs whotsits back in the day
Couldn’t be any happier 🙂 Thnak you so much Jason. looking forward to meet you.
Hi. My dad is David Baldwin and used to race on Paramount frames in the late sixties / early seventies for North Notts Olympic CC.
Does anyone out there have any knowledge as to the whereabouts of his old bike?
It was metallic red with cream bands.
Not much to go on unfortunately.
Thanks
Chris
My name is Ian Booth I rode with NNORC in the 60s and remember your dad.
I to am trying to track down a paramount frame – I had 2 built 1 was sold in Mansfield the late 60s in Anquitil blue the other was sold down here in Somerset.
I am now into retro and trying rebuild a retro bike based on an AC Paramount
I also remember Barrie Cooper, Richard Winter, Phil Smithhurst , Dave Adams, J Nurrish et c and of course Cyril Harper
Ian Booth, Chard, Somerset ex NNORC
Hi. Names I remember from late 60’s. I rode as schoolboy and junior for NNORC. I rode a racing green Paramount before having it sprayed Anqutil blue ( colour of the year). Good memories. I’ve also been trying without luck to get hold of an old Paramount bike.
I live now in Cornwall and ride for ‘One and All cycling club’.
Some of you may remover me, I was a member of NNORC between 1998 and 1974 riding time trials, the Wednesday Track Legue and road races. I am still riding and have been a member of Beeston RC for the past twenty years. I still see John Nurish, Phil Smithurst and ride most weeks with Barrie Cooper. I am still the proud owner of a Paramount in vintage condition and have used it to ride the Erroica 2013 & 14. Barrie also rode the same event on his authentic Holdsworth pro. All the best John W Whitr
Some of you may remember me, I was a member of NNORC between 1998 and 1974 riding time trials, the Wednesday Track Legue and road races. I am still riding and have been a member of Beeston RC for the past twenty years. I still see John Nurish, Phil Smithurst and ride most weeks with Barrie Cooper. I am still the proud owner of a Paramount in vintage condition and have used it to ride the Erroica 2013 & 14. Barrie also rode the same event on his authentic Holdsworth pro. I vividly remover Dave Baldwin and road many of the same events, came close but never managed to beat him. John
Anne & I rode with NNORC from 1978-1986 or7 exclusively on AENDE or Paramount frames. Moved to Scotland 1992 & sold our TT bikes but kept the first ones Pongo built for us; touring clearances & loads of useful brazings! Mine had a local respray 12 years ago & is my trusty winter hack, Anne’s was recently converted to a singlespeed winter runabout. Both 531 & will never part with them I also have an esoteric 531SL frame once belonged the long-dead Bob Gallon, acquired in about 1985. Unbelievably short 96cm wheelbase & I once used it as a fixed wheel for one day only. Two inches of toe overlap at the front…. Said machine will soon be on Gumtree for a pittance if anyone’s interested. Rides like a pig! Bloody good memories of our lives in Mansfield. We still ride but slowly.
I’ve recently bought an AENDE road bike. It’s in need of some TLC and a seatpost un-seizing…
It has “St Affrique – Tarifa” written on the top tube. I like to think the bike was ridden the ~1000 mile journey.
I have a 531 ACS Paramount it is light metallic blue with white lug lining and Campagnolo dropouts. I’ve stripped it down to have it repainted shortly, ordered some decals off eBay. It came with a mixed bag of components, Suntour mainly. I knew nothing of the brand or builder but thanks for the info, really interesting. I will look for the stamp on the frame, does anyone know what models there was as my decals are almost rubbed away.
my tribute to the great man!
I have added a comment today which appears third from the top. A further tribute to Alan’s expertise.
I have an old Aende frame which I bought about 30 years ago for £200. I road for Heanor Clarion for a while and did night time trials on it for a number of years.
It’s got amazing lug work and champagne rims with shimano gearing.
Just decided to get it out of the shed and tidy it all up while we’re in lockdown and will post pics later.
Jason
Derby
I have an Aende which was gifted to me by a friend. It’s fast moving even for an old guy like me.
Pongo built me a tt bike in the early 70s my first short wheel base job, think it was one of his early efforts drilled lugs a great short distance bike, finished in pink pearl metallic. Alfie always used to hang his nose over it when we rode O2 together. Still hanging in my garage.
My wife and I were gifted an Aende tandem for our wedding a couple of years back. In the process of trying to do it up a little as over the years it seems to have had fair share of (shall we say) odd components added to it which don’t seem to suit the look or feel of the bike at all! Has holes for a rack so hoping we can turn it into a respectable day tourer.
Definitely “twitchy” compared to more modern frames to ride and a huge amount of toe overlap with the super short geometry, but love it to bits.
Hi Guys, I have an 80’s Aende frame that I want to sell. It is in good condition but could benefit from a respray. If anyone is interested, please email me on lw@rubyway.org. Thanks.
I had Aende during the early 80’s and raced road and time-trial for Beauvale CC. I have fond memories of my frame and sold it during the 90’s. That was a big mistake, I would have loved to hang it on my wall as a beautiful piece of artwork that it is.
The frame was originally a petrol colour and after a few years and a few scratches I brought it in and asked Pongo to enamel it a light shade of pink with white lettering. He was really sceptical but did it all the same. It was an absolute stunner and following that, I saw a lot more pink Aende frames around Nottingham.
I had an Aend’e in the mid 70’s, best steel frame I ever had in 60+ years of riding ! Unfortunately in 1979, it ended up under a bus on the A1 where I was taking part in a 50 miles tt. I survived, having been thrown clear. All I salvaged were the Csmpag hubs & rear mech ! The frame was good to ride & very responsive, especially uphill.
Many of the posted comments have created a wonderful tribute as well as giving valuable insights into the life and career of Alan (Pongo) Braithwaite. After a careful reading of the above thoughts, I would merely like to add my own extremely modest contribution.
I was lucky enough to meet Pongo at a lecture he gave on frame building sometime in the mid-1980’s at Sherwood C.C., Nottingham. Pinning down a more exact date is beyond me, but it was likely to be either 1986 or 1987.
In an illuminating half-an-hour or so, he outlined his particular approach to the art and craft of designing and constructing a frame, explained tensile strength, angles and geometry, reminded us of the importance of intended usage, and did not omit lugwork or brazing either. He spoke clearly and knowledgeably, whilst always appearing to be a pleasant and down-to-earth person who just happened to possess his own impressive skill-set. Surprisingly, he indicated something of a preference for Vitus tubing, whilst I thought, at the outset, he was going to extoll the virtues of Reynolds !
He even had time for a few words with a young man such as I was at the time, answered a few of my questions and offered me some kind words of encouragement which were gratefully received.
May he Rest in Peace.
I had an Aend’e frame built in 1974, & raced on it till August 1979, when sadly it ended up under a bus on the A1 near Blyth, North Notts. 1 was riding a 50 mile TT for Sherwood CC
when the bus hit me, I was lucky & thrown clear but the bike was run over. it was the best steel frame I ever had & was great to ride.
Pongo worked at Paramount Cycles, Mansfield. Until starting his own business in Nottingham in the early 70’s. I had an Aend’e frame in 1974, it was a beautiful frame, very responsive & good to ride, I used it mainly for Time trials. Unfortunately it ended up under a coach on the A1 near Blyth, North Notts, where I was riding a Time trial, I was lucky to be thrown clear & sustained only minor injuries. But the Aende was the best steel frame I ever had.
I met Alan once riding back into Nottingham from the South on Wilford Road, and as you do, had a great conversation with him, discovering he lived on Castle Boulevard not very far from me. I was shocked by the range of people and companies he built frames for, only just around the corner! Sadly back then in the 1990s I never pursued looking at his workshop or having a bike built by him as my made to measure frame from elsewhere was still not very old and I had no desire or spare money to replace it. I still haven’t and that just shows how bespoke bike frames in those days by a good frame builder were just perfect!
Thoroughly enjoyed this thread as l have two of Pongo’s bikes, one a lovely and very fast tandem.
Has there ever been a rally of Paramount and Aende bikes? Nottingham should be tje venue?
I happened across an Aende TT frame for sale in a bike shop in Skipton 28 years ago, took it for a ride and bought it, I can attest to its comfort, balance and tight geometry, single Campag Track front chain set, Record Gears, Modolo Brakes, sadly it rusted through from the inside on the chainstay, so gone now, but it was a great bike and is missed.
I have a beautiful fillet brazed 19.5 inch 653 bike in ‘Cadbury purple ‘ from very early 90s. Absolute mint condition and coupled with pete matthews 24 spoke cxl clinchers. Campag chorus chainset, victory brakes and gear levers, shimano 600 levers and rear mech. It’s in perfect condition and there won’t be one like like anywhere in existence I am sure. I sat down with Pongo in his workshop and went through various bits such as fork crown choice ( fashion was to have sloping at the time but Pongo showed me a much lighter crown that was flatter with a slight slope). It needs to go to an owner who will treat it and use it as it deserves. Any ideas how I can find such a person…I don’t fancy putting it on ebay to someone unknown….
Yes I’ve seen it on eBay, sadly an inch too small or I’d would have had that.
1987 I had a handbuilt bike off Pete matthews 531c, full campag chorus and campag sprints
1993 had a 653 of Pete matthews same setup as above.
Still see Pete occasionally at the cafe and we catch up.
Nice to hear Pete still gets out. I’ve got a few of his bikes ,753 & 531 that I got him to build when I raced in the early 90s. I’ve not ridden my beet 753 for a few years but intend to get out in the sun soon for a spin around the rock. I’ve probably got half dozen or so pairs of wheels all going well after more than 30 years. My workhorse has some 36 Paris roubaixs that must have something in excess of 100k miles …only made one minor spoke tightening in all that time…the rim walls must be really thin hut they still do the job. I enjoyed going to see Pete in lower breck road and looking with envy at all the builds he had on the go…I liked his assistant as well (graham). I don’t know if Pete would remember me but please pass on my regards to him and let him know how well his bikes and wheels have served me over the last 30 years.