Frederick Henry Grubb

In 1911 he set a new 12 hr record "...what a ride that was! the Anerley course in those days ran out at 210.25 miles and some hurried improvisations were necessary to provide 220.5 miles for Grubb and 215.5 for CF Davey". Fred held the record for a 24 hr Closed Circuit Road Time Trial (Peter Duncan says it was a Track Time Trial) at c564 km (351 miles). This record was broken by Henrik Morén in 1912 with 604 350m (375.6 miles).

Fred's Brighton record too was a magnificent effort. In 1912 the Brighton Rd was in very poor condition, and the record to be beaten was one of Green's, but Grubb succeeded, and his 5h 9m 41 (which contains another 100 inside evens) stood for 14 years.

Fred won two silver medals in the Stockholm Olympics of 1912. In the Team Road Race and the Individual Road Race. In a private 100 ml trial on the Bath Road in 1913, he did 4h 43m 33s (Ave 21.16 mph). In 1914 Fred turned Pro. He raced on the continent for a short while, but found the racing there too dirty. He told Peter "They would stick an inflator in your spokes as quick as look at you", so he returned to England. Now as an ex pro he was disqualified from entering most events, it was the end of his competitive cycling.

FH Grubb

Fred established his cycle business: F.H. Grubb (est. 1914), of Brixton, London SW9. It appears his clubmate Charley Davey helped finance the venture. The first frames may have been built at Brixton, but WW I soon intervened (4 Aug 1914 - 11 Nov 1918).

"During WW1 Fred worked in a London munitions factory, he had long working hours and cycled to and from work every day, it was all bed and work. He wanted to get into the Navy for an easier life, but his 'reserved occupation' status was a problem. Eventually he managed, but navy catering meant when he returned he was no longer vegetarian. He was made an honorary club member" (Peter Duncan).

After the war Charlie Davey again helped finance Fred, this time to go into partnership with Ching Allin. In 1919 Allin & Grubb of 132 Whitehorse Road Croydon was formed. Fred & Ching soon split after a serious fall-out, said to be over whether Fred or Charlie Davey be credited for the q/r dropout design. 'Allin & Grubb' kept trading, but soon became A H Allin and by 1922 they sold Davey Cycles instead of Grubbs. By March 1920 FH Grubb, 250 London Rd, West Croydon is advertised. The frame number system adopted by Grubb was a simple serial number, presumably starting 1,2,3 etc. By early 1924 or before Grubb opened at Robsart Street, Brixton.

Oct 1920 80K

Feb 1921 110K

May 1925 96K

June 1926 79K

FH Grubb opened his Works at Gould Rd, Twickenham, London between June 1926 & late 1927. Bill Rann (foreman) was the mechanical brains of the place, particularly remembered for the Rann kiddie trailer.

Grubb's were very inventive, as this Aug 1928 advert for Resilient Forks demonstrates. The Resilient fork was launched during 1928 and offered until the 1930 'Special Touring Model', apparently the Resilient's last year.

Aug 1928

Resilient Fork

Serial No. 8026

c1928-30

From the Twickenham address (1927-34), the fact that he is not yet Limited (so pre 1934) and this models absence from the 1930 and 1931 catalogues, the Grubb Universal is 1927-1929 or 1931-1933. The prices suggest 1927-1929.

Universal Frames

Gents Universal

Lady's Universal

Just after Easter 1929 Eric Tweedale and Ted Rigby of the Manchester C.T.C. General Section, owners of one of the first Grubb tandems in the district, attacked the Club tandem "50" record in a private trial on the Broken Cross course. Private trials, according to club rule, had to be run on authenticated courses, properly marshalled, and timed by an official club timekeeper, so it was by a good ride that their 2-4-54 displaced Wood and Brewer's 2-5-53. "1929 has been a phenomenal year for Grubb Bicycles and Tandems. The output has been actually doubled on the previous year"

In Oct 1930 77 London Rd, Leicester is mentioned. They advertise the "FAMOUS TWICKENHAM MODEL" for £8 complete, a one gear tourer.	Apr 1930 32K	Oct 1930 65K	Dec 1930 102K

1931 Catalogue:	Cycles: Twickenham Lady's Twickenham Super Twickenham Richmond Speed Model Light Roadster De Luxe Roadster Special Touring Path Racing Model	Special Touring
Racing Tricycle Tandems: Race Tandem Cross-Frame

The Grubb London was launched between 1931-1933. Soon after this FH Grubb of Twickenham became FH Grubb Ltd of Twickenham.

Cover

page 2

page 3

1934? Yellow Streak *new*	Twickenham Eagle Tandem *new* The Twickenham Eagle was Advertised in Cycling, 17 June 1932	Pullman Tandem *new* The Pullman was advertised in Cycling 1 Dec 1933, the catalogue is also availble (presumably 1934)	Super Twickenham Jan 1934
			Twickenham Feb 1934

Glasgow Museum of Transport has this welded Grubb 'Kingston' recumbent. The design for this new model was advertised on 10th August 1934, with the recumbent itself first advertised for sale on 24 Aug 1934 as the first English recumbent.

The museum says: "Recumbents first appeared in the 1930's as bicycle makers tried to make a fast but stable bicycle. The horizontal design is more stretched to reduce wind resistance and allow the rider to use back and leg muscles".

"The Grubb machine was bought new in 1934 for £14-14s . It was made by F.H. Grubb Ltd of Brixton, London and owned by Mr RC Smith who used it for racing at Rothesay, Scotland".

"Donated by G Smith 1991- Grubb Kingston model"

This Kingston was re-enamelled in the 1960's by Rattray's (Glasgow). It now bears modern "Freddie Grubb" down tube decals but the seat decal is FH Grubb. There are no headbadge holes, an identical seat tube decal has been used as a head decal. Bill Hurlow says very few Grubbs were welded, but a recumbent would have to be as you couldn't get suitable lugs.

FHG Ltd

It is thought FH Grubb diversified into making the new, trendy, tubular metal furniture. An advert for FH Grubb Ltd in 'Cycling' 9 Nov 1934 mentions 'in voluntary liquidation'. They had recently passed frame number 16000 by the time Twickenham closed.

The day after Twickenham closed, not later than April 1935, Fred opened FHG Ltd, at 147a Haydons Rd, Wimbledon, London, S.W.19 with c20 staff remaining from c50 at Twickenham (Bill Hurlow). Bill Rann had already left to join Holdsworth. They restarted the serial number system, presumably from 1, 2, 3 etc

1935 FHG Ltd Temporary List of Cycles. (I think this is 1935, despite 1937 being written on it, but the Special Tourer may be 1937) The price of the "London Streak" and "Path" models is less than in 1936, though the "Special Tourer" is a pound more (with a 3 speed derailleur). You will notice the use of 'FHG' throughout the following Temporary List of Cycles, which I think is to underline to his creditors that he is a completely new business.

Wimbledon Club	Wimbledon Lady's	London Streak	F.H.G.'Path'	Special Tourer

The 1936 catalogue mentions "the new Wimbledon Works" at 147a Haydons Rd, showrooms at 130 Haydons Rd, SW19, opposite the works and a shop at 31 Robsart St, Brixton, SW9 all in London, Alice ('Mrs Grubb') ran the shop. You will notice the 'FHG Path' model of early 1935 has become 'the Grubb Path' model etc. It appears that having shaken off his old FH Grubb Ltd creditors he wants to return, as far as he dares, to the established FH Grubb marque.

Over 16,000 Grubbs have already been made and many of Fred's staff (16 in the pic) have 'served for' 12 years. Frames are available in Accles & Pollock chrome-molybdenum or Reynolds High Manganese tubing. (Reynolds HM, launched 1924 was top of the range until 531 came out in 1935). Bill Hurlow confirms FHG hadn't started using 531 in 1936.

Bill Hurlow (b May 21) joined FHG Ltd at Haydons Rd in March 1936 aged 14. "The Company's credit worthiness was so weak I was often sent with cash in hand to buy components. Serial numbers were all 3 digit, stamped on the upper headlug front (above the headbadge) and on the fork steerer tube". [This indicates the huge drop in production levels NK]. Both headlugs incorporated a headset ball-race, the new push-in headsets, which we called 'Colonial Headsets', were frowned upon in the UK. Ironically, the Australians called them 'British Headsets'. (BH)

1936 Catalogue:	Cycles: Wimbledon Club No. 2 102K Wimbledon Club Model No. 1 Wimbledon Club Model No. 2 Wimbledon Lady's Model No. 1 Wimbledon Lady's Model No. 2 Special Tourer London Streak Super-Lite
Tandems: Pullman Eagle Double Gents cum Lady-Back Track: Path

In 1936 Grubb was the sole UK agent for the superb Alcyon French bikes, which inspired the late 1936 Grubb Anglo-Continental. Reynolds 531 has appeared and a 3 speed gear. Bill Hurlow's account is somewhat different to the advert:	Anglo Continental	This Road Test is of the Silver Flash, presumably launched April/May 1937. Nimrod says "Freddie Grubb" (usually it is Fred) was first to beat evens in a 100 mile out and home unpaced competition. Freds obituary in 1949 (which also calls him Freddie) says Leon Meredith pipped favourites Grubb and Moss to this achievement.	May 1937

This 1937 - 39 advert is for the "London Streak", now up to £12-7-6 with 3 speed Osgear, and "Streak Tandem". Bill Hurlow left to join Holdsworth in 1938. Notice Fred seems to be trading as: FH Grubb Ltd, Haydons Rd, Wimbledon, but exacty when or how he dropped the FHG name is not yet certain, FHG headbadges remained in use until after his death in 1949. I don't know what happened to Grubb production, if any, during WW2.

From invoices, Fred was trading as FH Grubb Ltd early in 1947. This aluminium headbadge was probably adopted immediately post war, as aluminium, scarce at the start of war, was one of the few abundant metals at this time. The brass FHG headbadge appears on c 1950 frames.

1949-51 models were: Perfection which was available in many different versions, including a twin seat-tube option, the Perfection Exquisite (scroll style lug work) and the Perfection de Triomphe (long points on headlugs and windows) were two. d'Avignon (lugged or lugless), Côte d'Azur (lugged or lugless) and Sprint Omnium.

Freddie Grubb

Fred died on 6 March 1949 aged 61, his family continued the business. Fred's son, Frederick H Grubb was MD in Feb 1950 (but probably only part-time at Haydons Rd), the other 3 Directors were W.V. Grubb, Bill Rann and Ivor R. Cox (ex Holdsworth Director). Dick Swann (d 6 Sept 2003 aged 85) was also involved in some way, he was Company Secretary of the Grubb Finance Co after WW2 (VCC News & Views 298/8 Dec03 /Jan04), Charlie Roberts joined for a few months (WBH).

When petrol rationing ended on 26 May 1950 it had an odd effect on cycle makers. Parts became available, so they geared up production to clear their waiting list, built up during the rationing years, while meeting current demand. So production increased sharply, however, new orders slowed down, as some potential customers opted for a motorcycle, perhaps with a sidecar. So once the waiting list was fulfilled, they were geared-up to produce extra, but with lowered demand. Grubb production rose by 50% in 1950. Then came the crash.

The following undated catalogue mentions "...the late FH Grubb..." with pics of 'F H Grubb' decals on the d'Avignon model and clear pics of 'FREDDIE GRUBB' decals on the Côte d'Azur and Perfection models. It seems that FH Grubb & Freddie Grubb decals were used interchangably during this period, you could get an F.H. Grubb Perfection or a Freddie Grubb Perfection. My current theory, is that 'Freddie Grubb' was adopted after Fred's death, to signify Fred's son (once he became MD), continuing alongside his father in a manner of speaking, as the son was also named Frederick H Grubb.

The shop at Robsart St, Brixton appears to have gone, however 464 London Rd, Croydon, Surrey is advertised. At the Earls Court Cycle Show, Oct/Nov 1950, the new Touriste model was launched, in gents and ladies versions. The Perfection was top of the range. There were 'welded' and lugged models on display, as well as tandems and the Rann tandem trailer.

The business was struggling and the receiver auctioned off various frames etc in May 1951. However FH Grubb was still trading in Nov 1951, with showrooms at 130 Haydons Rd & Works at 147a Haydons Road. They had a new expensive range of frames for 1952, comprising :

The Blue Star, The Southern Cross, The Silver Comet (track) & the Golden Meteor, all available lugged or lugless.

1952 Holdsworthy Freddie Grubb

This aluminium 'Anerley - SE20' FH Grubb headbadge was used by Holdsworthy on their 1953 Freddie Grubb range.

The FH Grubb headbadge (right) says SE 20, so it is also Holdsworthy era, its last year appears to be 1963 (see Routier in 1963 and 64 cats). The crossed flags badge appears in the 1964 range.

1953 Models: Perfection frame greatly reduced at £11 11 0, Southern Cross frame almost half the Nov 1951 price of £16 17 6 at £8 15/- & the Blue Star cycle. The 'Rann' Tandem Trailer & 'Grubb' Home Trainer are also offered.

1958 Models: Meteor frame, Comet frame, Southern Cross frame & Silver Star frame or cycle
1959 Models: Meteor frame, Comet frame & Silver Star frame or cycle

1961 Range Adventurer Silver Star Comet Track/Road Meteor

1962 Catalogue:	Cycles: Silver Star £25/11/6 to £31/10/1 Super Nova £31/5/4 *New* Super Nova has Campy Gran Sport 5 spd & Universal CPs	Super Nova Oct 1962
Framesets: Silver Star £7/12/6 Comet £9/17/6 Meteor £9/19/6

1964 Catalogue:	Cycles: Routier Mk1 £25/14/6 Routier Mk2 £26/14/0 Super Routier £28/14/6 Super Nova £31/17/6
Framesets: Routier £7/17/6 Comet £9/17/6 Tourmalet £10/10/0
A new Headbadge says FH Grubb, London SE20 (Holdsworth's Anerley factory). It has crossed Italian and chequered flags inside a laurel wreath. This badge was launched during 1963 and so appears in the 1964 range (see headshot of Routier in 1963 and 64 cats). I think the Italian flag is to advertise Holdsworth's connection in 1962 with the Prugnat company, for lugs and crowns.

Roy Wilkinson's Freddie Grubb with Nervex Legere headlugs. This is a road/track model. Track ends for a fixie but eyelets for mudguards (so outdoor use). Many enthusiasts used a fixie over winter, so it was probably a winter trainer.

(50K)

1972 Models: Tourmalet 531 Road Racing (frameset only), 72o parallel, Prugnat lugs, Campag ends extra. Galibier 'The latest hand built lightweight' in Purple with Arizona Gold contrasts, or Arizona Gold with Purple contrasts. Available as frameset only or 5 speed cycle, with New Velox or Valentino Extra gears.

1976 Models: (Bike Riders Aids '76)
Galibier and Tourmalet framesets	Galibier cycles. A range of four models

Phil McHoul's 1977 Galibier. Original colouring was purple with orange (Arizona Gold) bands with a "Longworth's of Wallasey" sticker. The pretty basic original kit has mostly gone. The frame has no braze-ons for shifters, no rear mech. hanger on the Holdsworth dropouts. It has plain gauge tubing and Reynolds 531 fork blades. Phil was once told that FG was the first UK manufacturer to fit Campagnolo components. The final Headbadge in 1977.