Holdsworth Cyclone 1947
A rare and elegant bike from the post-war golden era of London framebuilding, the 1947 Holdsworth Cyclone is a true icon of understated performance and craftsmanship. Built at a time when steel was scarce and skill was everything, the Cyclone was one of Holdsworth’s premier lightweight tourers — prized for its clean lines, brazed lugs, and refined ride quality.
This bike came home to South London for its restoration - 75 years after its original build. With decades of wear but all it’s original parts. We stripped the frame back to bare steel and repainted it using a traditional enamel process — baked on for depth, durability, and that “delicate” finish you see from bikes of this period.
All lug lining was redone by hand to match the original file work, clean and precise, with the same reverence Holdsworth’s South London workshop would have given it over 75 years ago. Decals were carefully reproduced in-house, referencing archival material to ensure historical accuracy in both typeface and placement.
The result is both a restoration and a revival of craft. A tribute to British cycling heritage. Restored with the same care and materials that made it an icon of its time.