BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
The bike industry is mourning the loss of one of its own after Norris Lockley has died at the age of 87.
Lockley was well known in the UK trade from the mid 1970s when he set up Dales Cycles in Settle, North Yorkshire, moving into importing and working as the agent for Corima.
He was also instrumental in securing sponsorship for Chris Boardman’s first – and successful – world hour record in 1993.
Throughout his career, Lockley became an accomplished frame builder and created the ‘Bespoke of Settle’ range of frames.
Following his retirement, he focused on this full time and made a number of one-off models to the specific requirements of the customer.
Some frames also featured classic elements such as hand-cut lugs, two-plate fork crowns and round blades built into frames with steeper angles and shorter wheelbases.
In an article with Classic Lightweights from June 2020, Lockley shared the secret to fillet-brazing/bronze-welding.
Lockley said: “A steady hand, a good eye, and a reasonable amount of patience and practice will produce the required smooth and shiny bead. Remember always – you are in control of that torch with the molten metal at its tip – it’s a very rewarding feeling.
“Oh…. and I always find that I get the best results if I have a piece of peaceful non-intrusive music such as Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony, Elgar ‘s Enigma Variations, or even the lyrical Songs of the Auvergne playing in the background. And don’t forget to wear your welder’s tan leather skull cap either.”
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He was active on the forums until his death, and following his passing on Tuesday, October 10, there was an outpouring of tributes across the internet and social media platforms.
Lockley’s funeral took place yesterday, Tuesday, October 24, at Brocklands in the Yorkshire Dales.
