This narrative was developed
from conversations between Dave Russell
and Stewart Paton.
Dave Russell was born in Fulham, however his family moved to Slough
when he was a youngster. Dave attended
Slough Grammar School until 1950. Then
Dave went on to serve a five year
apprenticeship with OMT, a local
engineering company. Upon completion of
his apprenticeship he went on to serve
out his two year National Service in the
Royal Air Force. Dave then worked at a
few engineering companies but could not
settle down.
During the fifties cycling was booming. Bikes were the pre-eminent
mode of transport, recreation, exercise
and sport for everyone. It was natural
for Dave to settle down and work with
Ron Kitching. After several years with
Ron Kitching Dave moved on to Hobbs of
Barbican. Some time later an opportunity
opened up to rent premises in Slough
close to the town center. Dave now could
open his own shop to repair, build
and sell bikes.
Dave's business expanded and it was not long before had to find
larger premises. Dave rented and then
purchased a shop in Chalvey Road in
Slough. This became Dave's shop for many
years. Eventually, upon Dave reaching
retirement age he decided to slow down
and moved to smaller premises in
Twyford, near Reading. It was from these
premises that Dave did finally retire.
Dave Russell bike were built bikes only to order. Dave was
certified to use Reynolds 531, 653 and
753 and Dave was particularly proud of
the 753 certification because of the
intensive testing required. Dave
incorporated Nervex and Prugnat lugs
into his bikes. In later years Dave
incorporated Ishiwata and Columbus
tubing into his bikes.
Dave's building career stretched over 30 years and amounted to over
3000 frames including tandems. Dave lost
count of the wrecked frames he
resurrected and making , so called,
bargain bikes ridable.
Dave Russell had a reputation for being open with his customers. He
would explain in clear terms the work
that was required. He would equally use
his skills on a custom bike as well as
in the repair of a boy's cherished
wheels.
Dave Russell bikes are designed and built in the best tradition of
the Classical British configuration and
Dave's shop was always a one man
operation. Dave expressed his high
regard for the frame builders he worked
with but had a special regard for Harry
Quinn and the quality of his work.
During his career Dave Russell always gave his support to
local riding clubs and individual
riders. In the early days Dave rode for
Maidenhead Road Club and was an active
member of the Chiltern Road Club.
Dave also often gave his support to many
individuals just so that he could see
his frames coming in well placed.
