Ishiwata Archives - Stan Pike Cycles

Back in 2015 I was contacted by Graham Brown…

The frame number that is stamped under the crank is SP 22252 PW – I assume the PW is for Pete Wells. It also has PETE WELLS stamped there along with ISHIWATA ALPHA. I don’t know where or when my Dad bought it, but it would most likely have been in the last 20 years or so. He did ride it and race it, I would like to find out more myself. It would be nice for it to go to someone who would appreciate it. Oh, and there are a spare pair of wheels with it. By the way my dad’s name was James Brown and he last rode with Fife Road Club.

James Brown, Graham’s father, riding SP 22252

I contacted Stan’s son, Steve, but in 2015 he unfortunately he couldn’t find any record of the frame. I did however share details of the frame with another Pike enthusiast (thanks Chris!) who provided Graham with quite a lot of information about the build, components etc.

Everything went quiet and then a week or so ago Graham got in touch again asking me about selling it. He also said…

Last night I put it on the facebook site to see what interest came on it and low and behold a guy called Peter Clarke got in touch saying it was one of his bikes from the past. Peter Clarke (formerly Pete Wells) confirmed that it was a frame he had made for himself in 1979, but it was gold then and most of the cycle parts have been changed from when he raced it.

Pete Wells riding SP 22252 with its original gold

I contacted Stan’s son again (forgetting that I’d already inquired in 2015!), and this time we were lucky. He found records of four bikes built for Pete Wells…

SP22252A – 22&1/4” 74 degrees head tube, 73 Seat tube built from Ishiwata 017 Record Breaker tubing (built in 1978)

SP22252PW – 22&1/4” 75 degrees head tube, 73.5 degrees seat tube built from Ishiwata 015 (a) Alpha tubing (built in 1979)

SP7969 – 22 & 1/2” 74 head with 73 seat built from Reynolds 753 (built in 1979)

In October 1983 there’s another recorded as follows:

SP22252PW – 22&1/2” 74.3 degrees head tube, 74 degrees seat tube. This one had a 2 degrees slope on the top tube and is build from Ishiwata 015 tubing with Columbus SV chain stays. It also has a 13 &5/8 wheel clearance whereas the older one (from 1979) had a 13 &3/4 wheel clearance.

Pete recently got in touch with me and said…

Stan also built another frame for me in 1980 (which he exchanged for the gold one) which was built from 753 tubing.

So this is the 1979 Ishiwata 015 (a) Alpha frame.

Graham is looking to sell the bike. So if you want to get your hands on an Ishiwata frame get in touch. Come’s with a spare pair of wheels too! Don’t hang around though as these bikes are getting harder and harder to find. Offers over £600.

Graham is based in Coventry.

James contacted me and said…

I have just acquired what I am certain to be another Stan Pike frame. Another small frame sadly, but badged as a Tom Avon.

Ishiwata Record Breaker commonly known as Ishiwata 017.
Seat Tube: C-T. 55cm/ 21.5″
Top Tube: C-C. 53.5cm/21″
Chain Stay: C-C. 39.5cm/15.5″
Wheel Base: C-C. 94cm/37″
Rear spacing: 120mm
Head Tube: 12cm
Weight: 4lbs 13oz
A proper ‘testers’ frame, ultra light and ultra tight and braze on for single lever only.

I sent the photographs to Stan’s son and he replied…

Regret I cannot find a record of this one, but this is definitely a Stan Pike, no doubt. The evidence is throughout in the detail and what a perfect example.

James also owns this lovely Stan Pike frame. Sadly both are too small for him. He would really love a 24″ frame. Do you know of one for sale?