From the Classic Rendezvous website: "Macleans were a highly respected builder originally founded in 1919. They occupied a number of premises before ending up in Upper St., Islington. Among their offering was a very fancy lugged frame, the Apollo, starting about 1954. They continued in the same hands right through to the early 1960's, until the firm succumbed in Nov., 1962 and the name was acquired by Holdsworthy Limited." (Thanks to Hilary Stone).
I believe the Maclean Featherweight you see here was made in the late forties or early fifties, before the appearance of the fancy-lugged Apollo. The paint has received quite a bit of touchup, but the original transfers are intact. It is a beautiful machine, just as I found it several years ago, with the exception of N.O.S. grips and toe straps; I wouldn't think of "improving" its appearance. (It is amazing how one can become fond of a bicycle "as found," including scruffy paint and peeling chrome. Grant Peterssen of Rivendell Bicycle calls this patination "beausage"). The Maclean is really too tall for me to ride, so I have not yet tidied up the cables and replaced the missing bolt in the rear derailleur, etc. I hope my lanky friend Charlie will take her for a spin one day.
I believe the Maclean Featherweight you see here was made in the late forties or early fifties, before the appearance of the fancy-lugged Apollo. The paint has received quite a bit of touchup, but the original transfers are intact. It is a beautiful machine, just as I found it several years ago, with the exception of N.O.S. grips and toe straps; I wouldn't think of "improving" its appearance. (It is amazing how one can become fond of a bicycle "as found," including scruffy paint and peeling chrome. Grant Peterssen of Rivendell Bicycle calls this patination "beausage"). The Maclean is really too tall for me to ride, so I have not yet tidied up the cables and replaced the missing bolt in the rear derailleur, etc. I hope my lanky friend Charlie will take her for a spin one day.
1940's Maclean Featherweight ©Daniel Dahlquist