Chaterlea Tandem Circa 1950
At Bells Bespoke, our recent project was to restore a 1950s Chater Lea tandem, an iconic British-made bike known for its sturdy construction and refined design.
Chater Lea was a prominent name in the British cycling industry, known for producing high-quality components and frames that were popular among competitive cyclists and touring enthusiasts alike. Their tandems, built for both durability and elegance, reflected the company’s reputation for meticulous engineering and were highly regarded in the 1940s and 1950s.
To bring the tandem back to its original glory, we began by carefully re-chroming all chrome parts, including the cranks, handlebars, and hubs. .
The frame itself was treated with an in-house enamel paint process to achieve a historically accurate finish. We applied multiple layers of hard-wearing enamel, giving the frame a rich, deep black color with a glossy, durable surface. This enamel finish captures the historical accuracy, while offering protection and longevity for future use.
A defining touch to this restoration was the choice to use period-correct Brooks saddles that retained their original patina. Rather than fully restoring the leather, we preserved the natural wear and aging. The saddles tell part of the bike’s story, connecting its history with its new life on the road.
This project allowed us to honor Chater Lea’s legacy by creating a functional piece of art that can continue to be enjoyed by cycling enthusiasts. At Bells Bespoke, preserving the integrity and style of classic bicycles like this one is at the core of our work..
