Holdsworth
Holdsworth is a bicycle manufacturer in London, England. It was created by William Frank Holdsworth, known as "Sandy", and is now owned by Planet X Limited Based in Rotherham.
History
Sandy Holdsworth took over Ashlone Cycle Works at 132 Lower Richmond Rd, Putney, south-west London in 1927. Holdsworth continued to work during the day in his life insurance business, and appointed his wife's brother, Owen Bryars, as manager.
The shop mechanic, Jack Capeling, made the first Holdsworth frames there around the end of the 1920s, using a shed behind the building. The company expanded by the end of 1930, it had further premises at 121 Lennard Rd, Beckenham, Kent; 185 Markhouse Road, Walthamstow; and 5 Thesiger Road, Penge.
Holdsworth's wife, Margaret, came from a family in the clothing business. The clothing background appears relevant because Holdsworth began advertising cycling garments and shoes under the brand name Worthy. The company was better regarded for clothes than for frames until the arrival in 1938 of an established frame-builder, Bill Hurlow.