Bob Jackson is one custom frame house that can lay claim to a rich cycling heritage as well as the great British tradition of maintaining a completely local industry. J.R.J. Cycles originated in 1935 but underwent a hiatus during World War 2 while Bob served in the Royal Air Force.
Since returning to frame building after the war, the history of the business is a long and twisty one.
The marque enjoyed prosperous periods; acquiring the legendary Merlin brand, establishing a popular line of racing frames and building frames for Hetchins, but as Bob aged, so did the fortune of the business.
A London businessman bought both the Hetchins name and J.R.J. in the mid-80s, with original members of staff staying behind in consultancy roles of varying depth. The director of J.R.J., Donald Thomas, convinced Bob to assist him in restoring the brand to its former glory and created a new workplace environment with a new focus on quality and integrity.
All fabrication and painting was done in-house, by hand, to a level that proudly rivaled any younger newcomers.
In 1995, Bob Jackson Cycles swelled to a size that required larger premises, which were found in Stanningley Road, Bramley, Leeds.
Sadly, Bob died in 1999, and production stopped around 2020. But his name will live on, thanks to a solid history of track, Audax, road and touring frames.
NB: This is Fredrik Holmström’s Audax End–End, and no doubt it sees plenty of Sweden’s countryside.
