Universal Cycle Centre

Repairs And Renovation

The Universal Craftsmen Team

Dave Marsh

Dave has been building and renovating bicycles for over 40 years. He started work at Carlton Cycles in 1965. His reputation as a world leading premier cycle builder has been proven through the numerous racing successes at National and International level over the last four decades. The Universal Cycle Centre can offer both off-the-peg frames to order or from stock and also a custom built, made to measure service in steel or titanium.

Repair and renovation work on all types of frames and materials is constantly under way in our workshops. We also carry in stock a wide selection of decals for most British and Continental manufactured lightweight bikes. Also full selection of Reynolds and Columbus tubing decals.

UCC are the Uk’s leading supplier of an extensive range of boxed new old stock and quality used period components. This means that we help to build the bike of your dreams.

Dave Marsh and Marsini custom built bikes and wheels, have been ridden to success by World, Olympic, Commonwealth and National Champions

To discuss your frame requirements just contact UCC and speak to Dave Marsh in person.

Phil ‘The-Skill’ Insley

Phil was chief sprayer at Raleigh Special Bicycle Development at Ilkeston from the mid seventies through until the workshops closed in the mid eighties. During this time at Raleigh, Phil prepared bikes for the 1981 Tour de France winner Joop Zottemelk and several other World champions including Jan Raas. Gerrie Knetemann and Henk Lubberding. When the ‘TI Raleigh Team’ became the ‘Panasonic Raleigh Team’ and later the ‘System U Team’, Phil also worked on these machines under the guidance of the late Gerald O’Donovan. Phil went on from here to trade as Skill Enamellers based around the corner from the Digby Street Raleigh factory. One of Phil’s more recent jobs was to finish the bike that Nicole Cooke rode to success in four world Championships.

Rick Powell

Rick is a former Carlton Cycles Master Craftsman. He worked at the worksop factory from the mid 1950’s until the factory closed in 1981. During this time, under the guidance of Gerald O’Donovan, Rick was able to copy the skills of legendary frame builders Bob Kealing and Eddie Haslehurst. He later became the chief frame paint sprayer and then eventually took the position of shop foreman. When Carlton closed in 1981 Rick set up his own business building very high quality bicycle fames until 2003. During that period Rick supplied frames to dealers and individuals that went on to countless successes both nationally and internationally. Rick has built bikes for many champions including current World Champion Victoria Pendleton

Just a few Examples from our team

1950’s Claud Butler renovation finished in au d’ nil with original tube and frame decals.

Early 1960’s Ephgrave renovation finished in lilac and blue

1940’s Saxon Bailey Path model finished in flam blue and silver