I found the Dalesman Trials bike to be interesting enough just on looks alone, that I bought one from what turned out to be one of the few distributor reps in Texas for Dalesman back in the early 70's. After months of trying to buy it from the guy, we finally reached an amount that convinced him it was advantageous for him to sell it than having it collect dust in his shop. Anyway, I've had this one for about 7rs or so. It was the reps demo bike, with less than 30 miles on it (so says the vintage odometer on the right fork leg, with tyre tread condition testifying about the same). This one is the early model tyrials, looking to be all original with the Puch 125cc, girlings, and the neat Dunlop English tyres front 2.75 x 21 and rear 4.00 x 18, and alloy fender, with the front being original high mount. Bike came with all of the rep's Dalesman price lists, parts lists, some service bulletins, model brochures, dealer set up requirements,etc. Evidently the Dalesman was made by Dalesman Competition Ltd., with their head office and factory being Phoenix Works, Station Road, Otley, Yorkshire, LS21 3HX, England (Telephone 0943 4 2712), and was imported or distributed in the USA by Jeckel Industries, Incorporated. The bike came with some of the original letters to Dalesman dealers issued by Ronald N. Jeckel, President of Jeckel Industries. It is interesting in one of Mr. Jeckel's 1974 letters he tells the Dalesman dealers that..."The energy crisis had a tremendous impact on the British economy....."This crippling effect is particularly difficult for a small firm like Dalesman...". From the information I have Dalesman also sold an Enduro bike called the Scout, and an MX bike sometimes referred to as the Although I am not a Dalesman expert, I am more than interested in them (as I am with Pentons) and would appreciate learning more about the Dalesman from those willing to share. If anyone would like to correspond about Dalesman bikes, I would be more than happy to participate.
RD
RD