Crafted on Lower Richmond Road
Over a Century of Cycling Culture
Since 1891, this road has carried more than cyclists—it’s carried a tradition of speed, service, and soul through generations of makers, racers, and repairers.
1891
The cycling legacy of Lower Richmond Road likely began before August 1891, when the Putney Velodrome opened between Landford Road and Hotham Road.
Once considered the fastest velodrome in the UK, it featured a grandstand, dressing rooms, games rooms, and bars.
Although the track closed in 1905, the grandstand—now converted into houses—still stands as a reminder of Putney’s early cycling culture.
1912
The first recorded cycle shop in the area opened in 1912 under the name Ashlome Cycle Works.
1927
In 1927, cycling enthusiast and entrepreneur Sandy Holdsworth took over the premises at 132 Lower Richmond Road.
Already known for producing cycling clothing in Beckenham, Kent, the Holdsworth family built on their racing pedigree—rumour has it they still hold the world 24-hour tandem record!
The original shop at 132 became WF Holdsworth, offering accessories under the Worthy brand. Soon, they began producing their own cycle frames, tested extensively in the Alps—including the legendary Stelvio Pass.
1935
By 1935, production had shifted around the corner to Quill Lane, where it continued until a fire forced the factory’s relocation to Anerley, Kent.
1955-1958
In 1955, WF Holdsworth became the sole UK importer of Campagnolo gear sets, selling by mail order worldwide.
While mass production moved to Anerley, bespoke racing bikes—based on the iconic Italian Colnago design—were still crafted by hand at Lower Richmond Road.
By 1958, a second shop opened at 153 Lower Richmond Road, selling everyday bikes, while the original location at 132 focused on lightweight racing models.
The Holdsworth-Campagnolo racing team, headquartered here, became the UK’s premier racing team.
1970’s
Through the 1970s, Holdsworth expanded to five UK locations, with dealers in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Toronto, all selling Holdsworth frames, accessories, and Campagnolo gear.
In 1975, frame production in Putney ceased, consolidating operations near Penge High Street in Anerley.
1986
By 1986, the shop at 153 closed, leaving 132 as the last remaining Holdsworth store in the area, still proudly selling WF Holdsworth bikes, Campagnolo, and Cinelli components.
2015
The shop continued as a beloved local workshop until 2015, when it was sold and redeveloped into flats.
That same year, after 10 years at WF Holdsworth, master wheel builder and sales manager Martin Elswood opened his own workshop just down the road at 98 Lower Richmond Road.
Many loyal clients followed him, continuing the road’s long-standing association with exceptional cycle service.
2025
Ten years later, in 2025, Lee and Naomi Williams merged their own business, Cycle Central, with Martin’s workshop, carrying forward the tradition of craftsmanship, community, and passion for cycling into a new era.
