A Nottingham woman has appealed for the return of her 88-year-old father’s vintage bike, which was taken from a garden shed on December 23 or 24. Elizabeth Lovatt said her father had owned the “faithful friend” since 1949, riding more than 300,000 miles on it.
Writing on Facebook, Lovatt said: “The picture below shows a “Rotrax” bronze/brown frame with dropped handlebars and Reynolds 531 tubing.
“My dad has had this faithful friend since 1949, riding over 300,000 miles on it and maintaining it with the utmost care. The bicycle represents a huge amount of personal cycling history which is absolutely irreplaceable and our family would be immensely grateful for any information which may lead to the return.
“My dad still rides the “Rotrax” and it would be amazing if he could be reunited with his bike.”
She told the BBC: “The Rotrax is special because it was a first class lightweight frame especially suited to my dad. It was a tremendous shock to see the shed door forced open and discover the theft.”
The Facebook appeal has been shared over a thousand times. In an update, Lovatt added: “I am so very appreciative of all the positive messages and support/shares which have followed my original post. My father has been greatly cheered by the kindness expressed by such a large group of people.
“We are still hopeful that this lovely bicycle may yet return to its rightful home so please continue to keep ‘eyes open’ and awareness out there. Details again are Brown/Bronze Rotrax frame made in 1949 with various upgraded touring parts.”

7 thoughts on “88-year-old Nottingham man appeals for return of vintage bike he’d had since 1949”
That’s a beautiful bike. I
That’s a beautiful bike. I hope he gets it back very quickly, in one piece
As a bit of an amateur, I’d
As a bit of an amateur, I’d see little value in that bike. It’s hard to believe it was targeted as something of high sell on value etc. Can’t really see it being stripped and sold, it’s probably aside a canal or disused footpath somewhere unfortunately…
alansmurphy wrote:
depends what you consider to be high value. Have a look at the price of some Eroica bikes.
alansmurphy wrote:
Rotrax are well regarded in vintage bike circles and quite sought after – not that a casual shed raider would know that of course.
I hope he gets the bike back, I’d be gutted if my old bike was knicked and I’ve only had it 30 years.
Mark.
It has been spotted somewhere
It has been spotted somewhere near the Moon. I hope he is reunited with it soon and completes his journey.
I am deeply sorry for
I am deeply sorry for Elizabeth Lovatt’s Dad. This is a beautiful illusration of the longevity of well made frames and the relationship that you develop with them*. It’s really comfortable to know that you can buy something now and maintain it, carefully replacing components for the next 68 years. No wonder Elizabeth’s dad is pissed off. He must be deeply attached to it. I have a bicycle** that I’ve ridden for the last 30 years on 3 continents and I would be mortified if it was stolen. Considering the shocking difference between the price of new and second hand bicycles, I can barely understand why old bicycles get stolen.
*Flann O’Brien could help me express this better.
**Of course, the only original parts are the frame and seatpost:)
Dacorde and Concorde – I know
Dacorde and Concorde – I know that they have a high financial as well as sentimental value. I agree with the ‘shed raider’ point though, if it had been stood next to a shiny new £250 Carerra they’d probably have taken that though. This counts for re-sale too which leaves me wondering where it is likely to turn up!