Charlie and 'Ham

Charlie’s bikes were popular among hard-core enthusiasts, especially in the racing scene, winning many races. The success and renown of his bikes did much to remove the confusion and doubt about aluminum and helped to establish the credibility and popularity of today’s aluminum mountain bike frames. Even so, his bikes are easily distinguished from the mass produced aluminum bikes of today, the differences being evident in the time and attention he invested in every bike. Scrupulous attention to design and fabrication – involving extensive testing and refinement – were (and are) considered commercially unfeasible. Riders found him anyway since the Cunningham reputation extended around the world (propelled in part by his peripatetic pedalhead partner, Jacquie Phelan). Only a perfectionist and an artist ignores the dictates of manufacturing convenience and price-point competitiveness, parameters that define today’s equipment.

'Ham number 1