Alan Shorter

Alan Shorter was born in North London in 1917 and from the age of 20 became a very successful amateur rider, racing for Bartnet CC.

In 1957 his 20 year racing career came to an abrupt end after breaking his thigh in a racing accident. In 1958 he opened a cycle business in Archway and sponsored local riders in the Barnet CC. His most successful prodigy was Alf Engers who became the British 25mile TT record holder.

Alan was not a frame builder and the bikes that bore his name were built initially by Harold Peters and then from 1965 by Vic Edwards and in later years by Barry Chick.

In 1969 Alan Shorter and Alan Rochford joined forces and the shop was rebranded Shorter Rochford Cycles, whilst frames kept the Shorter name. In 1970 Alan opened another shop in Luton which he ran for 20 years. Alan retired to Milton Keynes thereafter and passe away in 2010

The Shorter Rochford cycle shop continued in business in North London run by Alan Rochford’s sons until finally closing their doors in 2022

A more comprehensive history of Alan Shorter by Peter Underwood and Alan Steer can be found here:-

https://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/classic_builders/shorter-alan/