1973 – Tectron Engineering, of which Arthur Needham, a life long cyclist, was Managing Director, decided to diversify into the manufacture of custom made cycle frames. The first tubes were cut, at the Canons Marsh premises in November 1973.
1974 – The name Argos Racing Cycles was registered. The first frames were produced after nine months of development, to reach the standard set by Arthur.
1975 – Agents were appointed in the USA, and the majority of frames were exported to California and Florida.
1978 – Capital equipment was purchased to enable frames to be enameled “in house”. A unique frame fitting jig was purchased, in France, to ensure a correct fit of frames for Argos riders.
1979 – Frames were built for many noted riders, and in the trade, principally Dave Lloyd. Reynolds 753 builders licence was obtained. Low Profile Time Trial frames were developed.
1980 – Increasing activity in frame renovations. Small front wheel Low Profile designed.
1987 – Regular service to Cycle Shops in the South – West, for renovations.
1988 – Service to the shops extended to the London area.
1989 – Service extended to the Midlands. Further development of the Low Profile, with tri-bars.
1990 – Argos moved from Canons Marsh to new premises at St. Annes Rd, Bristol, our present address. Frame renovation service extended to South Wales cycle shops.
1991 – Additional staff recruited and trained. Stainless steel dropouts designed, manufactured and are now fitted to all Argos frames.
1992 – Low Profile frames built for Stuart Dangerfield and he wins the National Hill Climb Championship on one specially designed for this event.
1993 – Handlebars specially designed for use with Low Profile cycles are made for us in Italy by M.A.B.I.
1994 – A range of standard road frames built using Reynolds 531 tubing. Handlebars designed especially for women riders.
1995 – A range of Audax frames were manufactured using Reynolds 531 tubing. Development and testing of the new aero bladed forks for time trial use.
1996 – The aero bladed forks went into production. Using Reynolds 753 fork blades, cast fork crown and our stainless steel dropouts. Stuart Dangerfield again wins the BCF time trial championship, using his Argos micro low pro with the new aero bladed forks. He also took the hill climb championship.
1997 – Our pre-designed frames were up-graded to be built using Reynolds 725 tubing and our stainless steel dropouts. Arthur designed a computer programme for frame design, which proved very successful. Improvements were made to our frame fitting jig.
1998 – Renovation for classic frames becomes a speciality, being able to offer period transfers, lining panels and chrome plating. Stuart Dangerfield wins the 25 mile time trial championship.
1999 – New jigs and tooling manufactured to further improve frame production.
2000 – Arthur Needham retires (to ride his bike!), and Garry Needham takes charge. Stuart Dangerfield wins the national 25 mile time trial, and also many others. Aero handlebar prototypes manufactured and testing takes place. Arthur Needham takes part in the L’Etape Du Tour and finished in 4241 place.
2001 – Stuart Dangerfield retains his national 25 mile time trial title.
2002 – Stuart Dangerfield yet again retains his national 25 mile time trial title.
2003 – Stuart Dangerfield yet again retains his national 25 mile time trial title and wins the national 10 mile time trial title.
2004 – Stuart Dangerfield yet again wins the national 10 mile time trail title.
