Gordon Jennings & Cycle World

I was totally blown away when I learned that Gordon Jennings had joined Cycle World Magazine as Tech Editor. I always enjoyed Gordon’s articles at Road & Track, the leading Sports Car Magazine. When I brought the two test bikes to Cycle World’s office for the 1964 Test Article, I met Gordon and we hit it off immediately. Later after he became Editor of Cycle World Magazine, he ran an extensive feature article on the VanTech Kit Program at Grant Industries.

While at Cycle World, Gordon asked me to build a frame for a 350cc Bridgestone for him to race at Daytona. It fit well with our development of larger frames, so the project was born. In the Cycle World article, he called the bike “Son of Secret Weapon”. For that bike, Gordon had one idea I could not agree with. He wanted to try a 33 degree front rake angle, while I proposed 29 degrees. We compromised at 31 degrees, but I told him I was afraid the bike would feel like it wanted to swap ends under power on a slick surface. Engine issues ended Daytona for Gordon, but not before he decided that my 29 degree rake angle was the right way to go. Rest in Peace, Gordon, and Write On.