Holdsworth Professional: First ride review
It's a beautiful machine and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to fans of classic race bikes who want to ride them rather than look at them.
-
+
Classic design attributes
-
+
Modern components mean the bike isn't stuck in the 70s
-
-
Retro look may not please everyone
You can trust Cycling Weekly.
Falcon Cycles has reinvented the Holdsworth Professional, the bike of the legendary Holdsworth-Campagnolo team of the 1970s.
The new bike was redesigned from the ground up so that original details like the seatstay wrapover, dome-headed rivets for the head badge and sloping Campag-style dropouts could be worked in. There is a limited run of 150, each numbered separately with a down tube decal.
With a traditional lugged construction, the frame is authentic in every way. However, a heavy steel fork, threaded steerer and flexible quill stem is something nobody really wants, so a carbon-bladed fork with aluminium steerer has been discreetly sprayed the same orange as the steel frame.
For the groupset, Campagnolo Athena is the only option in terms of aesthetics, with its polished alloy chainset. It has the vintage look, but Campagnolo's bottom 11-speed groupset is also a great performer. Black Campag Scirocco wheels match the 3T bar, stem and seatpost and a white Fizik Pavé saddle and bar tape complete the pro look.
The Holdsworth feels like a modern bike as its makers intended. It has the unmistakable ride of a well made steel frame - just the right amount of ‘spring', comfort and speed. The 74° parallel geometry and horizontal top tube are racy. Obviously it isn't meant to be raced, but I rode it to a top-five place in an early-season sportive and might have been faster if I hadn't slowed down to acknowledge admiring comments.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
Collapsed lung, concussion and multiple fractures: Fundraiser set up for first ever Tour de France Féminin winner following crash
Marianne Martin crashed earlier in October and is looking to raise $20,000 to help her get back on her feet
By Adam Becket Published
-
Gravel riders - get ready, set, register! A guide to 2025's biggest gravel events and key registration dates
Here are the registration dates for gravel’s biggest events around the globe
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Power couple Keegan Swenson and Sofia Gomez Villafane win the 2024 Life Time Grand Prix series — again — but changes loom for 2025
Swenson secures third consecutive title, while Gomez Villafane defended her crown in a thrilling finale at Big Sugar Gravel.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published