Having survived the 1960s, Rattrays like many other companies saw an upsurge in the interest in their products when the oil crisis struck in 1973.

What is clear now with hindsight, is that the days of the handbuilt lightweight race or touring machine at up to 1000 per year were numbered. Many potential "cyclists" opting for the cheaper mass produced products of the larger firms over more expensive handbuilt specials..

This period also saw the death in 1973 of Jack Smith the catalyst behind Rattrays success in the post-war years. The company would never be the same.