Vintage Detail

he vintage section at the National Cycle Collection brings together one of the most comprehensive displays of early bicycles to be found in the UK.

Commencing with six boneshakers, with the following worthy of note. An early Michaux complete with brass acorn pedals and makers plate. The plate reads Michaux 27 Jean Goujon Paris another made by C Taylor, 46 Marlborough St, Bristol has the number 1859 stamped across the plate. These two machines are fine examples of the period and in original condition, also on display are two boneshakers made by unknown bicycle makers, along side two machines made by Blacksmiths. It is interesting to note the crude frame work of the blacksmith as against that of the bicycle manufactured machines.

The collection has two Transitional boneshakers in original condition these offer the collector the opportunity to study at first hand these rare machines. Our American Eagle Ordinary is with regret a reproduction, but never the less a well engineered example. The Eagle illustrates the small leading front wheel as against the British machines with the small trailing back wheel, thus giving the rider the choice of either falling backwards on the Eagle or a header on the British machines. Eight Ordinary's are on display in the vintage section with wheel sizes ranging from 48-58inches with both direct and tangent Spoking. V and U designed rims are also illustrated. A Smith and Starley Ariel Wheeled Ordinary dated 1871, illustrating early spoke tension design, this bicycle is one of but a few remaining in the world. Other Ordinary's on show display different handlebar arrangements solid forks, backbones and seat fitments. The solid tyred safety bicycles on display total 14 with most in original condition. The collection fully illustrates the different frame designs of the period with both right and left hand cranks. Some of the prime examples to be found are an 1891 Guest and Barrow star girder bolt on frame, an 1888 Swift fitted with sprung front forks and back spoon braking system. A Crypto bantam complete with the foot rest (often missing) and a Beale and Strawe fitted with its original head badge and double tied spokes in original condition must rate as one of the best three machines displayed in any museum. An Otto bicycle dated 1881 completes the vintage section, except for our Trike listings which can be found on our Trike and Tandem pages.