VETERAN CYCLES & MOTORCYCLES
Unknown Maker , Ordinary Bicycle 1885 The parts for a bicycle could be bought from the many specialist suppliers that grew up particularly around the West Midlands region and smaller makers could be found all over the UK catering for the local cyclists . Many of these machines are often difficult to identify . It is thought that this particular machine might have been produced by the Coventry Cycle Co Ltd which was formed in 1883 , but more evidence is needed to positively authenticate it .
Unknown Maker , Solid-tyred Safety Bicycle 1892 Owing to the growth of small manufacturers by the early 1890s , many surviving bicycles are difficult to identify - particularly without a badge or transfer . Although that applies to this bicycle it is clearly a well made machine . It has solid tyres , but was probably originally fitted with cushion tyres made from soft rubber judging by the clearances around the fork crown which allow for a larger section tyre to be accommodated .
Victor Spring Fork Safety Bicycle Founded by Albert H Overman , the Overman Wheel Co produced the Victor bicycle from its Boston , Massachusetts factory from 1885 . The Victor Sprung Fork model , an example of which is on this year ’ s run , was marketed between 1887 and 1894 .
The Dreadnought
MOTORCYCLES
Clément This was Clément ’ s introduction to motorcycling : a ‘ Motor Set ’ comprising an engine , petrol tank , belt rim , and coil , etc – everything needed to convert your roadster bicycle into a motorcycle . They were sold all over Europe and also in Australia and USA , and were imported into England by Charles Garrard . With the assistance of James Norton to make the frames , he sold motorcycles with these engines as Clément-Garrard or Norton Energettes ( the first Nortons ). These Clément engines were only in production for a couple of years , but helped to get the motorcycling movement started .
Dreadnought Built by Harold Karslake in late 1903 and early 1904 , this machine acquired the nickname ‘ Dreadnought ’ during his time with it . Based around what Karslake described as a ‘ stout loop frame ’, it used a single cylinder engine from a BAT motorcycle – which were made in London – and Karslake enjoyed great success in trials . Along the way , he developed it into twin-gear form after finding that it struggled on steep hills with only a single speed . The Dreadnought is now owned by the Vintage Motor Cycle Club .
Minerva Minerva were the company that started the motorcycle movement . Initially , they provided ‘ Motor Sets ’ – engine , tanks , coil and battery , etc – to convert a roadster bicycle into a motorcycle . Many cycle factories such as Excelsior and Quadrant used them as their way into motorcycling , and later they made and sold complete machines . -
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