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The story of Malvern Star bicycle is made up of the stories of the many Australians who contributed to the design and manufacture of the bikes, the marketing of the Malvern Star name and promotion of that name through heroic sporting feats on both road and track. Whilst many contributed to the story, two names alone set Malvern Star as an Australian icon and created the success of the Malvern Star company . Hubert Opperman and Bruce Small were the perfect team to create a cycling empire, Australia‘s greatest cyclist and Australia‘s greatest cycling entrepreneur.
Sir Bruce SmallThe entrepreneur, promoter and salesman who guided the business development of Malvern Star and built a small suburban bicycle shop into one of Australia’s largest manufacturing and retailing enterprises. Bruce Small was the guiding hand behind Hubert Opperman’s career and the fearless leader of the corporate empire that Opperman’s reputation built. Read his story here.
Sir Hubert OppermanThe cycling hero whose deeds enthralled Australia and who, by his mighty record breaking rides, made Malvern Star bicycles famous. Opperman always rode a Malvern Star. He became a Director of the Company in recognition of his pivotal role in the firm’s success. He went on to become a Member of Australia's federal Parliament and serve as a Minister, but to several generations of Australians "Oppy" will always be Australia’s most famous cyclist. The one who rode a Malvern Star. Read his story here.
Tom FinniganTom Finnigan rode his luck to win the 1898 Austral Wheel race and with the winnings established a bike shop in Glenferrie Road Malvern Victoria. From here he created the name Malvern Star. Read his story here.
The ChampionsThroughout its history Malvern Star sponsored cycling heroes to ride their bikes in competition. Many of Australia’s finest cyclists rode for Malvern Star at some time in their careers. Click the names below to read some of their stories.
The InternationalsAt various times Bruce Small invited international cycling stars to Australia to race on Malvern Star bikes.
Encouraging more championsMany young cyclists with promise were given a start by Malvern Star and then went on to greater sporting triumphs riding for other bicycle teams.
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