Coventry Machinists’ Co Boneshaker 1869

A very early bicycle, The cranks and pedals are attached to the front axle. Note the wooden spokes. There is a  brake on the rear wheel operated by twisting a cord round the handlebars. The first boneshakers were heavy because they were based on the carriage manufacture. This invention came from the Paris shop of Pierre Micheaux. The idea was taken up in England by the Coventry Sewing Machine Co. [#720]

Pennyfarthing 1885  
Each revolution of the pedal on a larger wheel translated into a greater distance covered by the cyclist. Although good speeds could be managed, headers were not uncommon, the braking system being unsafe. Direct spoking. Manufactured by Singer for the Coventry Machinists’ Co.  Some modifications have been made to this cycle over the years, the forks being from another machine. The large front wheel measure 57 inches in diameter, making it one of the largest rideable bikes in Australia. [#150]

Quadrant 1880’s  
This cycle is remarkably modern for the period of the late 1880’s. One of the many types of bikes promising perfect safety in mounting and dismounting. The name came from an unusual steering developed by the Birmingham firm, in which a pair of small wheels ran in a pair of quadrant shaped guides mounted on the front axle. Replica built by Inner City Cycles, Glebe, Sydney. [#162]

Solid tyre safety (1880s to 1894)  
The back wheel was originally 30 inches in diameter and the front wheel was 28 inches in diameter. These bicycles allowed safer mounting and dismounting, but were not popular with the public, possibly due to poor marketing; but also because the short spoke length in the wheels did not provide the shock absorption that high wheeled bicycles gave. The vibration problems were eventually solved by the invention of the pneumatic tyre in 1889. Built by Rudge Cycle Co of Coventry and purchased by Mssrs Marriott and Cooper of London, England. [#294]

Crypto-Bantam 1893  
Introduced in 1893, the Crypto was intended to appeal to older cyclists who could not come to terms with low, rear-wheel-driven safeties. It had a 2 speed gearing-up mechanism within the front wheel hub. [#403]

Columbia safety 1888  
From USA 1888. This design has sprockets fixed on extensions to the forks and a chain drive to the hub, allowing a gearing up to 49”. The crankshafts are ball bearing mounted and the cranks adjustable in three positions. Replica built by Bob Hunt, Sydney. [#562]

Solid tyre safety 1890  
The beginnings of the diamond frame Safeties, term applied to all the new, low, chain-to-rear-wheel machines. Although they had gained some freedom and mobility, women still had to fight to keep their independence, especially as regards the conventional and thoroughly ridiculous rules of the “proper attire”. The maker of this machine is unknown.

Rover Safety 1885  
The decisive arrival and development of the low rear-wheel-driven safety bicycle, sent the high-wheel bicycle into irreversible decline. John Kemp Starley designed the Rover (1885), which “set the fashion to the world”. The speed and safety of the new Rovers were publicised by the Rover Road Race in Sept 1885, organised by the manufacturers Starley and Sutton, who themselves awarded all prizes. Mounted by means of a foot-step on the rear of the frame, as had been the case with high bicycles. Replica built by Brett Richardson, Qld. For some years after this, engineers continued to experiment with various designs which they hoped would equal or better the comfort and performance of the pneumatic tyre safety. [#480]

Star safety, Gents popular 1896 pattern  
The pneumatic tyre invented by Dunlop in 1888 was now used on all bikes. The diamond frame design had become standard. Saddles were now adjustable for height thus making the machine more versatile for use by people of differing heights. Spring saddle on an adjustable saddle tube. Manufactured in Wolverhampton, UK in 1896. [#722]

Ladies safety 1892  
Special features are the 26inch wood rims, free wheel, special style handlebars, special type front forks, three plate crown with back forks and stays to match, special saddle and saddle pillar carbide light., spring-loaded clamp fitted to the head of the handlebars. Manufactured by Elswick UK. [#342]

Tandem 1900  
The lady sits at the front (in order to have a pleasant view), with the man steering from behind. Manufactured by Victor Overman Wheel Co, USA in 1900. [#372]

Timber 1897  
Experiments were made with consideration being paid to lightness. The natural qualities of wood included resistance to buckling when a rider hit a curb with force that would certainly compromise a steel frame. The other advantage being that wood didn’t rust. Manufactured by : M.D. Stebbins Manufacturing Co, Springfield Massachusetts in 1897. [#285]

Dursley Pedersen 1902  
One successful and innovatory early lightweight bicycle was named after its creator, Mikael Pedersen. It had a triangular frame of light duplicated tubes, with the saddle slung between the front and back forks. It had a 3 speed hub gear. The Dursley-Pedersen was designed and built by Pedersen in Dursley, England in 1902. This model is a copy built for us by Inner City Cycles, Sydney. [#37]

Gents safety 1907  
This model, the Napoleon, was sold by the well-known store, Sears, in USA, for $15.95 and was guaranteed for 2 years. If you wished to have the coaster hub and brake it was an extra $2.75. Note the wooden rims. The ladies version was called “The Josephine”. Made in the USA, 1907. [#288]

Gents safety 1935  
The Lenroc is a good example of a handbuilt early racer, with pacemaker rims. Later, this company went into manufacturing motorbikes. Manufactured in South Australia. [#681]

Ladies safety 1930’s     
A typical ladies bike with a loop frame, back pedal brakes Manufactured by Healing, South Australia. [#663]

Ladies safety 1950’s  
One of many popular ladies bikes, it has back pedal brakes, bell, pump holders brazed into rear frame, mudguards, and a straight down tube. Made by Malvern Star in Victoria . [#549]

 Moulton small wheel base, 2 speed. 1965
 The Moulton cycle developed in 1959 by British designer Alex Moulton. The first major redesign of the bicycle in many years. IT used 16" wheels and a compact and simple suspension system. The F shape frame and quickly adjustable seat and handlebar post made the Moulton equally suitable for men and women, youngsters and adults. [#325]

Peugeot Mixte 1970 
 [#689]

Repco Folder 1982  
Being able to make your bike smaller has advantages when transporting your bike, fit in the boot of the car or take it on the train. [#541]

 Itera Sweden Plastic frame 1982
Why did production only last one year and why weren’t any Itera’s sold in Australia? The Itera is not a very comfortable bike to ride, the frame is not as rigid as a normal bike frame and it tends to flex. They were also available with 3-speed gears. Cyclists have just not taken to it. [#449]

Patbike Recumbent  1988 
Vehicles were to be propelled by human power alone and with no energy storage of any kind.. Under or above steering is a matter of personal comfort. A short wheelbase is considered ideal for quick handling and acceleration. A long wheelbase promotes comfort over long distances.  OzHPV Inc can give up to date info. 02 62.

Child’s Condor BMX 1988  
Bicycle Motocross gained popularity in the 1980’s, children being able to do daring things on their rough and tumble bikes. [#360]

Trimble Carbon fibre frame 1989  
The cross frame of the 1880’s has been updated by using modern composite materials to mould a massive but light and springy one-piece off-road frame. It retailed for $3500. [#389]