1869/1870 Transitional Velocipede with Duplex Tubing

TRANSITIONALS: This velocipede is built to a very high standard. The carving of the metal would have been extremely time-consuming for the metalworker, so this would not have been a cheap machine. It is considered a ‘transitional’ model because the rear wheel is smaller than the first generation of velocipedes. A ‘transitional’ design is therefore part-way between the velocipede and the ordinary (penny farthing).DESIGN: The British bicycle industry was founded in 1869 as a result of the French war with Prussia. Coventry took over as the world centre of velocipede construction. I’m not sure whether this machine is French or English. The manufacturers in both countries built top quality velocipedes: English firms tended to focus on engineering side of the build, with innovations in functionality, while the French makers were known for their flair in design.DUPLEX TUBING: The unqiue design feature of this velocipede is the backbone’s twin frame tubing. This is surely the oldest surviving example of duplex tubing? Duplex frames – side-by-side top tubes – became popular with manufacturers at various times in cycle history, starting in the early 1890s. The ‘Premier Model F’ was the most successful twin frame model marketed in Britain, while the Columbia Light Roadster Safety was the leading example in the USA. The design reappeared on the Moorson Superior Twin Tube in the 1930s. But the best-known bicycle using duplex tubing is the BSA Airborne folding paratrooper bicycle of World War 2.

This example is in very good unrestored condition with no apparent damage anywhere and solid metal throughout.

At first the press did not fully appreciate the achievements of this new machine and what it meant for the future. However, soon everyone started to recognize the importance of this new mode of transport – a velocipede may have been expensive, but it did not need food and stabling like a horse. And it could be used for independent long-distance travel. It required athletic abilities for long journeys, was dangerous down hills, and it scared the living daylight out of other road users and pedestrians …but a velocipede is actually surprisingly reliable. Velocipedes were raced extensively. In France, even women raced velocipedes! Below you can see the first ladies’ velocipede race (Le Monde Illustre, 1st November, 1868).

The American Harper’s Weekly (19th December 1868) covered the story too; but in their illustration, below, the women’s bare legs have been covered!

The weekly satirical magazine The Ferret added to comments of the day. Its cover of March 22nd, 1870, illustrates women riding velocipedes with extremely risque attire.