1877 The Gentleman’s Bicycle or Roadster
Coventry Machinists’ Co, builder
52″ Front wheel
Fitted with the CMC Patent Adjustable Handlebar
Frame No 7339
(Now sold)
This model is interesting because it’s more or less the same as the first models from 1871. Observe the similar rear brake and the V pattern wheel rims. I think it was actually built in 1876, but was presumably leftover stock, as the rear step is the 1877 pattern and it doesn’t have the front footrest.
What’s even more interesting is that it is fitted with the company’s Patent Adjustable Handlebar, which was promoted in the 1876 catalogue. It cost 10/- 6d “when fitted in lieu of ordinary handle” or 21/- if supplied separately, and was advertised as “strongly recommended to lighten the labour of hill work” – by releasing the catch and pointing the handlebar forward the rider could lean forward for extra exertion.
The machine is in excellent all round condition, having been in a Northumberland family’s ownership for many decades until I bought it. The strange thing is that normally this model of Ordinary required a revolving handlebar to operate the rear brake (just like a velocipede). However, the Patent Adjustable Handle bar does not revolve. The company introduced a new model of Ordinary with a front brake in the same year. But a front brake is also incompatible with this accessory handlebar. I can only think that it was used on racing or semi-racing models.
So, this lovely machine has the most unusual accessory handlebar that you are likely to see, and is completely rideable, but without the use of its brake.
1877 COVENTRY MACHINISTS’ Co ADVERTISEMENT
1875 CMC PATENT ADJUSTABLE HANDLE BAR
ABOVE: You can compare the normal handlebar for this machine, which allows the rear brake to be attached. I managed to buy it so that this CMC ordinary would have two options for a handlebar.
1880s CMC PATENT DETACHABLE HANDLE BAR
1876 COVENTRY MACHINISTS’ Co CATALOGUE EXTRACTS
1877 COVENTRY MACHINISTS’ Co CATALOGUE EXTRACTS
ADJUSTABLE HANDLEBAR POSITIONS
“Coventry is not only a city of spires – it is a city of surprises. In no other town in the kingdom is the juxtaposition of the old and the new so marked as in this corner of Shakespeare’s county. …A stone’s throw from a mediaeval hospice rises a cycle manufactory – in fact, the pioneer factory of the industry.
…As a manufacturing company, it came into existence as far back as 1830, when it started the making of sewing machines for the laudable purpose of giving employment to the large number of poverty-stricken creatures who were thrown out in consequence of the decline in the silk trade. In turn, the Machinists’ Company itself suffered from the fierce competition of the United States, supplemented by the opposition of rival firms in Scotland and England. Then it was that the company began to build velocipedes of the ‘bone-shaker’ pattern, soon to be replaced by the ‘spider wheel’ and the rubber tyre…”
– ‘The Illustrated London News’, 15 August, 1896
The Coventry Machinists’ Co, started by Josiah Turner and James Starley in 1869, was the first British bicycle manufacturer, and the founders of many well-known cycle companies started their careers working there. They were respected for the quality of their bicycles, which stood out as a result of various innovative features, and the company owned many cycle patents.
COVENTRY MACHINISTS’ Co: The First British Cycle Manufacturer
TO READ MORE ABOUT
COVENTRY MACHINISTS’ CO & ENGLISH VELOCIPEDE HISTORY
PLEASE CLICK HERE
