1888 J.K Starley & Co ‘The Rover Safety Bicycle’
(Now sold)
If you think the above bicycle is just a thrown-together pile of incorrect parts, you are absolutely correct…
…but it is at least one of the most sought-after incorrect pile of parts. As I’m sure you already know, Starley’s Rover was the first model of safety bicycle to hit the road.
Below you can see what I actually purchased. I attached random parts to it so that it would look a bit more like a bicycle while I search for bits to complete its restoration.
In the end I got it on its wheels and rideable – photo below – and then a friend decided to buy it.
JAMES STARLEY’S BIRTHPLACE,
HERSTMONCEAUX, SUSSEX