1890 Metropolitan Machinists' 'Juno' Diamond-frame Safety

Among the noticeable features, we confine ourselves to mentioning one – the adjustment of the chain from the rear, by means of a new, very simple, and admirable contrivance, which during the winter we have subjected to a prolonged and searching test, and it has been found to fulfil all the requirements of a chain adjustment.

– 1890 Metropolitan Machinists’ Co Catalogue

In common with other top manufacturers of the day, Metropolitan Machinists’ Co offered a wide variety of machines to the public. Their 1890 catalogue included eleven tricycles, eighteen safety bicycles and eight penny farthings. As well as one ladies’ (single tube) model, and older style cross frames, there were eight safety models which featured the latest diamond frame design.

The ‘Juno’ diamond frame safety was introduced to the public in the 23 March 1889 edition of Cycling magazine, and they described this new style – which, of course, would subsequently prevail as the dominant design for bicycles – as a ‘double triangle, very compact, of great strength, and of elegant design.’

Of the eighteen safety bicycles illustrated in the company’s 1890 catalogue, the majority utilised the conventional method of adjusting the chain, which involved a nut and bolt in front of the pedals. Only the ‘No 7’ featured their revolutionary new device mentioned above, tested through the winter of 1889. Over the following year, rear chain adjustment would be adopted by every manufacturer to become an industry standard.

1890 Metropolitan Machinists’ ‘Juno’ Diamond-frame Safety No 10

21″ Frame

29.5″ Wheels with Solid Tyres

Rudge Pattern adjustable handlebar

Brooks saddle

(Now sold)

Metropolitan Machinists’ Co announced this new frame design on 23 March, 1889. But the 1889 illustration was soon out of date as, by 1890, the company had adopted a new form of chain adjustment – rear dropouts with threaded adjusters. Their patent rear dropout is a unique design with the adjusters facing forwards at a 45 degree angle.

The 1890 Metropolitan Machinists’ catalogue only shows a few of their 18 models available in that year. This rare surviving example is similar to their ‘No 10’ but with rear chain adjustment. It’s a fast lightweight machine and would have been a state-of-the-art bicycle in its day. It’s ready to ride.

1890 METROPOLITAN MACHINISTS’ Co CATALOGUE EXTRACTS

RUDGE PATTERN ADJUSTABLE HANDLEBAR

METROPOLITAN MACHINISTS’ Co LTD

75-6 Bishopgate Street Without, London, E.C

The original partners were Thomas Fuller Toovey and William Harland Hebb. The company was established in 1862 and based at 75 & 76 Bishopsgate Street Without, London. They produced bicycles and tricycles under the ‘Juno’ trade name, and ‘King of the Road’ and ‘Mazeppa’ high-wheelers from c.1883-90. There was a ‘Black Bess’ tricycle produced in 1884. In 1887 the ‘Gnat’ tricycle, which had been made from at least 1884, became the ‘Juno’ folder – able to pass through a 28 in. doorway. There were 39 models listed in their 1890 catalogue. New pattern diamond-frame and double diamond-frame ‘Juno’ safeties were introduced for 1890 as well as a ladies ‘Juno’ spring-frame. In 1894-5 racers were advertised as weighing 22lb and roadsters at 28lb. The company was still listed in business at the above address in 1902 and also at 3 Shaftesbury Avenue in 1903. In 1924 their road racers were £6 and £7 10s. In 1929 they were selling machines from £3 15s. It seems to have faded out about 1938. *

The two partners had also owned another company, the ‘London Cycle Supply Association.’ Cycle makers often had a variety of outlets for their goods: over the years, different districts of London became central points for cycle businesses, so it was important for each maker to be represented in those areas if their main firm was established elsewhere. The partnership was dissolved in 1883, with William Harland Hebb carrying on in the two companies.