1898 Quadrant Chainless Light Roadster (#55291)

 

Founded in 1883, the Quadrant Cycle Co was renowned for the quality of their workmanship and was one of the world’s leading manufacturer of tricycles. They introduced many patents for new innovations in both tricycles and bicycles.

Lloyd’s cross roller gear was patented by W and J Lloyd and W Priest in 1897. Unlike the bevel gear system used in France (Acatene) and America (Columbia), the Lloyd Cross Roller uses spin rollers throughout the drive system. Although Quadrant promoted the Chainless bicycle in Great Britain, it failed to catch on here, and very few Quadrant Chainless machines survive.

They have become an essential exhibit for the country’s top museums: the Science Museum, Coventry Transport Museum, Hull Street Life Museum and Oxford Bus Museum each have an example on display. It is not known how many others are in private collections.

 

1898 Quadrant Chainless Light Roadster

Lloyds Cross Roller Gear 

Quadrant Patent Back-Pedalling Brake

‘Quadrant’ Lamp & Leather Toolbag

26″ Frame

28″ Wheels

Frame No 55291

 

This rare chainless bicycle is in excellent original unrestored condition. The cross roller gears and back-pedal brake work well.

 

 

 

1901 QUADRANT CATALOGUE EXTRACTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LLOYDS CROSS ROLLER GEAR

as applied to the

QUADRANT CHAINLESS BICYCLES

for 1898

Quadrant adverts illustrated their cross roller gears without its chaincase fitted. Though the Chainless featured here has a chaincase, the model I previously owned – frame no 57425 – did not have a chaincase, and the unique cross roller can be seen in its three photos here,

 

QUADRANT BACK-PEDALLING (BAND) BRAKE

 

 

 

QUADRANT CHAINLESS PUBLICITY PHOTO