1901 Crypto X Frame Tandem Tricycle with trailer

“At the 1900 Stanley Show a wide selection of machines were shown varying in price from £10 10s. to £21 10s. for bicycles plus Racer and Roadster tandems at £23 and £24 10s. respectively. The ‘Crypto’ Roadster weighed only 28lbs. Also in 1900 it produced rear drivers with ‘Collier’ two-speed gear and ‘Gardner-Hearson’ brake and a ‘Flexor’ spring frame. The General Manager was then W. G. James. The 1907 catalogue offered six bicycles, from £6 15s to £8 15s., two tandems, two tricycles and a tandem tricycle. The company was then trading from 14 Mortimer Street, London. The company became the Crypto Car and Cycle Co. and there was a brief flirtation with motor cycles and even a car, then motor car components under the leadership of W. G. James. Having started in 1898 to make an electric food mincing machine, and then a food mixing machine, using the epicyclic gear, eventually the company became Crypto Peerless, part of the Electrolux group.”

– Ray Miller’s Encyclopaedia

Best known for their geared front drivers in the 1890s, Crypto expanded their range as the 20th century approached. For a short while their products included motor bicycles and cars. They built this Lawson motor tricycle in 1900.

1901 Crypto X Frame Tandem Tricycle

with Passenger Trailer

Abingdon No 4 patent axle

Adjustable Tandem Back Handlebar

Frame 23″ front / 22″ rear

26″ Wheels

LENGTH (with trailer) 12.5 ft

A Crypto X Frame tandem is a very rare beast. Crypto was best known for the miniature geared ordinaries (penny farthings) they built during the 1890s, but later Cryptos are extremely scarce. This original tandem tricycle version with a passenger trailer is a unique survivor and a superb rig.

It’s in very good all round condition and ready to ride, and it would make a superb centrepiece of any collection, exhibition or museum display.