1901 Lea Francis ‘No 3 for Gentlemen’

 

“The Lea Francis built for MEN is essentially a gentleman’s bicycle. Our aim has ever been to embody every good point which our long experience teaches us is of practical value, and that we have succeeded is, we think, amply proved by the liberal patronage accorded us by prominent members of the Aristocracy, the Professions, and by Officers of both arms of the Service. Men of means know well that by no amount of expenditure can they procure a better cycle than the Lea-Francis.”

– Lea Francis Catalogue

1901 Lea Francis ‘Design No 3 for Gentlemen’

(The earliest recorded surviving example)

Sturmey-Archer ‘Model FN’ Tricoaster gear

Frame No 7251

26″ Frame

28″ Wheels

1903 Brooks B100 saddle (as fitted to the first Hendee Indian motorcycles)

The Lea Francis was one of the world’s most exclusive and expensive bicycles available in the early 1900s. I purchased this example from John and Sue Middleton at the Camelford Cycle Museum in Cornwall in 2009. Shortly after, they sold their collection and closed the museum. I’ve not yet found an earlier surviving example.

Like many upmarket bicycles of the era, it was subsequently upgraded to a three speed, with the addition of a Sturmey-Archer ‘Model FN’ Tricoaster gear.

It was stripped and serviced in 2010. Apart from the occasional ride over the years, it has been in storage until I took it out for a spin earlier this year. It’s ready to ride.

It was top-of-the-range in its day, even more upmarket than Sunbeam, Triumph or Dursley Pedersen.

 

 

 

 

1901 LEA FRANCIS CATALOGUE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BROOKS B100 SADDLE

The saddle is a 1903 Brooks B100, which was also fitted to the first Indian motorcycles in America.