1901/1902 Humber Duplex Cross Frame

The frame number of this Humber Duplex Cross Frame suggests it was manufactured in 1901. It’s not shown in the 1901 Humber catalogue, and I don’t have a copy of the 1902 catalogue. Also, I’ve not found an illustration of it in other Humber catalogues. But the extract below, published in the VCC Humber Study Guide, puts a timeline of 1902 on the introduction of this model, and also mentions that the ‘Wheel of Life’ chainwheel – as fitted to this Humber – came into use in the same year.

Further down the page you can read a translated extract from a 1901 Dutch article which featured an illustration of the bare frame. So my assumption is that it was built in 1901 but came onto the market in 1902.

1901/1902 Beeston Humber Duplex Cross Frame

(Built in 1901, but fitted up and sold in 1902)

Back pedal band brake

Beeston Humber inflator pump & tool bag

25″ Frame

28″ Wheels

Frame No 84087

(Now sold)

This rare machine is in superb original unrestored condition. Its toolbag even contains the original kit, including the ‘Selvyt’ polishing cloth shown in the catalogue illustration.

Of the various licensed cross frame designs in use at this time, Humber’s Duplex Cross Frame uses the Centaur patent (Centaur called it the ‘Featherweight’). Humber and Centaur worked closely together and Humber used various Centaur innovations, including the duplex front fork which Centaur introduced a year before Humber adopted it for their Beeston bicycles.