THE CENTAUR FEATHERWEIGHT IN ‘CYCLING’ MAGAZINE:
We illustrate the new cross-frame put on the market by the Centaur Company. It is claimed by using two smaller diameter tubes as shown in the illustration that while not increasing the vertical rigidity it gives a considerable increased lateral stability as regards the forepart of the frame, and the fact of the tubes being continued through to the fork ends materially strengthens the back part. The new frame weights only 5 lb. and is thus much lighter than an ordinary diamond frame machine. The Centaur Company anticipate that their roadster mount made in this style with brake and guards will scale only 25 lb. complete. The lady’s on similar lines with gear case included, will come out between 25 lb. and 26 lb.
1905 Centaur Featherweight X Frame
24″ Frame
28″ Wheels
Location: Australia (Farren Collection, Melbourne)
Free book included ‘Bicycling Through Time’
(Now sold)
This early Centaur Featherweight X frame is rare in Australia. Paul Farren bought it in Australia in 1985. As reported in the cycling press of the day, the Featherweight is a fast lightweight machine. Though the Raleigh Superbe X frame was the top seller and for many years the most expensive bicycle in the world, and the Components Ltd X frame was sold as a frame only which made it the cheapest, the Centaur Featherweight was undoubtedly the best X frame available.
It also came with features unique to Centaur:
1. Their own patent X frame design which avoided the other dominant patents by having twin lateral tubes.
2. Duplex forks (first used on Centaurs in 1897, and copied by Humber in 1898 on their Beeston models).
3. Twin chainstays on both sides. (Again, Humber copied the idea, but theirs were only one side).
4. Centaur repair outfit that fits into the top of the steerer tube.
5. Unique Centaur rear brake with Bowden cable.
This example is in reasonable original unrestored condition though it has surface rust and has had some dings in its narrow lateral tubes at some time during its life. Because of the narrow tubing on this model, it is delicate and not suitable for heavy riding. It’s ready to ride.
CENTAUR REPAIR OUTFIT
1903 CENTAUR CATALOGUE EXTRACTS
