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1905 Imperial Triumph ‘No 12’ Light Roadster

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1905 Imperial Triumph ‘No 12C’ Light Roadster

with Coaster Hub & Front Rim Brake

27.5″ Frame

28″ Wheels

Frame No 75590

(Now sold)

EXCLUSIVE: Triumph was an exclusive brand in the early 1900s. By 1905, when this Imperial was built, the company had launched its new motor bicycle department: their first machines were Minerva powered, but the new Triumph 3 HP Motor Bicycle advertised in the 1905 catalogue sported Triumph’s own engine.
The primary market for motorcycles in the early days was among cyclists. While Trumph built up their motorcycle business, they worked hard at increasing their market share in the cycle industry by lowering prices of some models.
MOST EXPENSIVE IN THE WORLD: The most expensive bicycles at this time were the Raleigh X Frame (£16 5/-), Centaur Featherweight X Frame (£15 15/-) and Royal Sunbeam at £14 14/- (there was no ‘Golden’ model in 1905).
The Imperial Triumph Light Roadster was £13 10/-, which made it more expensive than the Dursley Pedersen, Royal Enfield Girder and Elswick Cross Truss, priced at £12 and 12 guineas.
The following year, Triumph reduced the Imperial price to £11 15/-. It was still one of the most expensive bicyces in the world, but on a par with most of its main competitors.
TALL FRAME: The Eadie coaster brake option seen on this example added an extra 5/- to the price. Though the catalogue states a frame size of 27”, this one measures 27.5” so I assume it was a special order for a customer. As you can see in the photos, we stripped the machine to service it throughout, and it’s ready to ride.

 

 

 

 

1905 TRIUMPH CATALOGUE EXTRACTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1906 TRIUMPH CATALOGUE EXTRACTS

 

 

 

 

 

THE TRIUMPH ECCENTRIC BRACKET

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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