Was ever feather so lightly blown…
– Henry IV
The 1880s and 1890s was a period of great innovation in bicycle design and saw the introduction of many weird and wonderful variations on the theme. But by the end of the Victorian era, cycle design had become established and the overwhelming majority followed a standard pattern. Two bicycles were the exception.
The Centaur Featherweight and the Dursley Pedersen stood out from the crowd, their innovative design features unsurpassed by their competitors, and the same expenditure would enable a discerning gentleman rider of the day to choose between either of these fabulous roadsters.
The difference between the two was that Dursley Pedersen had difficulties marketing their machine, whereas the Centaur Featherweight caught the public imagination and was an outstanding success. It was not the first cross-frame on the market, and it was one of the most expensive, but it was considered the best in its class. Says Archibald Sharp of The Cyclist magazine while comparing the Centaur with the Dursley Pedersen in road tests:
‘…very easy running perhaps the fastest road machine I have ever ridden but slightly less comfortable for the same wheel and tyres as a diamond frame.’
This example is in excellent all round condition and ready to ride. It is in Europe: I am selling it for a customer who bought it from me 10 years ago. It can be shipped worldwide.
1906 Centaur Featherweight Cross-Frame Roadster
26″ Frame
28″ Wheels
Full accessory set
(Now sold)
At a time when few cycle lamps were electric, this innovative battery-powered cycle headlamp was made by British Ever Ready Electrical Co Ltd. The American company had recently established a British subsidiary.
‘CLINCHER TYRES’ INFLATOR PUMP
The inflator pump advertises Clincher tyres, which were manufactured by the North British Tyre Co.
HOME of the CENTAUR
(From the 1906 Centaur Catalogue)
BROOKS B66 LIGHTWEIGHT SADDLE & HUNTING SADDLEBAG WITH SANDWICH TIN
