I may say that after 2000 miles on the Cantilever I would not return to the Diamond Frame for anything. There is no comparison between the two. I can take hills quite easily that are considered unrideable by strong riders. I find side slip has no terrors for me now, on the Dursley Pedersen.
– C.J. Noyes, Eccles Old Rd, Manchester; 1910 Dursley Pedersen Catalogue
In recent years, the Dursley Pedersen bicycle has been elevated to iconic status. Good examples are now hard to find …and prices have appreciated beyond the budget of the casual vintage rider and collector. Although some enthusiasts may complain, this situation is, of course, an accurate reflection of their original position in the bicycle market …because 100 years ago they were also beyond the budget of all but the richest cyclists.
1907 Dursley Pedersen Cantilever Standard
Pedersen Frictionless 3-Speed Gear
Gentlemen’s Size 5
Lea Francis aluminium pedals
New Departure bell; front carrier rack; Veeder cyclometer
Frame No 4615/5
28″ Wheels
Standover height (Top of saddle to ground) 42″
(Now sold)
The Dursley Pedersen presented here is an older restoration. The frame is sound and in excellent condition. Cosmetically the paint has worn in a few places, and the mudguards have some kinks in them from regular use over the years. The saddle is in very good condition – it had a sewn leather cover over it to provide protection, which I removed.
Mechanically everything works as it should. Apart from the front carrier rack which is a regular accessory rather than one made exclusively by Dursley Pedersen, everything is original on the machine. The New Departure revolving bell and the aluminium pedals are lovely upmarket accessories which certainly add to its charm.
Dursley Pedersen seats look high, but once the rider is mounted, they sink around 2 inches. Frame size 5 is suitable for someone with an inner leg measurement around 33″ and height around 5′ 10″, though I can ride it easily and I’m 5′ 7″ with an inseam of 31″.
DURSLEY PEDERSEN PEDALS
Lea Francis aluminium pedals were an optional extra favoured by many Dursley Pedersen customers. They were patented by Graham Inglesby Francis of 32 Coundon Rd, Coventry as No 14231/1908. The body of the pedal is an aluminium casting that is detachable, leaving the bearings undisturbed.
DURSLEY PEDERSEN SADDLE
THE PEDERSEN FRICTIONLESS GEAR
DURSLEY PEDERSEN FRAME SIZES
SIZE 1………………. 27 1/2″ Inside Leg
SIZE 2…………………… 29″ Inside Leg
SIZE 3…………………… 30″ Inside Leg
SIZE 4………………. 31 1/2″ Inside Leg
SIZE 5…………………… 33″ Inside Leg
SIZE 6…………………… 34″ Inside Leg
SIZE 7…………………… 35″ Inside Leg
SIZE 8…………………… 38″ Inside Leg
UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM BRACKET
DURSLEY PEDERSEN LADIES v GENTS