1907 Lea-Francis Men’s Cycle

1907 Lea-Francis Men’s Cycle

25″ Frame

28″ Wheels

Lea Francis Griffin patent 2-speed gear

Lea Francis patent ‘Trip Motion’

‘Crenshaw Carrier’ saddle

Frame No 20971

 

This Lea Francis was previously owned by Robert Derrick, whose company Classic Transfers makes replica decals for early motorcycles. Robert passed away and the company is now run by his grandson Adam. Robert “…had a lifelong obsession with all things vintage, motorcycles, steam trains, canal boats and canals, and trad jazz” also owned a 1912 Lea Francis motorcycle, which led him to acquire this bicycle. However, he never got round to restoring it.

The front brake is not a Lea Francis item, though the rear brake is correct. The saddle is damaged, though it’s a very rare one so I’ve left it on the bike. The small knob on top of the gear trigger is missing. The gear is a rare Lea Francis 2-speed, using the Griffin patent. These were superseded by 3-speed gears soon after, so are quite rare. It needs a service. The trip motion was missing and, as you can see in the video, my friend made one for me. The machine is a bit scruffy but rides and stops okay and it would not take much to finish it off. I’ve left that for the new owner to do.

 

 

 

 

LEA FRANCIS PATENT ‘TRIP MOTION’

 

LEA FRANCIS TRIP MOTION In the early days, men mounted their bicycle from the rear, with one foot on the rear step (on the end of the axle). The LF patent trip motion fixes the pedal in place so you can step onto the pedal with your other foot without it moving. The ‘trip motion’ was missing on my 1907 Lea Francis (#20971), so my friend made one for me. He illustrates how it works in this video.

LEA FRANCIS GRIFFIN PATENT 2 SPEED GEAR