1908 Royal Sunbeam for Gentlemen ‘Model A6’ Six-speed

 

 

The Six-Speed Sunbeam – ‘Model A6′ – was not a popular bicycle, and Sunbeam dropped it from their catalogue in 1911, after only three years. The quote from their 1910 catalogue, reproduced below, mentions the relative weight of a Six-Speed. Because of various comments in the cycling press, we believe that the public did not take to the Six-Speed at the time because they felt it weighed more.

But bear in mind also that, in 1908-1910, gears were still a novelty: the general opinion was that a ‘real man’ should ride a bicycle without any gears.

It was not until four or five years later – by which time gears were a standard feature – that Sunbeam enthusiasts reconsidered the idea of a Six-Speed, and some owners combined the two-speed epicyclic with a three-speed rear hub to re-create their own version of the Sunbeam Six-Speed …although without the special six speed gears, these later ones were actually only a ‘five-speed.’

This example is a genuine Six Speed, and one of only a few known survivors. The frame number 90127 shows that it was built around January, 1908.

 

1908 Royal Sunbeam Six Speed

‘Model A6’ (Genuine Six Speed)

Sunbeam 3 speed hub gear + 2 speed epicyclic gear

Brooks ‘Model B49’ saddle

with seat post mounted oiler, exclusively made for the Royal Sunbeam.

24″ Frame

28″ Wheels

Frame No 90127

(Now sold)

The rare Six-Speed Sunbeam is in good all round condition, with both of its gears fully functional. Though its transfer (decal) on the steering head identifies it as a Royal, it has the handlebar grips and steering head lock that we usually associate with a Golden; this occurred in some years of production.

The paintwork is unrestored in very good original condition. The grip cap on the left side of the handlebar is damaged. But it has a very rare oiler that fits into the front end of the seat post, under the saddle; these were standard fittings on a Royal Sunbeam though very few have survived..

The saddle is a rare Brooks Model B49 which was supplied exclusively for Sunbeams, and the pedals are the usual ‘four-bar’ rubber type that are standard on an early Sunbeam. The Six-Speed was serviced earlier this year and is ready to ride.

 

 

 

 

 

1909 SUNBEAM CATALOGUE EXTRACTS