I started researching military cycling history in 2011. At first all my research material was piled up in cardboard boxes. But when i was approached by a publisher to write the book that became ‘BAD TEETH NO BAR: A History of Military Bicycles in the Great War’, it started to turn into print. Meanwhile, I became very busy finding and restoring relevant bicycles and remanufacturing cycle accessories to militarize them. Even when the book was finished, I still found more military bicycles that I wanted to include. By this stage the publisher was fed up with the fact that the book had grown so big and that I was still adding bicycles!
This bicycle was the last one I managed to squeeze in, just days before it went to press. However, I did not know its maker – I assumed it was a Bianchi, as that was its description in the Italian auction where I bought it.
But I’ve now discovered that it is in fact a Carraro, an important early military bicycle, being Italy’s first practical design, and predating the better-known Bianchi that was used during World War 1. The Carraro was designed in 1898 and put into production in 1900, the year it was presented to the press.
There are very few surviving Carraro military folding bicycles. This one is an old-time restoration in good all round condition and it’s ready to ride.
It made its public debut on my stall in the Author’s Pavilion at the War & Peace Revival on 25 July 2018. At the show I demonstrated how to fold it and fit it to a soldier’s back using straps so that it was ready to be carried. You can see it in the video below
1911 Costa Military Folding Bicycle
17″ Frame
24″ Wheels with Solid Tyres
Bianchi Saddle
(Now sold)
There are very few surviving Costa military folding bicycles. This Costa is an old-time restoration in good all round condition and it’s ready to ride.
