1912 Dursley Pedersen Cantilever Standard

1912 Dursley Pedersen Cantilever Standard

Size 3 (suitable for 30″ inseam)

26 x 1/2″ Wheels

Frame No 6352/3

The Dursley Pedersen is an iconic machine that is probably more popular now, 12 decades on, than it was at the time. It certainly represents an era when bicycles were hand-built to a remarkably high standard, and when Britain led the world in their production. Until World War One, British bicycles were in fact the most expensive in the world.

This example was used by the previous owner’s father until 1955, and since that time has been in storage. The 26″ wheels look like later additions, and the brake set and front rack are from the 1930s. My inspection reveals slight damage to the down tube, which you can see in a close top further down the page. The saddle is in excellent condition. I took it for a spin along Brighton seafront and everything works fine and it rides well. For serious riding it could do with new tyres.