1913 Dursley Pedersen Cantilever
with ‘Cowhorn’ handlebar
Frame Size #4 (suitable for around 31″ inside leg)
Restored; hand-painted with Tekaloid brush finish enamel
28″ wheels
Frame No 6514.4
(Now sold)
I’m advertising this nicely restored Dursley Pedersen for a friend. It’s an attractive ‘cowhorn’ model. Though the company had stopped illustrating this handlebar style in their catalogues in favour of the model with its handlebar mounted at the top of the steering head, it was still available for customers to order. This Pedersen has all the correct parts, and it has been sympathetically restored, including hand-painting with Tekaloid brush finish enamel. It was then slightly rubbed down to remove the shine and provide an older appearance.
My friend has enjoyed riding it. The 3-speed gear functions well, and this 111-year-old machine is now ready for a new custodian to ride and display.
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
One thing I discovered many years ago about early Pedersens is that even if you ride one that’s ‘officially’ too big for you, ie as per the company’s own chart, above, once you’re in the saddle it sinks down so you have no difficulty reaching the pedals or the ground. This one, a Size 4, would suit someone who would normally ride a 22″ frame bicycle. But, also, the saddle can be adjusted up or down via its seat stays.
At its current setting, the distance from the top of the saddle to the ground is 1 meter (39.5″) and the distance from the top of the saddle to the centre of the pedal axle is 75cm (29.5″). The saddle height can be adjusted further, either up (one slot) or down (3 slots).
1910 DURSLEY PEDERSEN CATALOGUE EXTRACTS
DURSLEY PEDERSEN SADDLE
FRAME No 6514.4
You can see 6514.4 in the chart below. The chart was compiled in the 1970s, which means it has been known to the Veteran Cycle Club for at least 50 years
UNDERSIDE OF THE DURSLEY PEDERSEN
PEDERSEN 3-SPEED GEAR
The Dursley Pedersen did not make enough of an impact on the extremely competitive bicycle market in the Edwardian era, with the result that its production run was cut short. However, a hundred years later, the model has become one of the most sought-after vintage bicycles among collectors. Not only is it delightfully eccentric to look at, but its lightweight frame makes it easy to use and the innovative saddle design makes it the most comfortable old bicycle to ride.
Above you can see the Gentlemen’s Royal Roadster, freewheel, with front rim brake and coaster rear, from the 1905 catalogue. By the 1910 catalogue, this model style was no longer illustrated. But a fixed wheel Road Racer with larger chainwheel was offered in its place.
