1915 Triumph Gloria Roadster

As a result of feedback from their cycle agents, Triumph tried making cheaper machines in 1905, with their ‘Standard’ model. But, of course, everything made in the same factory went through the same expensive processes and quality control; so selling cheaper machines just made their top-of-the-range products look overpriced.

The Gloria Cycle Co was established in Coventry on 5 February, 1898.  I’m not sure at what stage Gloria became a subsidiary of Triumph, but Apparently Triumph moved to a larger factory in 1907, and Gloria bicycles were then built in the old Triumph premises. Triumph’s Gloria Cycle Co was more successful solution to selling bicycles that were cheaper than Triumph Cycle Co‘s own products, while still taking advantage of the company’s top quality reputation, distribution network and agencies worldwide.

Gloria bicycles used a variety of frames and fittings. Some frames came from the Triumph factory – these had their numbers stamped in the usual Triumph location above the bottom bracket; frames from other suppliers had their serial numbers stamped at the top of the seat post. Components on Glorias are likewise a mixture of those made by Triumph and other suppliers, presumably depending on what surplus fittings Triumph had at the time.