1930s Hi-Wire Ariel Aluminium Trick Bicycle

There was a long tradition of slack wire cycling, the first being Blondin in October 1869 at The Crystal Palace. He rode a velocipede with grooved wheels that was manufactured by Gardiner and Mackintosh of New Cross.

1930s Hi-Wire Ariel Aluminium Bicycle

14.5″ disc wheels

LENGTH: 45″

WIDTH: 16″

HEIGHT: 28″

 

This unique bicycle has been adapted from a rare children’s aluminium bicycle so it can be used as a hi-wire ariel performers’ machine. It’s the sort of bicycle that would have been created for use by a clown on a circus tightrope. It was apparently designed by top stylists Harold L Van Doren and John Gordon Rideout, who made their name with a revolutionary new style of radio, the Air King and, in 1933, designed a completely new range of Skippy products for American National including tricycles, pedal cars, bicycles, scooters, coaster wagons and sleds.

Apart from one missing pedal, it’s in excellent condition.