1936 Golden Sunbeam for Gentlemen with Double Top Tube
Tall Frame Model G, by Special Order
Sturmey-Archer ‘KB4’ Three-Speed Hub
with internal expanding brake
28″ Frame
28″ Wheels
Brooks Model B12 Saddle
Frame No G.466.1.11076
(Now sold)
This Special Order ‘Model G’ Golden Sunbeam is in excellent original condition and, with only two other examples known to the Sunbeam marque register, it’s a rare beast.
The Sunbeam is fitted with internal expanding brake hubs. Sturmey Archer introduced the KB hub gear in November, 1931.
The front hub states ‘F LB4’ – ‘F’ designates front; LB is the model; the ‘4’ suffix suggests 1934 production.
The rear hub is marked ‘KB4’ – model KB, again made in 1934.
The KB and LB are interchangeable. Sturmey Archer literature says they are ‘fitted with the same internal-expanding, hand-operated brake as used in our ‘KB’ hub.’
TALL BICYCLES
While an imposing height, this 28″ double top tube Sunbeam is by no means the tallest machine. Bicycles could be ordered up to 30″ and occasionally even 32″ frames were made.
In the days of gas street lighting, it’s said that special tall frame bicycles were used for lighting them. Over the years, there were also fads for using bedsteads for bicycle frames.