46" Transitional Starley Bicycle.

Starley brothers was formed on the 26th of November 1870.

James Starley left CMC to create his own company with his two sons.

This machine has a 46” driving wheel with V section rim and tensioned wire spokes. Described by cycling historian Andrew Ritchie as ‘probably the most energetic and inventive genius in the history of bicycle technology’ that achieved commercial success and defined the wire spoked wheel as we know it.

The rear wheel is 26” in diameter with V rim.

One of the pedals has had a repair to the outer face.

There is also a repair the lower section of the handlebar mounting bracket.

Green paint with orange highlights is visible under the black enamel paint, however the black paint has signs of considerable age.

 

Prior to Starley brothers, James Starley had been with CMC. They had developed and progressed of bicycle design that very much had its roots in the original French designed velocipede.

This new transitional machine was extremely significant, signalled the beginning of a British bicycle industry that demonstrated true innovation and went on to dominate the market for the next two decades.

 

The machine in these photographs is extremely important and in fabulous condition.

It has come onto the market for the first time in decades.

It offers a rare opportunity to own a truly spectacular bicycle.

I have never seen one of these bicycles for sale, indeed this is only the second machine of this type I know of.