Lot 569
A c1896 Simpson's Lever & Chain Ltd. 'Road Race' Bicycle. A very rare machine, with a Simpson lever chain fitted. The 25½-inch diamond frame is in sound condition, retaining its correct up-turned rear fork ends, feathered tube ends, separately fixed rear backstays, grub-screw tightened bottom bracket and a particularly tall headstock and narrow 14-inch dropped handlebars with cork grips fitted. Spink 26-inch wooden wheels are fitted with original hubs. With regards to the Simpson chain, its chain wheel and back sprocket are in very good condition, and several extra links come with the purchase. The 6.5-inch cranks have pedal spindle tighteners, and the rat-trap pedals have toe- grips fitted. A decorated and period Middlemore saddle is fitted to an extendable seat post. This is a splendid machine of historic importance, echoing an interesting period of metallurgic development and advances in sporting design. The bicycle is offered with a large file containing various reference material, to include an original 38pp illustrated booklet describing the Simpson bicycle and chain, together with copies of the company's May 1896 and 1897 catalogues and a handbill describing and illustrating the Simpson Lever Chain, and also an image of J. Platts-Betts, the holder of many records, riding a Simpson Lever Chain bicycle similar to that being sold today. (2)
