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BSA Wayfarer. Perhaps better known for their motorcycles, the BSA firm also produced an extensive range of bicycles upto and including the 1960s. The Wayfarer was available in gent's or lady's configuration, fitted with 26" Endrick wheels, and Dunlop Champion tyres. Philips Caliper brakes were fitted, as was a hockeystick chainguard. Price was £15 9 6. Sturmey Archer 3 speed gears were an optional extra.
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Dayton Roadmaster. A product of the Dayton Cycle Co. Ltd. of Park Royal in London, this advert for a Dayton Roadmaster dates to 1954. A sporting machine, it's features included a patented Amalgam 22" frame, "with road racing angles and lightweight forks". An 18" aluminium pump was standard fit, as were G.B. Courier brakes, 27" wheels, and Dunlop Road Racing tyres. Benelux 4 speed derailleur gears, with detachable cogs, featured, along with tapered forks and fluted cranks.
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Moulton bicycles. I well remember these Moulton bikes zipping around when I was a child. Brainchild of Alex Moulton, it featured rubberised suspension which was quite something when it came out. Various models were available. The M.1 Standard came in Pale Grey or Polychromatic Blue, and had a four speed Sturmey Archer setup. The M.2 De-Luxe had a front carrier, rear storage bag, chrome plated mudguards & chainguard, and came in polychromatic Holly Green or Midnight Blue. The M.4 Speed was based on the M.1 but had a cutaway saddle, downturned handlebars, a rear zip bag, and came finished in Colorado Red. The M.5 Stowaway was as per the M.1 but with a folding frame, detachable rear carrier, and a two-speed automatic back pedal brake. It was finished in Blue. Finally, the M.0 Continental, which was as per the M.1 but with a single gear back pedalling brake. The cheapest (M.0) was offered at £24 19 6 in 1965, with the M.2 De-Luxe being the priciest at £31 19 6.
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Phillips' Cycles. Frustratingly this advert from the 1950s doesn't actually show a Phillips' cycle, it just talks about their "True Temper Steel Bicycle" and invites enquiries to their factory in Birmingham.
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Raleign Bicycles. By the mid 1950s, four established bicycle marques were incorporated within the Raleigh Industries stable. In addition to Raleigh of course, Rudge, Humber and Robin Hood brands were also part of their portfolio. The advertisement shows a roadster, with oilbath chaincase and a useful saddlebag.
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Raleigh Rapide. The bicycle shown here was advertised in the mid 1960s, and was aimed at the teenage cyclist. Costing £28 19 6 (or £30 19 6 with the optional 10 speed gears), it featured racy dropped handlebars, and Dunlop H.P. 27" rims, fitted with Dunlop Sprite tyres. The standard gearset was the Cyclo Benelux P2 5 speed setup. The frame was painted in "Flamboyant Red".
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Triumph Sportsmaster. One of many bicycle manufacturer names that has long since bitten the dust. The Triumph Sportsmaster shown here was being sold in 1965 for £17 9 6, and was only available as a gent's cycle. Three frame sizes were on offer, 19.5", 21" and 23", all with 26" Endrick rims and Dunlop Champion tyres. A 3 speed Sturmey Archer gearset was built into the rear hub.
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"Vindec" Racing Cycle. This advert for the "Vindec" Gents' Lightweight Racing cycle dates to 1926. This was one of many bikes sold by Brown Bros. The wheels were 26"x1.25", enamel spoked, with black enamelled rims. Dropped, 'continental pattern' handlebars were standard fitment, as were steel mudguards, and a sprung 'Special Racing pattern' saddle. The frame was finished in black, with coloured heads (either Red, Brown or Mauve), with 'billiard cue' lining. Fitted with Dunlop Road Racing Tyres, this bicycle cost £7-4-6.
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"Vindec" Lady's Cycle. Also from 1926, the lady's version of the Vindec Model H Racing Pattern cycle cost a little more, at £7 19 0. The specification was also very similar, although lady cyclists would benefit from a free wheel arrangement on their bike. The handlebars were also less dropped than on the gent's version.
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