Wednesday, September 3, 2014

1923 James racing cycle

james racing bicycle twenties vintage
c1923 James racing cycle.
Many of the well known motorcycle manufacturers began with bicycles and in many cases continued with their cycle range alongside their powered two wheelers. James was one such manufacturer and whilst they were never known for sporting motorcycles their bicycle range always had something for the clubman.

james racing bicycle twenties vintage
Resilion cantilever brakes fitted.
The James has information folder which includes a letter from well known cycle specialist Hilary Stone. The background to the cycle is more in depth than I can give and there seems little point in paraphrasing it so here it is verbatim:
"This c 1923 James racer is a rare and important machine - it is one of the first factory built machines in the new lightweight style after WW1 - brazed up straight tapered chain and seat stays, 26in wheels and lower bottom bracket. This style copied from Bastide by the small lightweight builders immediately after WW1 spread to some of the bigger manufacturers such as James and New Hudson by 1923. The special quick release was the fashion of the early 1920s; the fishtailed lugs were one of the many improvements adopted around the time."

james racing bicycle twenties vintage
Very distinctive James chainring.
Points I would like to add are that the Resilion cantilever brakes are not an original fitment - they were not introduced until 1929. It is more than likely that the machine had no brakes at all when new, the addition is however a very sensible mod! The lamp bracket is a nice touch but the J on it stands for Jagrose (a cycle accessories brand) rather than James. The hubs are original though the rims have been replaced and respoked when the old ones rotted away and finally the toe straps are copies of originals.

james racing bicycle twenties vintage
Jagrose light bracket.
The James is a thoroughly useable bike if you don't mind fixies. The ride is not significantly different from a machine thirty years its junior. All in a fine piece of cycling history.

james racing bicycle twenties vintage
Well used 'Ideale' brand saddle.
james racing bicycle twenties vintage
Neat serrated quick release chain adjustment.
james racing bicycle twenties vintage
Lovely swan neck stem and curvy drops.
james racing bicycle twenties vintage
Early style toe straps.
Seat post is very small diameter with adaptor fitted in frame.

No comments:

Post a Comment