Components Limited Edwardian cross frame cycle

 

Here's another from the recent 'haul' of cycles that were brought over from France. This one, like the Premier is clearly English and its history a mystery. Though it could have well been sold originally in France it has been updated with British made components in the thirties.

Colin Kirsch of The Online Bicycle Museum fame kindly helped to identify the cycle as a Components Ltd. As such it could have originally carried the marque of any one of hundreds of small local bicycle shops who assembled bicycles from components and sold them under their banner. From the date of the patent one is to presume that the frame is from recently after 1901.

The Components Ltd patent reproduced here
with acknowledgement to Colin Kirsch and
the Online Bicycle Museum.

The 19030s update was quite thorough and includes swapping from 28" to 26" wheels along with forks from a sporting cycle appropriate to a 26 inch wheel. The mudguards appear to be the originals though are heavily rusted. The chainset may just be correct though the pedals are 1930s Halfords branded ones (or is it just the rubbers were changed?) The saddle is curious in that it seems to match the period of the cycle though is a ladies one and is also Halfords brand.

Though rusty the frame is solid. I am on the hunt for a suitable cheap Edwardian donor that can provide the parts to build this cycle up to correct period spec. It is a very rare and unusual cycle and worthy of resurrection. If you look at this blog regularly you'll know that there is a fairly long queue of projects but as and when I get to spend quality workshop time with this one I shall post the results.

The Componenents Ltd cross frame design
is differentiated from other x frames in
having parallel downtubes.

The style of rear drop outs indicate a good build quality.

Possibly some minor damage here to address.

And the full view here. How did it end up in France?

Stamped on the head tube is 'PIA' and '5193S'.

The small ding on the head tube should
come out easily enough.

Beatifully tooled Halfords ladys saddle.

Another view of the saddle.

Bolt on rear stay.

Original mudguard and a very foul and furry tyre!

The shift to 26" wheel achieved with a hand carved
wood block.