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Although Barberon & Meunier first patented the retro-direct system in 1869, the gear system was further developed and refined by other companies, including Manufrance, at the turn of the 20th century. The Hirondelle, or “swallow” (the bird) in French, was introduced in 1903 and became the leading example of the retro-direct gear system and the […]
Velo Manufrance Rétro-Directe “Hirondelle Luxe” Modele 11-1907 Read More »
The ladies’ Hirondelle model features slightly more modern features than its predecessor such as both front and rear brakes. It also offers a “basket weave” protection to keep ladies’ garments away from the rear spokes. Later versions had 4 speeds, 2 forward and 2 in reverse, thanks to a front derailleur. The Hirondelle Retro–Direct
Velo Manufrance Ladies’ Retro-Direct ‘Hirondelle Luxe’- 1920 Read More »
Danish inventor, musician, blacksmith, and cyclist, Mikael Pedersen (1855 – 1929), believed conventional bicycles were “weakest where they ought to be strongest and heaviest where they ought to be lightest.” He, therefore, restyled the conventional bicycle to resolve what he saw as the most troubling elements of design. In this noticeably unusual product, patented
Dursley Pedersen Bicycle-1894 Read More »
This is one of the first carbon fiber aero bikes built by James Trimble, one of the three bicycle producing Trimble Brothers. It had a small production run and is quite rare. It scored well in wind tunnel tests and is considered one of the most aerodynamic bikes ever built- no surprise since the frame
Trimble Aero Bike-1992 Read More »
The 1990s was an exciting time in the bicycle industry with new materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber presenting new design possibilities. Many “non-traditional” designs, like the Zipp 2001, began entering the market. In 1997, the Zipp 3001 was offered in the limited quantity of 100 frames. Boron strips were added to the carbon
In response to the 1974 oil crisis, a small group of Swedish engineers obtained government funding to develop a bicycle completely composed of fiber-reinforced composite plastics (FRP). By 1980, the Itera Development Center AB was designing, producing, and marketing injection molded plastic bicycles to a seemingly interested market. However, when the first bicycles were delivered
Itera Plastic Bicycle-1981 Read More »
Charismatic used cars salesman Glen Gordon “Gary” Davis moved from Indiana to Southern California filled with optimism and dreams. On the streets of Los Angeles, he saw an aerospace-styled three-wheeled vehicle called the “Californian” and was struck by its uniqueness. The vehicle was owned by a wealthy engineer, Joel Thorne, and built by Frank Kurtis,
Davis Divan “Baby”- 1947 Read More »
Cyril Cannell was a talented engineer, and started Peel Engineering on the Isle of Man in the late 1940s.Cyril was fascinated with the new material called fiberglass (sometimes called glass fibre) and started a small factory making boats and motorcycle fairings out of fiberglass. In the early 1960s Cyril became interested in making cars out
Peel Trident- 2013 Read More »
The “Skinny” 2CV, occasionally referred to as a 1CV, is essentially a standard 2CV that has been narrowed in size by half. While little is documented in regards to the creation of this slender version, several other skinny 2CVs exist. The craftsmanship involved in transforming this car is remarkable, with seamless integration making it nearly
Citroën 2CV “Skinny”- 1989 Read More »