Bayliss, Thomas & co. 1885ca. The Excelsior 53″ Ordinary 3610-117

Bayliss, Thomas & co. 1885ca. “The Excelsior” 53-inch Ordinary

This ordinary was made in the 1880s by the English firm of Bayliss, Thomas & co of Coventry. The bicycle has 80 radial spokes, slotted cranks, an open head typical for Bayliss, and drop-down handlebars with original pear shaped wooden handgrips. There’s a spoon brake on the front wheel and we think the saddle is the original item. It is said that the firm was one of the first to fit cone bearings and hollow drawn forks. This 53 inch (134 cm) model would have been suitable for a rider of 5 ft 9 inches (174cm) in height. This high bicycle is an unusual model because of its size and the number of spokes. The “Excelsior” was very popular both on the road and in racing.