Simplex 1953 Model Z14 Zweeffiets/Glider 3609-116

Simplex 1953 Model Z14 “Zweeffiets/Glider” frame # C0446

The Simplex Automatic machine Company was founded in 1887 and was in fact a continuation of the Simplex Weighing Machine Company. The new company took up premises in Utrecht and focused on products for the bicycle trade. It soon started to produce complete bicycles. In 1897 a new factory, equipped with the latest production machines from America, was opened in Amsterdam. In 1952 the company merged with the “Locomotief” bicycle factory that was also based in Amsterdam. In 1953 a new factory was built with a capacity of 70.000 bicycles a year; around 1960 the new Simplex/Locomotief company produced about 10% of the yearly Dutch bicycle output.
A very special design is the “zweeffiets” or Glider that was presented in 1953. Because of its high price and exotic look this innovative design didn’t become a commercial success and was produced for only a few years. The bike has a suspension fork that hinges on the crown piece and the suspension is via a vertically mounted spring. The saddle is also mounted on a leaf spring and the steering head is reinforced. The saddle’s suspension can be dampened using an adjustable sliding element in the seat post.
The Glider was available in two types, Model Z48 with coaster brake and Model Z14 with internal expanding brakes on both 28-inch wheels. The Z 14 cost 260 guilders; the optional aluminium wheelrims, as mounted in this example, were priced at 8,50. The most luxurious conventional Simplex models cost around 200 guilders. This rare Simplex has been lightly restored a number of years ago and comes with leather tool bag, Lucia headlamp and dynamo and Koets rear light.