Waltham Cross 1890ca Safety Racing Bicycle 3603-110

Waltham Cross 1890ca Safety Racing Bicycle

Waltham Cross cycles were produced by the Fell Brothers, who had two businesses: one in Waltham New Town (now called Holdbrook) and the other at 149 High Street Waltham Cross. When they exactly began is unclear, but the first signs date from around 1880. The brothers manufactured their own brand of high-quality bicycles and also carried out repairs. In the 1920s, they also began repairing automobiles.
In 1891, the Alert Cycling Club, Waltham, organized bicycle races. These races often were 100-mile rides. Completing the ride within 8 hours earned a gold medal, finishing within 9 hours was good for a silver medal, and completing the distance within 10 hours earned a bronze medal. Mr. G. Fell (of Fell Bros. Cycle Manufacturers) offered an additional gold medal to the first-place finisher. Participants rode mainly bicycles manufactured by Fell Bros. Winner was a Mr. L. Nelson, who covered the 100 miles in seven hours and nine minutes.
This hard tire racer-safety bicycle strongly resembles the Racer-Safety No. 6 from the British manufacturer Humber. It appears the Fell Brothers largely copied this model from Humber. Copying models and assembling bicycles with parts from other brands was done by many small manufacturers at the time. The cycle industry was expanding rapidly and at that time and everything surrounding patent protection was not yet properly arranged. So newcomers and small makers openly copied the designs and style of more famous makers.
As far as we know, this Waltham Cross Safety Racer is the only surviving example. It was sold by us years ago (then painted green) and has since then been thoroughly restored to its original specifications. The bicycle has a new, period-correct leather saddle cover. The saddle springs and stays are original. It also has an original block chain and the original double/hollow rims, which were considered high quality at the time. A number of parts are nickel-plated and the period correct handlebars have horn grips. Original pedals and adjustable cranks are fitted. Braking is effected by a spoon brake on the front wheel and rubber tyres are fitted. Accessories include Miller oil lamp, bicycle bell and leather tool bag.