1936 Malvern Star Opperman Special

During the 1930's and beyond, Birmingham Small Arms in the United Kingdom (BSA) supplied Malvern Star in Australia with quality bicycle parts. This association was reflected in Malvern Star's bicycle catalogues of the period. 

The 1937 Malvern Star catalogue.

A popular racing/touring bicycle of it's era,  the Malvern Star Opperman Special featuring BSA parts was produced in large numbers during the mid 1930's. The bicycle also featured a magnificent three speed 'Cyclo' rear derailleur system. Gears were changed by adjusting a lever that sat forward on the top tube of the frame. 

The model was named after Sir Hubert Opperman who was a famous Australian cyclist during the 1920's and 1930's. BSA also produced a similar model for consumption in the United Kingdom.



Sir Hubert Opperman astride his Malvern Star Oppy Special

Here are some catalogue images of the Oppy Special below:



The BSA Opperman edition.



During a recent Tweed Ride in Fremantle I spied a beautifully restored 1930's Malvern Star (BSA) Opperman Special. Enjoy these next images:



Beautiful polished chrome lugwork.



The owner told me that he firstly chromed the frame before sourcing the parts for the build....and what a beautiful build it is!! Although a few of the sourced parts are not originals, the build certainly captures the grandness of the period.

....and here is the lucky owner astride his beloved maching during the Tweed Ride.

 Until next time....safe riding.

James

Pashley Guv'nor gallery

Heres' a few images from 2011 of the Pashley Guv'nor bicycle. I have a few bikes and only get out on the Guv'nor on the odd occasion, but when I do I really appreciate this beautifully made bicycle.

This first image is the one taken at the Pashley factory in Stratford-upon-Avon in the United Kingdom. The much anticipated release of the Pashley Guv'nor created a frenzy as eager young gentleman lined up at the factory doors......all hoping to purchase a new Guv'nor!....then again you can't believe everything you read! 



...and if you are interested in the Pashley Guv'nor please visit the link below where Guv'nor owners meet.......with forums, helpful information, and upcoming events: 

http://www.theguvnorsassembly.com/

Safe riding,

James

Fremantle Tweed Run 2011 - The ride

At 10.00am on Saturday November 26, 2011, about 300 cyclists gathered at the Leighton Beach picnic area in North Fremantle. All were suitably attired in old fashioned tweed and hounds tooth period clothing and were taking part in the annual "Fremantle Tweed Run".

Most of the bicycles ranged in age from 20 to 30 years old, some bicycles were newer, and some were older original vintage bicycles from 1950's. Some bikes were single speed (fixed and free), some were old three speeds, and others had ten or more gears.

The diversity of the bicycles was mirrored by the age of the participants.... some children as young as 10 rode in the event, while other riders were in their 60's.

Even with all of this diversity the participants had only one goal in common.....to cycle in a relaxed and enjoyable group through the streets of Fremantle.

After all of the riders were fitted out with numbered calico "Tweed Run" bibs, the participants were addresssed by the friendly event coordinators.



Event coordinators.



The numbered calico "Tweed Run" bibs.



Once clear instructions were delivered to the group, all of the cyclists headed off for a relaxed ride toward Fremantle - with the first meeting point being at the E shed markets on the Fremantle wharf. Departure times were staggered across smaller groups to avoid congestion on the narrow cycleways.



Near the E shed markets the replica of James Cook's ship "Endeavour" was tied to the wharf. The ship provided a fantastic backdrop for the riders and others to enjoy the gathering.



After a 20 minute break on the wharf near E-shed the group rode as one through the Fremantle townsite, eventually travelling along South Terrace and down Cantonment Street toward Clancy's Fish Pub. As the group rode through the streets of Fremantle on-lookers were impressed by the well dressed men, women, and children riding stylish older steel bicycles.





Once at Clancy's it was time for something to eat and drink, the cold beer (of couse) tasting exceptionally good!! Live music entertained the crowd who stayed to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere within the grassed outdoor area.

A great day was had by all and I'm certainly looking forward to taking part again in next years event.

Safe riding to all.....

James.



Fremantle Tweed Run 2011 - Promo

Good news for all those vintage minded cyclists looking to be participants in the 2011 Fremantle Tweed Run. The event this year is going to be bigger and better than ever!!

It will take place on Saturday November 26 and is to commence at Leighton Beach at 10.00am. The group will then cycle to the lawns near Clancy's Fish Pub, Cantonment Street, Fremantle, where there will be a cycling festival of food and entertainment arranged by the Dismantle Bike Group. 

More details available at  http://dismantle.org.au/ and at http://www.facebook.com/FreoTweedRun

Please keep an eye on these links for more details as the event date approaches.

.....so pimp your vintage ride and raid your local recycled clothing store to kit yourself out in gear suitable for such a prestigious event....tweed vests, bow ties, and period clothing only please.

Come and celebrate vintage cycling in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere with others who love to cycle.....

  

Safe riding until then.....

Regards

James @ Perth Vintage Cycles. 

Limited Edition Pashley Guvnor release in 2011.

Due to the increased interest in "Tweed Run" and "Tweed Ride" cycling events in the US this year, Ralph Lauren Rugby (clothing) has introduced a collection of tweed clothing that they encourage to be worn during the Tweed events. As you would expect the clothing is well made, great looking, and come with a price to match.



Ralph Lauren Rugby 2011 Tweed Run collection.

The interesting part to all of this is that Ralph Lauren has commissioned Pashley cycles of England to design and produce 50 limited edition Pashley Guv'nor bicycles to mark the clothing release. I have just located an image of one of the new Guv'nors......and mighty fine they look.

What a great marketing angle, and what a lovely bicycle to add to your stable!



The framework of the limited edition Pashley Guvnor.

The technical notes are scarce, so far all we know is what’s in the image above: “front brake, two speed coaster hub rear, cream tires, black gold-lined rims, Brooks B17, etc.” ...and doesn't the gold banding on the seat tube look great! 

Here is the advertisement for the Limited Edition Guv'nor below, and with all of the excitement generated by the Tweed events across the US I can only imagine that getting your hands (and buttocks) onto one of these gems will be almost impossible.....although if given the chance I'd certainly snap one up for the advertised price of US$2 200.

Below is the advertisement for the Ralph Lauren Rugby sponsored Tweed Run New York City 2011, marketing at its best!



...and whilst we're on the subject of new Pashley products..... Please have a look at a new Pashley release captured at Eurobike this year. It's called the 'Sprinter' and re-intoduces the famous line of GB bicycle components.



The overall look.....although this image doesn't do it justice.

GB stem and handlebars.



Solid silver Pashley head badge.

The bike is rumoured to cost around 6 000 pounds, but with a chromed steel Reynolds frame, solid silver head tube badge, and a Camnpagnolo Super Record groupset, you can see why the price point is so high.

The above image is of the GB stem on the Pashley "Sprinter" which is simply.......beautiful, I'm sure you'll agree. Sit back and watch the frenzy if GB extend and release their range of traditional cycling components.  

Until next time...safe riding.

James