James Starley is best known as the inventor and father of the British Bicycle industry. He moved to Coventry in 1857 to become managing foreman of the Coventry Sewing Machine Company, which later became the Coventry Machinist Company.
In 1868 his interest turned to the design and construction of the bicycle. By 1870 he had been granted patent rights on his Ordinary bicycle and in 1871 patent rights on a lever driven machine, known as the Ariel.
In 1876 he introduced the Coventry tricycle, a successful new invention that featured a double-throw crank, chains that drove the bike's wheels and a rack, which combined all of his previous advancements into one machine. The following year he incorporated his greatest contribution to engineering design - the differential gear. The principle of which, is now legend and incorporated into motor cars.
This example, dating from circa 1887, has 48" rear driving wheels, an 18" front wheel, left hand brake handle and right hand steering handle and is said to be in good condition throughout. The tyres and saddle have been replaced at some stage, but the original saddle pan is available.
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