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c.1896 “Alert” Lever-Operated Bicycle
Pneumatic gear change worked from pumps in the handlebars. A museum-standard survivor.
This machine is a very rare survivor.
The company was incorporated in the UK in 1894 by Alfred Nobel, following the drive principles established by Svea in Sweden It is lever operated and has 5 gears ranging from 40” to 120” - this gear ratio was quite exceptional for the time.
The gears were operated by two small pneumatic pumps housed within the handlebars. When pressurised, air ran through a series of pipes housed within the bicycle frame and exiting by the bottom bracket. It then ran through rubber tubes (missing) to operate the two ratchet mechanisms on each lever arm.
As the pressure builds inside a bladder held within the ratchet mechanism, it causes each ratchet mechanism to walk up the lever arm and change gear.
The gear change and drive system work, however, the air changing mechanism is not functioning.
It comes on a bespoke exhibition stand giving one the opportunity to demonstrate the drive and gear systems.
This is a remarkable and extremely rare machine in completely original, museum-standard condition.
Indeed, it would make a fabulous display item for any collection or museum.
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