The 'Rover' Bicycle - something I had not realised...

[NoBeardNoTopKnot]

I own a Penny-Farthing. An original Singer. Yes it's the same Singer of sewing-machine fame. I learnt something today...

Can't imagine it's news to most of you, a good many car and motorcycle makers were cycle manufacturers first. Me or members of my family have owned Triumph, BSA & Singer cycles.

What I hadn't realised is that it was Rover, our Rover that produced the first 'modern' bicycle. The now standard layout of two same-size wheels, pedals and chain. 'The Safety' is a Rover. The point I'm making is this, I've ridden a Penny Farthing... once. I strongly suggest you don't. The viable bicycle is not a Penny-Farthing, it's a Rover.

Rover made them safe, and yes... it's the same Rover, the same company.

[GlenAnderson]

In some countries the generic term for a bicycle is a "rover", just like we use "hoover" or "biro"...

[NoBeardNoTopKnot]

I get the idea my big reveal is common-knowledge to all, I knew of the 'Safety' not sure why I didn't know it was a 'Rover'.

[Theshed]

To be honest it is something I only recently found out.
Knew Rover made cycles and had heard of the 'safety' but did not realise one and the same.
 

[diffwhine]

And they made motorcycles as well. A friend has 4 of them - incredible bits of early 20th century engineering.

[Ken]

Coventry motor museum has a huge range of early bicycles, a great many were made in the city.
Well worth a look in if anywhere near.

[Myles (Mr Fox) Davison]

I'm a unicyclist (I own four...). A penny-farthing is something I'd be happy to try!

[diffwhine]

Now he tells us...

What other tricks have you got up your proverbial sleeve?

[Theshed]

Coventry motor museum has a huge range of early bicycles, a great many were made in the city.
Well worth a look in if anywhere near.

Great place to visit.
Been a while since I been but it was a great 'basic' museum. I like Beaulieu and have been to BMIHT several times but Coventry just seems so much more, 'homely' ?

[NoBeardNoTopKnot]

I'm a unicyclist (I own four...). A penny-farthing is something I'd be happy to try!

 'spose. depends on how you like your filth.

 I say I have a PF, more strictly, mine's owned by a mate, he's had it hanging from my garage-roof for the last 20 odd years. This pic when we used it a photo-prop for a wedding. He insists he'll never sell, not quite sure what he intends to ever do with the thing. I see you're Jockinese, that's a bit far. If you were nearer - and on your head be it - you're welcome to a whirl.

And, on your head you might be.

'kin dangerous thing.

[rustynuts]

There is a fascinating film showing the manufacture of the Rover motorcycle on YouTube.

In case you are of a sensitive nature, I will warn you that it features child labour, lack of appropriate PPE and assembly without the use of a torque wrench!

[Theshed]

I didn't think it 'boring' at all ! Very interesting.