Birmingham celebrates Industrial Heritage with Historic Bicycle Exhibition at STEAMhouse

Birmingham’s rich industrial history is being celebrated through an exhibition of historic bicycles.

The “Cycles of Innovation,” is a unique exhibition celebrating Birmingham’s rich history of bicycle manufacturing. Hosted by the STEAMhouse, these sixteen historic bicycles, on loan from the Birmingham Museums Trust, showcase over a century of local craftsmanship, innovation, and the enduring spirit of progress.

Bicycles hold a special place in Birmingham’s industrial heritage. Each bicycle in the exhibition tells a story of technological advancements and social change.

The former Belmont Works, a restored Grade II locally listed building, played a pivotal role in this legacy. From 1899 to 1918, it served as the headquarters for the Eccles Rubber and Cycle Company, a key bicycle and rubber manufacturer. Displaying these historic bicycles here aptly bridges past and present, creating a dialogue of innovation.

The exhibition bridges the past and present, showcasing a range of bicycles that highlight Birmingham’s legacy of innovation. Among the notable displays is a 1905 Quadrant Chainless, representing early 20th-century engineering ingenuity with its Lloyds Cross Gearing. This is juxtaposed with the 1987 Raleigh Randonneur, a testament to Birmingham’s lasting industrial prowess, featuring a frame made by T.I. Reynolds of Tyseley using Reynolds 531 alloy tubing.

The exhibition also features bicycles from other prominent local manufacturers such as BSA from Small Heath, New Hudson from Deritend, and Hercules from Aston. These companies not only produced high-quality bicycles but also cemented Birmingham’s reputation as a hub of industrial innovation and quality manufacturing.

Housed in STEAMhouse, the exhibition serves as a tribute to the workers and engineers who drove Birmingham to the forefront of the bicycle industry. It underscores the city’s tradition of fostering innovation and aims to inspire future generations of designers, engineers, and entrepreneurs.

The exhibition, supported by Birmingham Museums Trust and Birmingham City Council, will be on long-term display. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in this celebration of Birmingham’s industrial heritage and witness the cycles of innovation that continue to shape the city.

“We are grateful for the contributions and the loan of these remarkable bicycles,” said a spokesperson from STEAMhouse.

“This exhibition is not just about looking back, but also about inspiring the future.”

For those eager to delve into the rich history of Birmingham’s industrial achievements, this exhibition is a must-see, offering a unique glimpse into the technological advancements and social changes that have defined the city’s legacy.

A Summary of Bicycle Histories related to the Exhibition

Quadrant Chainless Bicycle (1905)
– Features Lloyds Cross Gearing, eliminating the chain
– Reduced maintenance and increased reliability
– Maker: Quadrant Cycle Co., Sheepcote Street, Birmingham

BSA 3 Speed Bicycle (1915)
– Equipped with an oil-bath chain case and anti-mud-splatter covers
– Focused on reducing wear and tear and prolonging bike life
– Maker: BSA, Small Heath, Birmingham

Gents New Hudson Bicycle (1935)
– Features rim dynamo and rod brakes
– Represents technological strides in the interwar period
– Maker: The New Hudson Cycle Co. Ltd, Deritend, Birmingham

Sun Sports Model Bicycle (1936)
– Includes full mudguards, highlighting practical cycling gear
– Well-preserved example of pre-war sports bicycles
– Maker: Sun Cycle & Fittings Co., Brook Street, Aston, Birmingham

Hercules ‘Blenheim’ Bicycle (1941)
– Includes fitted cyclo gear and rim dynamo
– Produced during World War II under wartime constraints
– Maker: Hercules Cycle & Motor Co., Aston, Birmingham

BSA Gents Bicycle (1958)
– Features hub gears and rod brakes
– Known for sturdy frames and reliable mechanics
– Includes original Dunlop Magnum tyres (patented in 1913)
– Maker: BSA, Small Heath, Birmingham

Gents Safety Bicycle (1959)
– Showcases evolution of safety in bike design
– Features two-speed gears and rod brakes
– Contributed to making cycling more accessible and safer
– Maker: BSA, Small Heath, Birmingham

New Hudson Safety Bicycle (1964)
– Features 3-speed hub gear
– Known for durability and advanced engineering
– Common sight on Birmingham streets in the mid-20th century
– Maker: The New Hudson Cycle Co. Ltd, Deritend, Birmingham

New Hudson Twin Tube Tandem (1968)
– Notable for twin tube frame design
– Built for stability and strength
– Popular choice for couples and families
– Maker: The New Hudson Cycle Co. Ltd, Deritend, Birmingham

Sun ‘Wasp’ Bicycle (1984)
– Features centre-pull brakes and Benelux gears
– “Maillot Jaune” transfer indicates connection to competitive cycling
– Maker: Sun Cycle & Fittings Co., Brook Street, Aston, Birmingham

Raleigh Randonneur Touring Bicycle (1987)
– Built with Reynolds 531 tubing from Tyseley
– Optimised for long-distance touring
– Maker: Raleigh, Nottingham; frame by T. I. Reynolds, Tyseley, Birmingham

BSA Ladies Bicycle (1988)
– Includes three-speed gear control and distinct coloured badge
– White-wall tyres add period-specific aesthetic
– Maker: BSA, Small Heath, Birmingham

Phillips Ladies Single Speed Bicycle (1989)
– Features distinctive red frame and white mudguards
– Reflects stylish yet practical designs
– Maker: Phillips Cycles Limited, Smethwick, Sandwell

Green BSA Bicycle (2002)
– Commemorates “Tour of Britain Winners”
– Features modern components like plastic mudguards and steel frame
– Symbolises ongoing legacy of BSA
– Maker: BSA, Small Heath, Birmingham