 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
1904 Ladies Ariel
Single speed, 25" frame, 28" wheels.
This very interesting and original Ariel is a Ladies model of the time. It is a big cycle; 25" frame and the saddle height is 40" from the ground.
It is fitted with what was described in the catalogue as an Hygienic Cushion Frame with Resilient Front Forks, giving a degree of front and rear suspension. This was achieved by fitting a flat steel plate between the bottom bracket and the rear chain stays, allowing a small degree of flex, with a damper unit at the top of the seat stays. This unit has the words "Hygienic Cushion Frame" stamped on it. The Resilient Front Fork is achieved by cutting a slot through the fork tubing allowing a degree of flex. The fork has to be made of some sort of spring steel I would surmise as otherwise it would simply collapse. This optional cushion frame added £1-10-0 to the cost of the cycle.
The Hygienic Cushion Frame was designed in the U.S.A. (there was an Hygienic Cushion Frame Company) and it can be found fitted to American made cycles such as Pierce-Arrow. Presumably Ariel built them under license.
It also has a back-pedalling brake operating off the crank chainwheel (these were later known as coaster brakes) and a reversed lever front brake. It has a steering lock operated by a small lever at the top of the steering stem. The chainwheel is very similar to the standard Components chainwheel but modified slightly. The back-pedalling brake is a fairly crude affair; pedalling backwards allows a small plate to catch one of the bolts through the chain wheel and this applies the brake - quite fiercely in fact.
The mudguards are not original, the front one should not extend beyong the forks and the rear should be drilled for a dress guard. The original chaincase would probably have been made from transparent celluloid.
Click on the thumbnails to enlarge.
© Copyright 2004-14 Jeremy P.Mortimore
