1937 was the first year since 1919 that gears were permitted in the Tour de France; then only Super Champion (and in 1938, the similar Italian Vittoria Margherita). This bike with its Super Champion gears and exotic Italian alloy brakes was cutting edge for its day, suited to the massed-start races that were underway at Brooklands, Donnington and Crystal Palace. Mudguard clearances, longish wheelbase and lamp boss on the front fork are typically British details.
Purchased from PW on the promise he wouldn’t ever see it rechromed and resprayed. It came with a cyclo crank adaptor for riders with prosthetics, a WW2 legacy of its original owner (since removed). I have only once raced this one, but one clumsy change and – ping ! – the chain master link disappeared into the verge.
Frame: 22″. Original, unrestored. Lamp bracket.
Wheels: 26″x 1.25″. Original BH Solite hubs. Steel rims were shot, so replaced with Constrictor alloy rims.
Brakes: Gloria.
Transmission: Williams chainset; Super-Champion 3-speed gears. Lyotard pedals.
Steering: Adjustable reach stem, possibly Carpenter. Unbranded bars
Saddle: Brooks. The original is now too sagged to ride so I’ve fitted a B17N.