A Brand New Kind Of Bicycle !
 

This is an amazing and revolutionary design... it will change the cycling world as we know it.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/cygnetlabel.JPG

Skillfully brazed, and not welded... and it has none of those unsightly lugs.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/cygnet6.JPG

Let's see the whole thing. Must say, I'm not sold so far, and the knock on lugs loses points for it in my book.

Fitted with the finest Brooks sprung saddle and leather grips to improve the ride quality even further...

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/cygnet5.JPG

The skirt guard will keep one from having their dress caught or soiled by the spokes...

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/cygnet4.JPG

<Deleted post, see the pictures now>

Is it ridable? What does it feel like?

-James

The Cygnet can also be fitted with a modern coaster brake which allows one to backpedal and engage a sturdy, all weather brake and allow one the luxury of coasting which is something the fixed gear drive does not permit.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/cygnet3.JPG

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/cygnet2.JPG

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/cygnet1.JPG

Why??? Except the diferent look

The lacing, wooden wheels, and overall configuration of the seat, handlebars and crank look like they might be period correct; but the crank and pedals are not. Is this a modern reproduction, or a combination of restored old and new parts?

It is a new bicycle inspired by a turn of the century design... there are a few pictures of these out on the interweb but this one came to visit my shop as the fixed cog needed a little attention.

Thought the C&Vr's would enjoy a closer look, even though it isn't technically a vintage bike.

If I rode that in my neighborhood, all the babies would start crying, and the kids would throw rocks.

Other than that, cool bike!

I love how the crankset is set up with the chainwheel inside the frame.

What does it weigh? I doubt I could push it up some of the hills around here.

Definitelly turn of 19th into 20th century insired: Built for someone with very long legs, tiny torso and short arms.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...lePlymouth.jpg

I think a more likely explanation for this design is that the seating position is the same as a highwheel bicycle, it's contemporary. Compare the orientation of the seat, handlebars, and crank to the highwheel bicycle below; notice that in both cases the handbars are close horizontally to the saddle, and slightly raised; with the cranks ahead of the nose of the saddle, and almost below the handlebars. The rider would ride both upright, with his arms bent and his legs fully extended; you cannot stand up on the pedals with either one.

http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/43...600x600Q85.jpg

And while some of these early bikes were heavy; some of the highwheel bikes in particular built for racing were not; with weights in the 20-30 lb range. I don't know about the OP's particular bike.

This is a neat bicycle; thanks for sharing it with us.

-James

Very nice, 65er.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/cygnet3.JPG





I like it! Thanks 65. :thumb:

I saw a really shabby one of these on Ebay last year. It went for a lot of money, I guess they're really really rare, like maybe a half dozen known to exist. It was prettier with fat tires and other period bits.
Really cool.

Here it is, a guy found it in a barn and it made over $11,000 on Ebay. This is what they had to say over at the CABE;
http://thecabe.com/vbulletin/showthr...ycle-barn-find
Looks like they had a men's version with a top tube but it didn't look any less girly.

I'd love to have one just to ride around the neighborhood and laugh at the people who thought it looks "girly" knowing deep down inside they wish they had one and the guts to ride it... Very nice bike indeed.

I'm not sure I like it, but it is unusual and different.

Yea1 That me.. I'm not much for it but it sure is different. But that was the deal back in the day... many different makers trying to out do each other and looking to build a niche in a very competitive market... hmmm... not so different as today after all!

Reminds me of
http://www.futurehi.net/images/Shmoo_Final.gif

or

http://www.worldcountries.info/NewZe...wi-NA12_A3.jpg

Works for me!

Do I spy an eccentric bottom bracket? (in addition to an eccentric bicycle?)

The bike an eccentric bottom brackets and each crank rides on it's own sealed bearings... my friend Arvon built a number of these as replicas and although the wheels look like they are made of wood they are a laminate finish.

I was told this process took a long time to perfect and is a bit of a trade secret.

One could go really nuts with a frame like this by adding period cranks and true wooden rims but would have to own a machine shop to fabricate things like the bottom bracket assembly.

The fixed cog was slipping and I will take care of that tomorrow... and then I can take a spin around the block.

My youngest daughter thinks it is the coolest bike and wants one in her size... :)