Humber Cross Frame Model No.13 – c.1923

This wonderful Humber Cross Frame belonged to a friend of mine who sadly passed away a few years ago, at an untimely age. He had a collection of well over 100 bicycles of all types, but this was a particular favourite of his. It lived inside the house rather than with the other machines. I felt a particular responsibility to preserve this Humber carefully in his memory, and for future custodians.

Thomas Humber was a particularly important figure in the history of the bicycle, both as manufacturer and innovator. He founded his company around 1868 in Beeston, Nottingham, initially making boneshaker velocipedes. He was a prolific maker of high quality Ordinaries (penny farthings), and many racers rode Humber mounts. His 1884 safety bicycle was one of the very first to adopt a ‘diamond’ frame. Later on, factories were opened in Coventry and Wolverhampton. Humber had a reputation for high quality and this led to the Royal family of this country as well as many international royalty adopting his machines. In the 1890’s he designed a demountable bicycle, which could be dismantled for storage or transport. The Beeston factory was closed in 1908 but the ‘Beeston Humber’ name was continued and attached to the highest quality machines, even whilst made in Coventry. Agencies in Europe and around the world sold their products (see French poster below).The Humber company was bought by Raleigh in 1932.

This is a particularly beautiful machine, primarily because of the unusual and beautiful thick green lining originally edged in gold. Much of the gold has worn off, but fragments can still be seen. The fittings are all original, including the Sturmey Archer 3-speed K series gear, number K178481. A Brooks rear carrier holds a canvas and leather bag which I custom made to hold tools, food and clothing for forays into the countryside. It is completed by a correct period Lucas Silver King front lamp and Lucas Warna rear lamp.

I approach a very original and rare bicycle like this as I would a museum piece, with conservation and preservation in mind, and using materials that will protect the original finishes, and not release any chemicals which might attack and degrade them.

It took me approximately 18 hours to clean, preserve, and service the bike, taking great care to not damage the lining, transfers, or plentiful patina. The forks are nickel plated beneath the enamel and some areas of paint had flaked off. This looked rather ugly, was distracting, and inconsistent with the overall look of the machine, so I touched in some of the areas with a thin coat of satin black acrylic paint. This has the effect of unifying the finish and draws the eye away from the damage. The chain case was removed and very carefully straightened so that it closed correctly. Some silver overpainting was removed from the handlebars using cellulose thinners, and a chrome cotter pin was changed for a correct nickel plated one! When thoroughly clean, the enamel was protected with a few coats of Renaissance wax, a museum grade material, which buffs up to a nice original looking lustre.

The perished tyres and inner tubes were replaced. These lovely cream tyres were produced in Korea for the Dutch Oude Fiets bicycle club some years ago. They are of very nice correct period pattern, but were too ‘new’ looking, so I distressed them a little using a mixture of black and brown boot polish.

Trying out a Lucas bundle carrier on the handlebars

The resulting machine is very handsome, I think. I’ve owned several cross frames and have always found them very nice to ride. The upright riding position is akin to sitting on a sofa, and encourages long distances at modest speeds. I’m looking forward to putting some fair weather miles into it…..just as soon as we are released from this disabling and distressing C19 virus lockdown!