Crypto Bantam

[Glen Norcliffe]

This was an obscure British bicycle in the 1890s, the last of the "front drivers". You pedaled a small front wheel with an epicyclic gear (sun and 4 planets) inside it. I am looking for a rear wheel (or the hub of a Crypto Bantam rear wheel) and a pair of type 2 Bantam handlebars.

 

[gkeep]

I'd not heard of these bikes. Very interesting transition bike. For others ignorant like me, fascinating history. https://vintagebicycle.wordpress.com/2014/10/08/crypto-bantam-c-18956-de-restoration/.

 

[dnc1]

Great riding, quirky looking machines and surprisingly fast too.
A friend has one and loves it.
I know he had handlebars custom made/modified for his over here in the UK. I think his example is also a type 2 version.
I could put you in touch with him.if you like; PM me and I can give you his email address.
Your best bet if you need any spares would be to join the UK Veteran-Cycle Club; you can place free wanted ads with them.
On the library site there is a very detailed owners manual from circa 1896 I think.
Said friend recently published an interesting (and complex) article on that front hub gearing in their 'The Boneshaker' magazine.
Here's a link to the club. If you go to the page and scroll down there's a link to join.....

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Enjoy your crazy, fun machine.

 

[Glen Norcliffe]

Great riding, quirky looking machines and surprisingly fast too.
A friend has one and loves it.
I know he had handlebars custom made/modified for his over here in the UK. I think his example is also a type 2 version.
I could put you in touch with him.if you like; PM me and I can give you his email address.
Your best bet if you need any spares would be to join the UK Veteran-Cycle Club; you can place free wanted ads with them.
On the library site there is a very detailed owners manual from circa 1896 I think.
Said friend recently published an interesting (and complex) article on that front hub gearing in their 'The Boneshaker' magazine.
Here's a link to the club. If you go to the page and scroll down there's a link to join.....

Sign in - Google Accounts

Enjoy your crazy, fun machine.

Thank you DNC1. I have been a member of VCC for many years and have an ad in the Newsletter for the said parts. Thank you for suggesting I contact Bob D. I will very soon. Best Glen

 

[kentercanyon]

We're gonna need a video of that when you get it going! What a stupendous brand name - A "Crypto Bantam" sounds like something Sherlock Holmes would have rode to chase Moriarity through the East End on. And with planetary gears he would have caught him!

 

[Princeton]

Saw this one at a Wheelman event in Conn. about 5 years ago...that guy was moving pretty good on it...

 

[Glen Norcliffe]

That is a Bantam Alpha with the double top tube - a bit larger than the Bantam, and a man's machine whereas the Bantam is often viewed as a ladies machine. It also has type 1 handlebars with that right-angle turn in them. Nice leather clamshell tool bag, too.

 

[dnc1]

View attachment 1386795

Saw this one at a Wheelman event in Conn. about 5 years ago...that guy was moving pretty good on it...

Thank you DNC1. I have been a member of VCC for many years and have an ad in the Newsletter for the said parts. Thank you for suggesting I contact Bob D. I will very soon. Best Glen

Bob D has overtaken me several times on his.
Like I said , surprisingly fast.

Glad to hear you're a member Glen.
Darren.