Quadrant 1889 Model 14a LADY’S TRICYCLE 73-3501

Quadrant 1889 Model 14a LADY’S TRICYCLE

Mastery of a gentleman’s bicycle required youth and athletic prowess and, within the constraints of a conservative society, was entirely unsuitable for a lady. So cycle manufacturers started encouraging women to take up the hobby by riding a machine which would protect their decency. That machine was the tricycle. Cycling pioneer James Starley added the differential to the rear axle and greatly improved the machine. A differential allowed the rear wheels to rotate at a different speed when cornering thus providing a stable ride.
Every tricycle maker experienced a considerable boost in sales after Queen Victoria endorsed British industry in 1881 by buying two tricycles, and that decade became its heyday. The “Quadrant Tricycle Co.” specialised in this market. Featuring double driving and “revolving handlebar to facilitate mounting”, the Lady’s Quadrant Tricycle Model 14 competed directly with Rudge’s Royal Crescent and became the company’s most popular lady’s model. The Quadrant was known for its unique front fork with rack and pinion style of steering. This provided stability on the rough roads of the time.
Tricycles were not only popular with lady riders, also elder and more timid riders preferred the stability that a three wheeled vehicle offered. Due to their expense and difficulty to store adult tricycles are a rare category of antique bicycles. This amazing survivor is in remarkable fine condition and comes with 26 “front wheel, 30 “ rear wheels, Miller & Co. “Cyclight” oil lamp and leather bag.