Cycling: Pedalling a ‘sit up and beg’ bike

Bike from the 1940s

CYCLING was a popular mode of transport for both adults and children in the 1940s.

Curry’s usually had a display of pedal cycles on the front of its shop. If you went up-market, you could have Sturmey Archer three-speed gears fitted for extra efficiency.

Some of the obsolete models were the universally popular Hercules, Coventry Eagle Rudge and Norman.

I learned to ride a bicycle when I was about 10, using a large ladies’ cycle much beloved by district nurses.

The handlebars were narrow and high and the saddle low, which gave rise to it being known as the “sit up and beg”. There was usually a large wicker basket on the front for storage.

Because the bike was far too large, I had blocks fitted to the pedals but I still could not reach them from the saddle.

I had to pedal everywhere standing up with the handlebars close to my ears.

In addition to these drawbacks, the brakes were unreliable and the chain frequently came off.

I have always admired comfort and efficiency.

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