1901 Lady’s Meteor-Rover No 2

It’s not often we come across a Rover from the turn of the century. This model with underslung down tube was current between 1898 and 1901. It was in storage for many decades and is remarkably well-preserved original condition. There is even the remains of a Rover transfer (decal) on the rear mudguard.

When this machine was built in 1901, Rover had not yet become distracted from cycle manufacture by the new-fangled motor bicycles and automobiles which would start to take over the roads in the next few years. Observe the innovative front and rear cable-operated rim brakes, some of the first to be fitted by a cycle company.

The front mudguard has an extension, presumably fitted after they were introduced around 1908; as you can see in the catalogue illustration below, front mudguards ended at the steering head in 1901. Fitting a new rear tyre required disturbing the leather chaincase, and it needs some re-stringing as a result. Unusually, the leather is in good condition. As well as receiving new tyres, it has been serviced and is ready to ride.

To see it at The Museum click here…