c1905 BSA Fittings Track Racer
Sloping top tube with 2″ drop
22″ Frame
26 x 1 1/4″ Wheels
Standover height 33″ to 31″
21″ top tube length
BSA Model D handlebar
BSA racing pedals
BSA saddle
Fixed wheel
I took this historic lightweight BSA racing machine for a quick spin around Preston Park Velodrome. It’s a serious track racer and I certainly didn’t do it justice.
BSA did not supply complete bicycles at this time, so these ‘fittings machines’ are impossible to date accurately. The ‘X pattern’ BSA chainwheel on this bicycle was used between 1940 and 1907 and the other parts are compatible with that timeframe. Older parts could have subsequently been used to build a bicycle, though styles changed after 1910.
Competitive machines such as this are hard to find these days, as many were damaged as a result of their racing careers. It would be nice to see it in use at Herne Hill or similar track meeting for vintage racers.