1924 All-Black Golden Sunbeam for Gentlemen
Tall 30″ Frame
Sunbeam 3-Speed gear
28 x 1 3/4″ Wheels with Roman Rims
Sunbeam patent aluminium pedals
Brooks Model B90 saddle
In their catalogues, Sunbeam offered frame sizes from 22″ to 28″. A catalogue, however, only presented suggestions. Customers could actually order whatever took their fancy, any combination of specifications, and a frame size to suit their inner leg measurement.
Priced at 24 guineas, the Golden Sunbeam for Gentlemen with (Sunbeam’s own) three-speed gear was the company’s top model. The cost of the optional extras fitted to this bicycle are as follows:
Special frame size: 10/- 6d
Aluminium pedals: 5/-
Aluminium rims: 12/- 6d
Brooks B90 saddle: 3/- 6d
If you were around 6ft 6 inches tall with an inside leg measurement of 39 inches you would need to order a bicycle specially from one of the manufacturers. In the early days of the cycle trade, the factories offered a bespoke service and a customer was able to order a cycle in his size just as he would order his suit.
This is a rare surviving tall frame machine, undoubtedly one of the tallest Sunbeams made (though there are rumours of a taller one somewhere). It has recently been serviced and is in good order all round. I need to replace one pedal rubber and the missing chaincase cover. It has some nice extras such as aluminium pedals and wheels. The paintwork is original, unrestored; much of the box lining has survived, though only the chaincase transfer (decal) is remains. It’s too tall for me, but it’s ready to ride,.