Quadrant Convertible Tricycle 1899

1899 Quadrant Convertible Tricycle ‘No 8B’ with band brake. Front wheel: 28″, rear wheels: 26″.

"The tricycle market was very competitive during the ‘tricycle heyday’ of the 1880s and early 90s. While athletic tall gentlemen could ride an ordinary (penny farthing), the tricycle market catered for women and older gentlemen, as well as heavier riders. Quadrant’s 1901 catalogue points out that its ‘strength is ample for a heavy rider.’ Healthy sales in the tricycle market directly inspired advances in their design, which in turn led to the development of the safety bicycle. With the advent of chain-driven machines, tricycles were much cheaper to produce, which widened their appeal, though they were still much more expensive than bicycles.

Founded in 1883, the Quadrant Cycle Co was renowned for the quality of their workmanship and was one of the world’s leading manufacturer of tricycles. They introduced many patents for new innovations. Their Model 8B ‘Convertible’ Tricycle was converted from a Gent’s to a Lady’s tricycle by the removal of the top tube. A Gentleman would mount the machine from the rear -observe the two ‘steps’ over the rear axle to protect its paintwork – while a lady would mount from the side. This tricycle was introduced in 1894 and was the company’s most expensive machine. The 1901 price was £25, and the band brake, as fitted to the example here, cost an extra 12/- 6d. The Quadrant Chainless Light Roadster (another expensive model) was, by comparison, £19 10/-. The Beeston Humber Convertible Tricycle was Quadrant’s main competitor, but that machine was priced at £32." (www.oldbike.eu)