This amazingly young/fresh looking track bicycle actually dates back to 1951. Originally the 1951 R.O. Harrison Bicycle was designed as a lightweight track bike intended for use on grass, cement or steeply banked tracks. This bicycle also features “like new” period components -> crankset (built by a British company that is no longer in existence called Chatter-Lea -> wickipedia page), Reynolds block chain, Strata Pelissier handlebars, Bluemels cellulose mudguard front extension, and a CLB front brake. Beautiful ornamental details are to be found all over this bike, on the lug work, the paint and even on the crankset.
Many bicycle companies today try to duplicate this ornamental style of frame building but because of high production costs you really don’t see the kind of detail found here on this bike. That’s why I’ve taken the time to post this great design from our past. Thanks again for letting me share this piece of your collection David Cooper.
Below are a few more detail shots of this immaculate/classic track bike:
The Harrison Bicycle is one of the many classic bicycle gems that can be found on coopertechnica.com.
Notes from Coopertechnica.com:
This Madison was built in 1951 and features period components, including a Chater Lea inch pitch crankset, Reynolds block chain, Strata Pelissier handlebars, Bluemels cellulose mudguard front extension, and a CLB front brake. More information about R.O. Harrison and more photos of this bike can be seen at www.classiclightweights.co.uk.
I have a R O Harrison Madison track cycle that I bought from the original owner who had it made in the 50s. I bought it in 1983 and rode it for 13 years to work and occasionally at weekends. I have just decided to sell it and looked it up on the internet to see that it is a close relation of the frame shown in your post last year. Serial no 1092524, that means it is probably from 1949. The lugwork is identical but it does not have the marking on the top of the seatstays. I am now wondering whether it is worth restoring. Just how rare and desirable are these bikes?
Jim Noakes
Hi Jim,
You should go to Coopertechnica.com and ask David Cooper this question. He’s a great guy and I’m sure he’ll be able to answer help you out. Tell him you saw this post on Circuitbreaks.com.
Good luck!