AU34/19/6/12/1

Letter to "Cycling" Magazine

3rd November 1956

From: 1956 To: 1956

Carbon copy of a typewritten letter dated 3rd November 1956 from Albert Grimmer to H H England Esq, the editor of "Cycling" magazine concerning his early 20th century invention to improve pedal spindles on bicycles: "Dear Sir, Do you happen to know where, if any, records are kept about improvement made in the early days of Safety Cycles. I built cycles from 1891, for about 20 years, trading as The Flitt Cycle Co. in this town. But did not make many after 1909. I did not like the pinch bolt on end of split cranks introduced after pedal spindle nut was done away with, and as only one pedal ever unscrewed, I made a prototype of screw taps on my lathe and made left hand pedal spindles to fit. One day a B.S.A. Traveller called and noticed about a doz. cranks laying on polishing table, picked one up and got the idea at once. Next season all B.S.A. cranks were the same. Was that a coincidence. A recent article in Cycling page 378 by G.H.S. "Reaching the sear and yellow" mentioned Mr. F.T. Bidlake, reminded me of an old Customer of ours Dr. Kilham Roberts, who often spoke of "Biddy" and apparently knew him well. Dr. Roberts died some years ago. My wife and I are now over-ripe, having seen the changes of 162 years odd between us. I don't cycle much now, but do drive quite a bit, and find the days too short for all we want to do. I sold out and retired in 1948. And we still enjoy life, having a great number of friends, mostly road users. Thanking you in anticipation of reply, Yours sincerely,"

item

Grimmer, Albert Edward,
England, H H,
Bidlake, Frederick Thomas,
Roberts,
Flitt Cycle Company

CORRESPONDENCE, cycling, bicycles, magazines, AMPTHILL