Leader bicycles Brisbane info.

[dayne]

So I was lucky enough to ouch up an amazing early 1920's racer on the weekend.
It has English built utility cranks, and from what I can make out a Moody adjustable stem,
The front brake is a lever with a arm that pushes some timber wheels down on to the front wheel to stop.

The bike has the most amazing paint I have seen with incredabil pin stripping.
As soon as I wash and degrease it all I will post some photos up,

But does any one know when leader bikes operated in Brisbane? I believe it was in Stanley st.

Thanks Dayne

[Clydesdale Scot]

But does any one know when leader bikes operated in Brisbane?

Trove has mention of it earlier than the 1920s
Not showing up on the Bicycles History site

[dayne]

Thanks for that, ill try to get it cleaned up by mid week,

[supermanlegs]

Leader Cycles were trading along the waterfront at Clontarf until mid 80's. I remember their trademark was having front track axles on road bikes with wing nut tighteners rather than quick release road axles. The bikes weren't anything special at that time.

[dayne]

Heres a couple of photo's
I started the clean down today and put about 2.5hrs alone into just the wheels,

[dayne]

Turns out to be BSA hubs and headset.
The cranks are Utility and i cant find any info or dates on.

[Johnj]

The Ducks brake was used well into 1930s, as were snail cams. I've seen Major Taylor stems on new bikes up to the 1950s.

Check out the start of the Goulburn to Sydney road race (NSW State Library photo), about 1932. A number of Ducks brakes, clearly visible in the bigger version.

[dayne]

Thanks for the photo, It looks very much like the first bike in the photo with a very similar paint style.
The only part im unsure of are the cranks, They are branded Utility.
The headset and hubs are both bsa

[Clydesdale Scot]

decal has "renovated by...Leader"

have a very close look at the back of the chainring.
Should have the Williams sword (see here as to what to look for) and then here for the date code

[dayne]

Did some more cleaning tonight, should have it finished next week some time.

[supermanlegs]

I like

[dayne]

So i have been flat out cleaning the bike and have it to where im happier with it,
Re packed the bb and a full polish and clean,
The brooks has a bad tear across the nose so i have tried to repair it and see how it goes.

Does any body have an idea of date? Im guessing the "20" on the seat tube cluster may suggest 1920?
Thanks Dayne

[Ditch35]

Dayne
The Leader looks great, what a find.
Will we see it at Pushies, made in BNE this year?
The front badge and paint are similar to the Local that l had, which is now owned by Alan T

Richard

[amrjon]

What a beauty, great condition for a bike of its age.
Nice job on the cleaning/polishing.

Actually, now you've got some pictures, cover it all in grease again to preserve it for the next 80 odd years!

[feelthewheel]

Great to see this lovely vintage bicycle has fallen into sympathetic hands and not that of the powdercoaters nice work Dayne keep us posted

[dayne]

Thanks guys,
It will be at pushies for sure, I wait all year for that event.

I was a bit gutted when I discovered the rear tube an tyre were not usable,
The guy should have taken more care of it.

But I ordered a new tyre and tube and put that on and it looks great so I may order a front to match.

I'm also going to wrap the bars in black cloth, but first I might wash it to age it a little,
Then corks for bar ends and a set of more appropriate pedals and its done.

Oh I might hand paint the front rim to match at some point too if I get bored.

[ldrcycles]

Hard to believe it's the same bike, you've done an amazing job of cleaning that up!

Looks fantastic.

[Ditch35]

Dayne

l may have some old 28" tyres that could be usable.
l will check them out later today and let you know.

Richard

[dayne]

Thanks Richard, I just ordered a new one to match the rear.

[Comedian]

Very cool!

[dayne]

So last night I got carried away on eBay and bought this for it,


Hopefully it arrives in one piece.