High Nellys. Did you restore those you asked about

dandyelevan · 17-09-2015 10:45AM

Mec-a-nic wrote: »

You might want to put them in numerical order to illustrate the great before/after reveal.

Dandyelevens - Is that a rifle stock holder between the pedals on the before picture? It can't have been fun trying to to pedal along with a long rifle sticking up in front.

There were a few methods of carrying weapons by bicycle (including carrying a rifle slung across the soldier's back.
Those in the pic were one version, and the most common.
However, I came across two more which I have fitted to the other bikes in my collection.
(I'll post pics later)
Actually, and unfortunately, I'm old enough to have been in the Army when those bikes were still in everyday use. In 1966 (shortly after joining up) our recruit platoon cycled them from the Curragh to Wicklow where we spent a week riding those heavy machines around the Wicklow mountains.
It's something my legs and ass will never forget.
(One would have to have worn the hairy uniform to know what I mean!)

zurbfoundation · 17-09-2015 11:16AM

dandyelevan wrote: »

These Mark V BSA Military bikes were commissioned by the Irish Army (1939 /1942) They ordered 3000 of them and they arrived numbered 1 to 3000 ( a special numerical sequence for that particular order.)
They were used mainly by special 'Bicycle Battalions' who were always on the move, the length and breath of the country. It must have been some sight. A thousand men, three by three, and in full uniform with kit.
My father spent his WW2 service in one of those battalions headquartered in Letterkenny.

an even better sight is the famous dutch cycling band :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo8DlBkSW_w

galwaycyclist · 17-09-2015 01:41PM

There is one of these on display in Collins Barracks in Cork

Pic didn't come out well on phone but you can see how the rifle was carried.

Am I right in thinking there may have been some kind of trailer in use as well?

dandyelevan · 17-09-2015 02:10PM

The front clip is missing from that bike, and rifles were never carried in that position (imo) because water got down the rifle barrel, for one thing.
I have a bike fitted with one strap for the butt below the saddle (excuse the pun) and the rifle muzzle rested upon a rolled up poncho / ground-sheet on the handlebars.
I never saw a rifle carried with the muzzle pointed in the air as in that pic.

Note - The bike in that Cork pic appears to be a Medics version, (if it's a Mk V) due to there being two hand- brakes, in this case an ordinary front brake and an old time -side-pull rear rod brake.
For the most part, the 'Infantry' bike had just one hand-brake lever (the left) and an Eadie Coaster brake fitted to the hub of the rear wheel.
If this is the case, then it's unlikely that the bike in question ever carried a weapon, as Medics were unarmed.
Early Mark BSA military bikes (pre-1904, prior to the Eadie Coaster being invented, and some models produced during WW1 had two rod brakes fitted.
Indeed, that 'Medics bike' in the Cork Museum could be one of those early models, but I can only go by the photo.

I have an old military bike, possibly a Phillips from pre-1910, made from BSA parts with both hand-brakes.

galwaycyclist · 17-09-2015 03:47PM

dandyelevan wrote: »

The front clip is missing from that bike, and rifles were never carried in that position (imo) because water got down the rifle barrel, for one thing.
I have a bike fitted with one strap for the butt below the saddle (excuse the pun) and the rifle muzzle rested upon a rolled up poncho / ground-sheet on the handlebars.
I never saw a rifle carried with the muzzle pointed in the air as in that pic.

Note - The bike in that Cork pic appears to be a Medics version, (if it's a Mk V) due to there being two hand- brakes, in this case an ordinary front brake and an old time -side-pull rear rod brake.
For the most part, the 'Infantry' bike had just one hand-brake lever (the left) and an Eadie Coaster brake fitted to the hub of the rear wheel.
If this is the case, then it's unlikely that the bike in question ever carried a weapon, as Medics were unarmed.
Early Mark BSA military bikes (pre-1904, prior to the Eadie Coaster being invented, and some models produced during WW1 had two rod brakes fitted.
Indeed, that 'Medics bike' in the Cork Museum could be one of those early models, but I can only go by the photo.

I have an old military bike, possibly a Phillips from pre-1910, made from BSA parts with both hand-brakes.

Renmore Barracks in Galway has one as well not sure if I have any pictures.

Esroh · 17-09-2015 09:54PM

Mix (2).JPG

Mix (1).JPG

Mix (3).JPG

Mix (4).JPG

If someone knows how to embed them it would be better . They deserve it

dandyelevan · 19-10-2015 07:44PM

I have one (spare) old Army Mark V BSA bike that I've decided not to restore. It's in good working order and complete, but taking up precious room in the shed.
If anyone interested pm me.

411 guy · 20-10-2015 07:52PM

dandyelevan wrote: »

I have one (spare) old Army Mark V BSA bike that I've decided not to restore. It's in good working order and complete, but taking up precious room in the shed.
If anyone interested pm me.

i've a workmate that was looking for a military bike/winter project,i cant seem to PM you,any chance you'd send a pic and price to me?

dandyelevan · 20-10-2015 08:22PM

Hi 411 Guy, sorry but the bike sold today.

High Nellys. Did you restore those you asked about

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