Peregrine Cycles poster – The Leicester Cycle Co. Leicester – c1900 A Glimpse into Cycling’s Golden Age Dive into the rich tapestry of cycling history with this captivating Peregrine Cycles poster. This vintage masterpiece isn’t just a piece of art; it’s a window into an era when cycling was booming, and the Leicester Cycle Co. reigned supreme. Founded in 1890, the company quickly made its mark with the Peregrine range, offering seven distinct models to cater to every rider. The Peregrine No. 1 swiftly became a sensation, a testament to its exceptional design and performance. This iconic model is proudly featured in the very heart of this stunning Peregrine Cycles poster, inviting you to admire its timeless appeal. The Leicester Cycle Co. enjoyed vibrant trade, not only across the UK but also extending its reach deep into Europe, proudly quoting prices in British Pounds, German Marks, and French Francs in their advertisements. The Racer: A Track Day Darling and a New Chapter The Graces Guide website, a treasure trove of British Industrial Heritage, highlights the extraordinary popularity of the ‘Racer’ model. Weighing in at a mere 23lbs and fitted with revolutionary Dunlop pneumatic tyres, it became the undisputed machine of choice for the racing fraternity. Leicester, with its two major race tracks, Belgrave Road and Aylestone Road, was a hotbed of cycling activity, and the ‘Racer’ quickly became synonymous with victory. At their peak, the Leicester Cycle Co., based on Friday Street, was a powerhouse, churning out over 500 bicycles a week. However, the golden age of Peregrine Cycles drew to a close in 1902 when the company was acquired by the Clyde Cycle and Motor Car Co. of Clyde Street, Leicester. Despite initially advertising the “Peregrine” name, Clyde chose to rebrand, and the beloved bicycles were simply known as ‘The Clyde’, marking an end to the original Peregrine era. The Unfulfilled Revival of the Peregrine Cycles Intriguingly, an online article from February 2012 by Colin McCaleb for the BikeRumour website hinted at a surprising resurrection for the Peregrine. After more than 120 years, it seemed the legendary bicycle might ride again. The article revealed that Cyclemagic, a non-profit organisation dedicated to special needs cyclists, had discovered they were operating from the Leicester Cycle Co.’s original premises in Leicester. I nspired by this historical connection, they aimed to bring the Peregrine back into production. Cyclemagic, already known for their Penny-Farthings, even planned a revamp of their facilities to meet the anticipated demand for the revived Peregrine Cycles. Unfortunately, the dream was short-lived. By August 2012, Cyclemagic had sold off its bicycle collection and closed its doors, and the Peregrine never made it back into production. This makes the vintage Peregrine Cycles poster an even more poignant reminder of a truly remarkable cycling legacy.
