1910 Imperial Triumph ‘No 12’ Light Roadster

There were over thirty bicycle models named ‘Imperial’ up to 1900, as well as many similar company names.

The ‘Imperial’ name was also used by the top cycle manufacturers in the early Edwardian era because there was a strong market for these machines in the British colonies.

‘Imperial’ Triumphs or Rovers were among the most expensive bicycles of the day, and were popular with senior government and military officers who had been posted abroad.

The Imperial Triumph was a separate line produced by the company, fitted with mudguards that are obviously Triumph, but of a slightly different pattern than other Triumph models (the flat ridge on top of the mudguard is wider).

1910 Imperial Triumph ‘No 12’ Light Roadster

Eadie Coaster & Front Rim Brake

27″ Frame

28″ Beaded Edge Wheels with red Beaded Edge Tyres

As befits a top manufacturer, Triumph Cycle Co offered a lot of options on their machines. The brake arrangement on this machine was described in the ‘No 12’ specification as ‘coaster hub and front rim brake.’

The Eadie Coaster hub is illustrated in a separate page of the 1910 catalogue.

This example is in good mechanical condition, and rides very well. The wheels are not original Triumph items (Triumph had 40 hole rear and 36 front, while this is the normal British standard of 40 hole rear and 32 hole front). But the rest of it is original, with the remains of its original box lining. You can just about make out the Triumph name on the headstock. The pedals are very worn, but you can see the Triumph name on them too.

The wheels have been rebuilt, and fitted with new beaded edge red tyres; new-old-stock ‘John Bull’ brake rubbers have been installed; the seat is a very good condition three-coil Middlemore; and the bell is a Perry ‘de Luxe No 2.’