Retro goodies at London's Science Museum

[GSB]

Had a spare hour to kill in Knightsbridge earlier, so in a no contest decision process it was either the Science Museum, or, the Science museum...

I didn't have to go far to see something of interest to retro bikers, as most of the museums collection now hangs from the rafters in the entrance foyer..

1961 Viking

1978 Raleigh Record

1997 Villiger Arrow Spyce. A bike from a swiss cigar company, made of carbon, with full suspension and flexi chain stays a full five year before cannondale's scalpel.

1938 Caminargent alloy frame.

My faves, the 1990 cast magnesium Kirk, the fabulous Lotus 108 from 1992, and the offshoot Lotus MTB from 1993.

Once you get inside the museum there's little else on display in terms of bikes (loads of other stuff though), but there is a '50's Claude Butler, and original Chopper and a few other old machines kicking about.

You can see some far better pictures of the bikes on the science museum website;
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/bicycletour

 

[lewisfoto]

Nice looking collection, particularly like the Caminargent.

 

[Old Ned]

Erm, who fitted the bottle cage onto the Viking seat tube???

Obviously someone who knows nowt about bikes!!

I think the Viking was their example of a 'modern racing bike' back in the 60's. It was out of date when I saw it around 62 or 63! I can't see that they've expanded their collection or interest in bikes much since then TBH.

 

[lewisfoto]

Erm, who fitted the bottle cage onto the Viking seat tube???

Maybe this is for the traveling circus, you know the one where the ride in a loop. That way it will at least be right side up half the time!

 

[Excel]

Erm, who fitted the bottle cage onto the Viking seat tube???

Obviously someone who knows nowt about bikes!!

I think the Viking was their example of a 'modern racing bike' back in the 60's. It was out of date when I saw it around 62 or 63! I can't see that they've expanded their collection or interest in bikes much since then TBH.

also is it me or is that a 1980's Campag Super Record rear derailleur on the vintage 1950's Viking?.......(or maybe a Simplex Prestige!)

Griff

 

[mtbdave]

I think the lotus sport mtb is the top of the range on Thoth the xtr group?

 

[JeRkY]

I am unsure if the Carbon lotus mtb was available with anything else... its certainly what I have lined up for mine. I'll have to do a look around for pointers next time Im down that way.

 

[Old Ned]

Erm, who fitted the bottle cage onto the Viking seat tube???

Obviously someone who knows nowt about bikes!!

I think the Viking was their example of a 'modern racing bike' back in the 60's. It was out of date when I saw it around 62 or 63! I can't see that they've expanded their collection or interest in bikes much since then TBH.

also is it me or is that a 1980's Campag Super Record rear derailleur on the vintage 1950's Viking?.......(or maybe a Simplex Prestige!)

Griff

I think it's a Benelux P2 or Super 60.