Re: [CR]Attention Viking Fans

(Example: Framebuilders)

From: "P.C. Kohler" <kohl57@starpower.net>
To: "jerrymoos" <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net>, <Mercurys43@aol.com>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <b8.5a0ff54a.2df4db82@aol.com> <010d01c44c1c$2b4146b0$efddfea9@mooshome>
Subject: Re: [CR]Attention Viking Fans
Date: Sun, 6 Jun 2004 19:40:55 -0400



----- Original Message -----
From: jerrymoos
To: Mercurys43@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, June 06, 2004 7:15 PM
Subject: Re: [CR]Attention Viking Fans



> This could could be for the dynamo (generator). Some types had the lamp
> attached to the dynamo, so the dynamo is usually on the right fork, since of
> course the Brits ride on the left side of the road.
>
> Regards,
>
> Jerry Moos
> Houston, TX

Oddly, it was not mandated by the MoT to have cycle lamps on the righthand side until 1949. Prior to this cycles had the lamp brackets on the lefthandside. Why? Apparently club riders preferred to illuminate the side of the road rather than the middle of it. Helpful for spotting badgers ready to make a beeline from hedgerows I guess. By the late 1940s being seen by oncoming motor traffic was more important.

Thus if you have a '48 Clubman or RRA, you'll have (or have to find) rare lefthand brackets. RRA's had pegs on both fork blades but not Clubmans.

Peter Kohler
Washington DC USA