The 'Fifties in Britain were the great time for the touring bike.
Like all decades there it was a time rich in rainfall. I do recall a
few riders who, frantic about bike weight, did not use mudguards, and
suffered the consequences. However the majority did ( after all
mudguards were usually quite light anyway. ) Water bottles were
extremely popular and double water bottles on the handlebars with
long plastic 'straws' were thought to be VERY smart ! I remember
there was a lot of thought given to saddle bags and panniers - the
balancing of them on the bike. Front panniers were often seen. The
little rectangular Brooks leather toolkit bags hanging from the
saddle were popular at other times. Dynamos were of course the main
form of lighting power. (Battery powered lights had largely gone by
then) I remember seeing one proud owner of a PAIR of headlamps
(think car headlights with no gap between them) - Lucas , I think. To
me the most interesting component and one I remember well - was the
device on the front wheel axle that allowed a spare wheel to be
attached and carried on a trip. A disconcerting sight when first
observed on the road - but rather posh ! The main thing for me in
reflecting on those cycling tour days is the clothing that was worn.
What sights were to be seen ! Shirts and ties even, were not
uncommon , and there was a lot of corduroy and tweed. All very
classic and nothing at all like the moving advertising hoardings and
Joseph's coat of many colors seen on rider's today.
Fraser Pakes
Victoria, B.C.