snip- Amateur racers were lower-class riders, who hoped to turn professional and escape the drudgery in factories and coal mines. The bikes of these riders were workmanlike machines. They could not afford Alex Singers, but instead got a frame from the local builder. They raced racing bikes, and probably outfitted them with fenders when it rained and they did not race, then took them off for the race.
Reminds me of a book "the big loop" that tells a story of a young boy growing into a man and his dream of riding in the tour, great reading. I first read it in Jr High School. Bought it from an internet used book service and read it again 30 years later. Funny how I never noticed the romance in it.
Howard Darr
Kinsman OH USA