Cork and alloy grips from the old bicycle co.

Replaced new spindle and 7 mm ball bearings. You can see this unusual sun style cup with fastening screw.

I have used the brake stirrup and clamp that came with the bike. I am using this until i can find a SPARKBROOK rear brake

I am having a few problems after having cycled through London with the chain slipping so need to shorten by half a link as the wheel is set very far back in the forks. I also need to sort the BSA rear 3 speed hub out. Very frustrating fish plate in the gear changer keeps slipping the cable through the solder. Apart from these minor set backs the Sparkbrook is a beautiful ride.

SPARKBROOK transfer from the vintage motorcycle club

 Side view of my SPARKBROOK  at Doddington place gardens which is open from April until September

                                                  1920 Sparkbrook popular roaster advert.

Sparkbrooks rear carrier fitted to the rear forks 

Frame. This was the main feature that determined it to be a Sparkbrook.

Founded in 1883, the Sparkbrook Manufacturing Co. Ltd. of Coventry made very fine quality bicycles, with close attention to detail and finish. This is the A Gents popular model. One of the unusual features is the cable operated rear brake, very finely made, and fully adjustable in front of the bottom bracket. The cable loops around the pulley under the bottom bracket and back up to the neat adjuster. The Chain size is 5/8 inch pitch, a rare size also used in the early 1900′s by Humber, Rudge and Lea Francis. Further signs of quality are that there are oilers fitted to everything – steering head, pedals, two oilers to bottom bracket. Cranks are beautiful oval section items. Much of the black enamel remains, along with signs of lining and transfers. The wheels originally had their centres enameled and lined, with nickel edges. Green was Sparkbrook’s choice of enamel for their top of range machines at this time, whilst later prime machines were finished in a handsome dark chocolate brown. Or black..It is interesting to note from the 1906 catalogue that Sparkbrook bicycles at this time were sold through the London agency of Lea and Francis in Piccadilly. The 1906 catalogue further states ‘The Company does not advertise. The aim of the firm has been to make “Sparkbrook’s” advertise themselves’. Over 100 years on, this bicycle rides beautifully and is still a fine advert for the Company.

 My Sparkbrook bicycle when i bought it from Tim Gun at the Old Bicycle Showroom. He is a great chap if you are in need of most things vintage bicycle.