The existence of the Five Rams Sliding Bicycle is unknown to most vintage bicycle collectors. There’s a tendency among many collectors to only favour the same as everyone else, what I call ‘fashionable’ bikes. Others, of course, with justification, only collect bikes they can ride. Nevertheless, there is, fortunately, a sub-culture of collectors of the obscure, unloved and completely kitsch. The XQ51 Sliding Bicycle would win every prize in this category.
First, there’s the QX51’s a unique design, the frame sliding to vary its size. This is an entirely practical bicycle. Whereas the cycle industry in the West at this time preferred teenagers to buy a new bike when they outgrew their old one, the XQ51 lasted many more years by expanding to grow into an adult size machine.
But, for me, practicality is not the point. What I enjoy here is ‘communist kitsch,’ the fifties styling that can still be seen in many countries of the world. One of the joys of travelling is to see our own culture reflected back at us, often in a slightly different form. The Five rams QX51 typifies this experience, combining elements of various earlier British bicycles, plus a dollop of practicality, lots of transfers (decals) …and, to cap it all, a head badge and fork crown that makes you think at first glance that it’s a Raleigh. Although the badge is the same shape, instead of the Raleigh ‘heron’ logo it’s a ram!
The bicycle is in sound original unrestored condition, with surface rust on the paintwork and chrome, and the transfers well-preserved. The tyres hold air but should be replaced if it is to be ridden.
View in the Online Bicycle Museum
BICYCLE COLLECTORS CURATED ONLINE AUCTION, Spring 2025
This Timed Auction is live from 14th of March 2025 2pm to 14th of April 7pm, 2025. Highest bid wins.
NO BUYERS or SELLERS PREMIUM.
THE RESERVE IS THE START PRICE + BUY-IT-NOW OPTION.
INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY: NO PACKING FEES.
BIDDING INCREMENTS: Up to £1000 = £10. Over £1000 = £50. Over £2000 = £100
IT’S A CURATED AUCTION – Colin is the auctioneer and is available to chat to you personally during the auction (or before) by email, text message, phonecall, Facebook Messenger or Whatsapp.
