According to ‘A History of Rover Cycles’ 1895 was a year of change, and two versions of this model were illustrated – one with a single down tube (below) and another with the down tube braced as above.
This is a very rare survivor from J.K Starley & Co Ltd, in wonderful preserved condition and ready to ride.
I bought it from the Farren Collection in Melbourne, Australia. Paul Farren found it in Tasmania in the 1970s. His notes say:
“Ladies Pneumatic Tyred Safety Bicycle The Rover Company, Coventry This bicycle was produced as a solid tyred machine before being updated to pneumatics in the catalogues. It is a very small frame and John Pinkerton was very keen to buy this bike for his wife Dot. It is in very original order for its age with plunger brake, mudguards and chain guard. The saddle hardware and pedals are also original. The bicycle ceased production in 1895 and they admit in the catalogue that the frame is weak but it allowed for very full skirts to be worn.”
Single tube ladies machines were by now out-of-date, and this Rover was the last of them to be built. The Rover Ladies ‘K Frame’ was introduced the same year to replace it. Surviving examples are extremely rare.
After repatriating it to Britain, I couldn’t resist road-testing it – though it looks heavy because of its older design, it’s surprisingly lightweight. The paint appears to be unrestored original, though it could have been repainted during its 130 year lifetime. This very rare Rover is in excellent all round condition and ready to ride.
View in the Online Bicycle Museum
BICYCLE COLLECTORS CURATED ONLINE AUCTION, Spring 2026
This Timed Auction is live from 21st of March 2026 @ 2-30pm to 4th of April, 2026. 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, phone call, Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp.
