This 1896 Humber is interesting because it is Humber’s first pattern of loopframe and, as you can see in the pictures above and below, in this first year of production the two front frame tubes do not have a bridge between them. In 1896 it was a fixed wheel model with a front plunger brake. As was common after the freewheel was introduced (in 1898) it went back to the factory to be updated with a freewheel plus the latest braking technology. A Bowden rear rim brake was added with an inverted lever to control it – a feature introduced in 1902 and used on the first motor bicycles. This makes it very practical to use, and it rides very well.
The Humber was repainted many years ago and the paint is faded in places, and also its saddle is a bit scruffy; these are insignificant matters that could easily be remedied. It’s a rare and historic machine from one of the world’s leading cycle manufacturers of the day, predating some of the better known Humber Beeston features such as the duplex fork (copied from Centaur and introduced in 1899) and the duplex chain stay (1897). The wheels are 28 x 1 3/8″. It retains its original mudguards and metal Carter gear case, and is fitted with an early rear carrier rack as well as an unusual wheel-operated bell. It’s in excellent mechanical condition and is 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.
