1950s Phillips light roadster (SOLD)
SKU:
£200.00
£200.00
per item
Absolutely charming vintage Phillips bike. Circa 1950s. 20" size.
True retro bike, with rod brakes, "old-school" cycling position and lovely details all round.
Phillips was a strong competitor for Raleigh back in the day. A big name withing the bicycle industry. Their bikes were widely exported and they had an excellent reputation for quality. Even today, there are Phillips branded bikes in some East markets.
This bike is probably from around 1950s. For many, this was a time when British cycle manufacturing was at its peak in terms of quality, craftmanship and technology (for the time, of course). Somehow this bike represents a pinnacle in the concept of "utility" bike. From the 60s the quality dropped gradually, as competition from motor car soared and bike manufacturers tried to make the bikes cheaper.
This particular example of Phillips is in an almost full original condition. Most of parts are Phillips branded, including hubs, headset and that fantastic looking crankset. Of course, frame and mudguards boast the name of the brand with the classic decals and the famous Phillips phrase "True temper steel" and "Renowed the world over"
The parts that couldn't be saved were mainly saddle and tyres. The former has been replaced by a another vintage one that matches with the personality of the bike. The original Dunlop tyres (yes, they were still on the bike, suggesting it has not many miles for a 60 years old bike) have been replaced for safety reasons by brand new Michelin World Tour ones.
The old Phillips comes serviced for the sale, including the new tyres mentioned above and all bearings regreased (headset, bottom bracket, hubs) with waterproof grease. It should be good for many more miles.
She is a very nice ride and puts a smile in your face when riding it. The cycling position feels pleasingly different for today standards, and brakes are more than enough for the bike it is. Very smooth and certainly faster than it looks really.
It is single speed, which together with the rod brakes (no cables) make it a truly low-maintenance bike.
As normal in a half a century old bike there is wear and tear associated to age. Original paintjob has seen better days clearly, both in frame and mudguards, but wears its patina with pride. There are rust spots also, but nothing major. Some will say it needs a respray, others would say to leave it as it is, lovely patinated.
True retro bike, with rod brakes, "old-school" cycling position and lovely details all round.
Phillips was a strong competitor for Raleigh back in the day. A big name withing the bicycle industry. Their bikes were widely exported and they had an excellent reputation for quality. Even today, there are Phillips branded bikes in some East markets.
This bike is probably from around 1950s. For many, this was a time when British cycle manufacturing was at its peak in terms of quality, craftmanship and technology (for the time, of course). Somehow this bike represents a pinnacle in the concept of "utility" bike. From the 60s the quality dropped gradually, as competition from motor car soared and bike manufacturers tried to make the bikes cheaper.
This particular example of Phillips is in an almost full original condition. Most of parts are Phillips branded, including hubs, headset and that fantastic looking crankset. Of course, frame and mudguards boast the name of the brand with the classic decals and the famous Phillips phrase "True temper steel" and "Renowed the world over"
The parts that couldn't be saved were mainly saddle and tyres. The former has been replaced by a another vintage one that matches with the personality of the bike. The original Dunlop tyres (yes, they were still on the bike, suggesting it has not many miles for a 60 years old bike) have been replaced for safety reasons by brand new Michelin World Tour ones.
The old Phillips comes serviced for the sale, including the new tyres mentioned above and all bearings regreased (headset, bottom bracket, hubs) with waterproof grease. It should be good for many more miles.
She is a very nice ride and puts a smile in your face when riding it. The cycling position feels pleasingly different for today standards, and brakes are more than enough for the bike it is. Very smooth and certainly faster than it looks really.
It is single speed, which together with the rod brakes (no cables) make it a truly low-maintenance bike.
As normal in a half a century old bike there is wear and tear associated to age. Original paintjob has seen better days clearly, both in frame and mudguards, but wears its patina with pride. There are rust spots also, but nothing major. Some will say it needs a respray, others would say to leave it as it is, lovely patinated.
