The Repair Shop Hawtin Bucking Bronco Bicycle

This was a fabulous project to restore at The Repair Shop. Made by the amusement arcade and machine company - Hawtin of Blackpool. Originally owned by Jon and Pat Gresham who had an extensive collection of sideshow and fairground memorabilia, that he collected during his career in the industry. As well as Jon being Europe’s youngest fire-eater, the couple were widely known as owning one of the largest private collections of coin-operated machines in the world, known as Penny Arcadia. Sadly, Jon passed away suddenly in 1994, but his legacy continued first through his wife Pat and then in the hands of close friend and fellow magician Jon Marshall.

Jon (Marshall) had discovered the novelty bike, which has no pedals, several years ago in a rundown state and it was Jon who brought it in to the Repair shop barn for restoration.

The bicycle has no chains and the rear wheel is driven by the weight of the rider which in turn drives the cranks attached to the rear wheel - thus producing a up and down effect of the rider.

The faster to go, the quicker the saddle goes up and down and hence the name, 'Bucking Bronco' and the bicycle wants to throw the rider off. 

The bicycle really was in very poor condition and had been patched up repaired in many places. Once crank had been welded and one of the wheel rims was rusted away and broken. After dismantling, all the parts where sent to be blast cleaned and then repaired ready for painting by Dom.

The original tyres where solid and needed to be replaced. I managed to find the last surviving stock of the correct size. The end result produced an colourful reminder of vintage fairground amusements.