c.1923 Mercedes Racing Bicycle

A rare Mercedes racing bicycle from c.1923. V pointed steering head on the frame with brass head-badge reading: 'Beste deutsche Marke - Mercedes - Patentamilich geschultz'. The bicycle is in the style of classic long wheelbase racers of this era and rides fast. Original 700c wooden rims with recently new tyres, Sachs 'Torpedo' rear coaster single speed and brass Wing nutted quick release front hub. Rat trap wide pedals and half inch pitch fluted crankset. The handlebars mirror the V shaped head tube of the frame and are fitted with cork grips. A front plunger (Kolbenbremse) brake is operated from the left side of the handlebars on to the top of the front wheel. The saddle is a leather 'Underslung' long racing saddle. 

Altogether the bicycle has a fantastic presence. Mercedes produced many other objects other than cars. Typewriters being one of them!. As far as I understand, the company produced bicycles for only 2 years. 1923 and 1924

and produced approximately 27,000 bicycles. This bicycles frame number is M16860.

The only surviving Mercedes bicycles I have seen reference too, have a different head badge in the form of the 3 pointed star. This particular bike has the ornate engraved brass badge! 

The bicycle is an older restoration and is ready to ride, display and enjoy.