Bantam Bicycle
Mr. I. W. Boothroyd, proprietor of the Crypto Cycle Co., Ltd., continued his enthusiastic advocacy of front driving for bicycles and in 1894 introduced the 'Bantam.'
No. 24. 'Alpha Bantam,' made by the Crypto Cycle Co. Ltd., 47 Farringdon Road, London, E.C., 1896. This marks the last of a series of attempts to maintain the popularity of front driving against the irresistible advance of chain drive on the rear wheel, Mr. I. W. Boothroyd being the most persistent advocate of the former system, vide his association with the 'Facile,' 'Geared Facile,' 'Geared Ordinary,' 'Front Driver,' and three types of 'Bantam,' of which the Alpha marks the final development.
As Mr. Boothroyd says in his letter which is attached to this exhibit: "The chain-driven rear-driving bicycle, which ultimately became universal." Presented by the late H. E. Grist, F.O.T.C. Weight 29.5 lbs. [1]