The Singer Cycle Company of Coventry
(UK) was first formed in 1875 when George Singer left
Coventry Machinist to set up his own business. Singer
then produced the worlds first safety cycle and in
addition, George Singer also patented the curving
of the front forks of a bicycle to aid steering. (A
feature still found in modern bicycles) This innovation
helped turn Singer into the world's largest cycle
manufacturer.
In 1901 Singer obtained the manufacturing
rights of the Perks and Birch motor wheel and from
it made a front wheel drive tricycle in which the
engine was fitted within the wheel. Singer then began
to adapt and improve upon the design producing much
more conventional 3-wheelers that amongst other changes
used a steering wheel rather than handlebars.
Bike
Image
Description
1901 Singer
four-stroke.
1901 Singer Tricycle
1905 Singer
The Singer Tricars of 1905 were powered
by either a 6 hp or a 9 hp water cooled
engine that was produced by Riley which
helped the Singer perform well in Time Trials
and competitions. Ironically using the Riley
engine made the Singer 3-wheeler one of
Riley's main rivals in competitions. In
1905 Singer had produced their first 4-wheeled
car and so their 3-wheelers were manufactured
up until 1907 when production turned completely
to the 4-wheeler. This picture was kindly
provided by www.3wheelers.com.
