Lea-Francis Owners' Club
Lea-Francis Bicycle

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The Lea-Francis Bicycle remains a design and commercial production has not been undertaken.

According to the Official Entry, the designer states that:

"The bicycle represents a 'from the ground up' development of the frame, drive train and suspension system (patents applied for). Its form expresses the new freedom in design achievable by utilising leading edge technologies in composite manufacture.

The Carbon fibre moulding process (patented) was developed to overcome the traditional drawbacks of utilising composite technologies for bicycle manufacture.

It is a low maintenance recreational bicycle. It is foldable for transport and storage. The ride characteristics can be substantially changed by fitting various selections of running gear and suspension components.

The styling is a substantial departure from currently available products and expresses the individuality of its proprietary construction and manufacturing process. The bicycle will be stable mates with a range of high performance sports cars manufactured by Lea Francis Cars. Traditional means of adjusting the bicycle to fit the rider are provided. The semi suspended rear wheel provides reduced impact with a resultant increase in rider comfort. Weight reduction improves ride quality, handling and efficiency. Gear change controls have been chosen to provide intuitive operation and visual and tactile feedback.

Brief as given by client to designer: To design a bicycle with highly individual and stylish forms and develop a manufacturing technique utilising high performance composite materials which overcomes the traditional manufacturing drawbacks of this technology. To provide features which are meaningful to recreational cyclists particularly comfort and low maintenance. To design a bicycle the overall look, feel and performance of which is compatible with the company’s sports cars."

The design is certainly attractive and doubtless would appeal to Lea-Francis owners as, of course, Lea-Francis first produced high quality (if expensive) bicycles before they ventured into motorised vehicle production.