Historical information

1891 Paris - Bordeaux Cycle Race started in the Place du Pont Bastide in Bordeaux. So the name Bastide was already known to cycle enthusiasts even before the cycle manufacturer made its first iconic bicycle.The Bastide frame was built from top quality English Reynolds tubing with lugs and fittings provided by BSA. (Birmingham Small Arms Company ). Bastide, was based at Boulevard de Clichy, Paris and turned these fittings into a totally superb racer. Leon (Jack) Meredith,UK Olympic Cycling Champion, of the Constrictor Tyre Company, was responsible for importing the first Bastides and displaying them at the 1913 Olympia Cycle show where they were the sensation of the show. The Bastide, though almost as expensive as top range cycles, was fitted with a single brake and gear and no trimmings and was lighter, slimmer and faster Weight 15lb. ( 6.8Kg) Bastide stopped making frames in 1936.

Significance

Bastide was the bike that changed the style for road bikes in England for ever more after the First World War 1914-18 and this bicycle was used by Mr L Forde in Moorabbin Shire c1910

Physical description

A Racing Bicycle c1909 'BASTIDE"

Inscriptions & markings

Frame Bastide
Frame Stem ; Perfect / BUILT BY / CANADA CYCLES / & MOTOR
Gear wheel ; BSA