BSA “Extra-Piste”

Ca. 1908

11.80kg

57.5cm

As a manufacturer of bicycle components and complete bicycles, BSA (for Birmingham Small Arms Company) was a benchmark for quality in the cycling world around 1900. At that time, England was a world leader in industry and in the production of high-performance steel.

Back then, track cycling was one of the most popular sports in Western Europe. Most manufacturers offered a “track” model in their lineup. Equipped with a fixed gear, no brakes, and a high gear ratio, these bikes were designed for racing on the many velodromes that existed at the time.

This « ‘Extra-Piste’ style bicycle, manufactured entirely with BSA parts and components features a very short frame and a downward-sloping top tube, giving it an excellent weight-to-stiffness ratio.

• Frame:
  • Very downward sloping top tube (2'' drop from seat to top steering lugs)
  • Very short chainstays for maximum stiffness
  • "D" shape seatstays and chainstays. Removable chainstays
  • High bottom bracket (32.5cm from ground to BB axle)
  • Chain tensioning via eccentrics, BSA patent
• Fork and steering:
  • Very narrow double-plate fork crown
  • Modified headset (originally with a BSA collar clamp)
  • 40cm c-to-c handlebar
• Drivetrain:
  • Narrow crankset (113mm axle / 37mm chainline)
  • 177.5mm cranks c-to-c
  • 52T/16T fixed gear drivetrain. Gear ratio of 7.25m
• Wheels:
  • 700A Westwood rims. 40 spokes rear, 32 front
  • Front and rear BSA hubs
  • BERGOUGNAN Le Gaulois tires, 700x32A in light grey color
• Accessories:
  • Brooks saddle
  • BSA pedals