Frames - Higgins
Higgins ‘K’ Type Tricycle-built 1953-
This very rare Higgins ‘K’ Type Tricycle was built for Bruce Kingsford of Cheltenham in 1953.
After his death in 1956 it was donated, on his instructions, by the Tricycle Association to Scope at Kelvedon, Essex.
Over the years it fell into disuse; and it was rescued from an Essex scrap yard in 1988 by Alan Warne of Elmstead Market, Essex.
Through 2003 Paul restored and rebuilt the ‘K’ type to its former glory, with the invaluable help of Higgins authority Chris Hewitt of Chris Hewitt Cycles, Harpenden.
Much of the original equipment has been retained, including the rear Bluemels guard, handlebars, bell, levers, Williams chainset, Sturmey Archer three speed gears, and the Middlemores 3 spring saddle.
The absence of a top tube results in rather a ‘whippy’ ride, which is accentuated by the sprung saddle. It is an interesting thought to be sitting in the saddle of a cyclist born in 1868.
More details of Kendrick Tricycles and an article by Alf Layzell - "On two wheels in front" can be found on the Kendrick page.
The only other known ‘K’ type is in the Cycle Museum at Benson, Oxfordshire.
Tricycles by Higgins Cycles London (Register of Higgins Tricycles) compiled by Chris Hewitt
The third edition of Chris Hewitt's Register of Higgins Cycles has just been published with details of 118 bicycles and 373 tricycles, a brief history of the marque, photos of a wide range of machines, axle diagrams and the register of current owners and machines from 1933 to 1966. A must read for all owners and trike enthusiasts alike, copies are available for £6.00 plus £1.00 P & P (UK) from Chris Hewitt, I Coleswood Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 1EF. Telephone 01582 763622.
