Ken’s Elswick-Hopper Sovereign Centenary Ten Speed – Long History, Longer Name

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Ken in London sent me his Elswick Sovereign Centenary Edition 10-Speed. In his message below, he indicates his original intention was to convert it to a fixed gear. I am gracious he has spared the Elswick to this point, and I am elated to see he would even consider forgoing the conversion in favor of good old fashion 10-speed rehabilitation. I am, however, a little disappointed he must be pressured by us in order to do the right thing! So what-da-ya-say we derail his intended conversion? Express your ten speed love to Ken so that he may see the light.

Ken's Elswick-Hopper Sovereign 10-Speed

Ken's Elswick-Hopper Sovereign 10-Speed

Ken Said:
My OTS but I should own up as I acquired it, for free, with a view to converting to fixed. The bike was manufactured by Elswick-Hopper on of the many names from the golden age of UK cycling that now only exists in the hands of collectors or rotting in sheds and garages. This particular bike is a Sovereign, which was manufactured in 1980 to commemorate the centenary of the founding of the company. I guess that only just creeps into OTSG territory but, hey, the bike is nearly 30 years old so I hope you will allow me some leeway.

It is a ten-speed model with downtube shifters and pretty much original apart from the mudguards (fenders) which have been replaced by a set of white ones. I believe the originals were chromed. as a commemorative model it has a lovely gold colour scheme which is still in quite good order and the bike runs quite well considering it was lying semi-abandoned in a back garden and had several years growth of creepers entwined round the frame. Although the condition looked poor I have been able to ride the bike after a simple clean and lubrication and pumping up the tyres.

That’s it from me. Enjoy my offering and if there is sufficient pressure from your viewers I may yet change my mind and restore it to its original glory or simply pass it on to someone else to do the work as the frame is slightly too small for me, hence seeing it pictured with the seat post at it maximum length rather than a classical bottomed out position.

Ken
London
England

Notes:
Ken’s Elswick is a cousin, by marriage, to another ten-speed here – the Falcon Team Banana. Falcon and Elswick-Hopper merged in 1982 and became Elswick-Falcon Cycles; a short time later they dropped the Elswick from the name.
Falcon Cycles Website
Ken, as a 1980 model, I would consider your Elswick smack dab in the middle of the OTSG crosshairs.

Thanks for your contribution Ken.

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  4. Fishface’s Team Banana-Falcon (Heavyweight)
  5. James’ Free Spirit Ten Speed
  • http://OldTenSpeedGallery Wooden Shoe Biker

    Ken’s commentary is so well composed. His bike is truly a classic and should be kept as such. Even if a rider uses but two of the 10 speeds it is still a classic. Unless the equipment is in super poor repair keep it a piece of the U.K. golden era of bicycle history. I have a 1973 Lady’s Raleigh Roadster 3 speed with rod brakes and can’t touch the classic only ride it and entertain others / always a conversation piece as well as utilitarian. The Smithsonian Museum needs antique’s. Convert a lesser bike not this one. Thanks in advance.