A 1936 Malvern Star sales catalogue seems to exactly describe my bike, see specification below.

 The Cyclo derailleur was first made by Albert Raimond in France in 1924, was imported into England in 1929, and was manufactured in Birmingham in 1932. Bruce Small brought it out to Australia in 1933. Initially banned for racing because it gave "a mechanical advantage" to riders, it was eventually permitted for racing in 1936. Oppy used a Cyclo on his early record rides, both in Australia and in England. For more details see the book - The Dancing Chain by Ron Shepperd.

Cost of Cyclo gears in 1933 was £3/10/- almost 1/3 the cost of a standard Roadster bike.

Specifications
FRAME FORKS and STAYS-Molybdenum (aeroplane steel) double-butted weldless steel tubing. STEERING STEM-B.S.A. REAR FORKS-Molybdenum fluted, French drop-out ends. FRONT FORK-Molybdenum shaped "D" to round. FlTTlNGS- B.S.A.throughout. SEAT PILLAR-straight English chrome. PEDALS-Latest B.S.A.lightweight racing. SADDLE-"Terry" super-racing with genuine full grained hide top (as used by "Oppy" in world 24 hour record). HANDLE BARS-chromium-plated "Oppy" shape rail as designed and used by "Oppy", diamond extension stem and clip. HANDLE BAR GRlPS-"Kushon" 5in. racing sponge rubber. CHAIN-"Reynolds" or "Austral: REAR HUB-fitted with Cyclo 3-Speed Gear or double-sided clutch and fixed sprocket, quick release chromium-plated wing nuts. FRONT HUB-B.S.A. special racing lightweight, solid forging. RlMS-"Endrick" square section, chromium-plated, lined and centred. TYRES-"Leggets" special "Speed" translucent, guaranteed for nine months, Leggets No.1 tubes. LUBRICATION-"Tecal emit" force-feed throughout, automatic chain oiler and filler. TOE CLIPS-"Lapize" single racing. BRAKES-2 French "Bowden" special racing. TOOLBAG-De Luxe leather. TOOLS-"Tecale-emit" grease gun, B.S.A. block and cone spanners. tyre lever, repair outfit. PUMP-"Bluemels" Sterling. LOCK and CHAIN- strong and reliable. ENAMELLlNG-four coats stove-baked. latest three-tone high lustre finish, beautifully peaked and lined. All fittings heavily chromium-plated over a heavy underlay of copper.

Cost ₤14/10/0  double that of the Roadster and could be payed off at 5/- per week. Don't forget that people were still recovering from the depression, so few of these deluxe bikes were sold.

 Back                    BSA Lightweight fluted axle and lightened cones are another feature.