Description
The Auto-Wheel is a fine example of Mr Wall’s design, even if this 1914 version was originally built at the BSA factory as a ‘De Luxe’ model.
The Wall Auto-Wheel was designed for use by cyclists so that they could continue to accompany their friends on their bicycles but who had become much faster than they were. It takes most of the effort out of cycling on the level and, the only time when pedalling effort is required, is ascending hills to aid the engine. It is ideal for riding on local lanes at about 20mph and when not going too far in much the same way as modern e-bikes are used today.
This particular machine was probably owned from new by Edith Frith, a nurse working in London, and used by her to visit patients around London during the Great War. After the war, about 1920, she moved to Stroud in Gloucestershire, and when the buff logbooks were issued in 1921, it appears that she took the Wall with her. It next changed hands in 1941 and then in 1973, when it moved to neighbours. I saw it advertised in a local Stroud newspaper and went to view it in Cam, near Dursley, where a family member told me that the last owner had died. It was sold to me as just the wheel and the sub-frame mounting, which I then fitted to an appropriate bicycle and used it in local social runs and cyclemotor events.
It is easy to ride, a willing starter and a 'cruising' speed' of about 18mph. A gentle incline can be ascended without pedal assistance, but hills usually slow the motor down when the rider can help the motor by applying gentle pedal assistance. Steeper hills may require a rider dismount and pushing uphill with the valve lifter used so that the engine will just turn over but not run.
The width of the bicycle and attachment is such that it can be loaded into a van using a scaffold plank. This Auto-Wheel has not done much mileage in its life so there has been very little maintenance required. The only adjustment that a new owner may have to do is raise or lower the saddle. The leather saddle on the machine is quite firm and I usually ride with a 'comfort' saddle, which I will include. I still have the original front number plate, which fitted in front of the headlamp.
I tend to use it mainly for riding in Cycle Motor events organised by the VMCC because they provide flat country lanes to ride on.
