Finlay Brothers history site - 1940's Barb bicycle still owned by original family

Finlay Brothers history site

Barb Gallery

Preserving the bicycle and
motorcycle heritage of
Finlay Brothers, Elizabeth St
Melbourne, 1900-1961.

Barb pace bicycle
Built for speed...
A Barb returns to the M.C.G.
A Sprung Frame Barb with a 'Cyclo' derailleur
A Barb with a concealed rear brake cable (through the top tube)
A restored Sprung Frame Barb
"The Roy" - A one of a kind?
UPDATED - 1930's Barb restoration project
Barb frame to be restored
"The Mighty Barb"
Barb Roadster
1940's Ladies Barb bicycle
1940's Barb bicycle still owned by original family
1934 Barb bicycle - dated by its Williams cranks
Sprung Frame Barb - rear suspension
Sprung Frame Barb - front and rear suspension
Barb bicycle head badge

1940's Barb bicycle still owned by original family

This 1940’s Barb bicycle has been owned by the one family, since its purchase in Bendigo in around 1944.

It was ridden extensively by its owner from his boarding house in Bendigo, to his work as an apprentice at the Bendigo Ordinance Factory. Sometimes the bicycle would even be ridden the 26km trip between his workplace and the family home at Harcourt North.

Certainly this bicycle’s history strongly illustrates an era when cycling was a primary (and essential) mode of transport for so many people.

This bicycle has now been passed to the owner’s son, and is being rebuilt with a future view to being in fully rideable condition.

The Barb’s original owner (now in his eighties), has recorded the story of its early life (see below) and we are very proud to display this within the website. With time, we also hope to be able to add more photographs of future restoration progress.

With many thanks to the owner of this bicycle for help in preparing the description and providing the great photographs.

Barb Gallery