History

Chater-Lea is founded in London by William Chater-Lea, aged 31. Acquiring his engineering skills as an apprentice at Linley and Biggs, he becomes increasingly interested in bicycles after riding the Whippet to first place in the Catford Hill climb, the world’s oldest bike race, in 1888, 1889 and 1891. Operating from a workshop in Clerkenwell London, William produces bicycle fittings and components, initially passing orders for frames to other manufacturers. 

Chater-Lea produces its first bicycle frames, focusing on lightweight bikes for the clubman and fast riders on road and path. Its first patent is a domed spring cap to fill the open end of front fork blades. The growing firm moves to larger premises in the Clerkenwell / Shoreditch EC1 area of London, first to Great Sutton Street and then a year later to Golden Lane.

Chater-Lea produces its first motorcycles. Production continues until 1936, interrupted only by the Great War of 1914-18. Initially building to order using whatever engine the customer specifies, the motorcycle business flourishes.

Fitness for purpose rather than choice for the sake of choice is a central tenet from the founding of the company, as this range of handlebars manufactured in 1901 attests.

As early as 1904, pedals become a regular part of the Chater-Lea product portfolio. Instantly recognizable and in production throughout the company's life, they are amongst its most iconic products.

Each bicycle component designed and manufactured by Chater-Lea quickly establishes itself as the best in class. Its drive train components are advanced, reliable and instantly recognisable.

Chater-Lea’s first production car, the Carette, is manufactured. This 6hp air-cooled two-seater uses a chain drive to the rear wheels. Renowned for their innovation and quality, cars are produced until 1922. Many survive and are seen at track days. 

Chater-Lea moves to a purpose built factory at 74-84 Banner Street, where the sign is still distinguishable above the main entrance. It operates from these premises until the mid 1920s, producing bicycle components, bicycles, motorbikes and cars.

Chater-Lea’s products lead the way during the inter-war years, often cited as the golden age of British cycling. Their parts are exported globally and can be found on record-breaking bikes, including the Iver Johnson ridden by the first African-American world champion Major Taylor.

Dougal Marchant sets a new land speed record at 100mph on a 350cc Chater-Lea motorcycle at Brooklands. Later the same year he sets a new World Record Flying Kilometre for 350cc and 500cc motorcycles for the firm at 102.9mph. Dougal joined Chater-Lea in the early 1920s as a development engineer and racer as the company sought to develop their touring image into a sportier one.

William Chater-Lea dies, and the business is taken over by his sons John and Bernard. The following year the company relocates to a large purpose built factory in Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire.

Chater-Lea hubs are globally renowned for the disc adjusting mechanism and the sweet running of the bearing. Their hubs have many advantages over the then-standard cup and cone type, including using larger size balls and larger diameter ball races for easier running without the weight.

Chater-Lea diversifies production to support the war effort while maintaining its bicycle component manufacture. Among many items produced between 1939 and 1945 are components for the de Havilland Mosquito. When Mosquito production begins in 1941, it is one of the fastest operational aircraft in the world. No airplane flies as many different kinds of missions and performs as well as the Mosquito.

The company resumes production, initially focusing exclusively on bicycle components. The immediate post-war period see a new boom in cycling for leisure and sport, giving birth to many of the UK’s now legendary handmade bicycle companies. Chater-Lea components again adorn arguably the most beautiful bicycles of any era.

Widespread adoption of the car drives a major downturn in cycling. Chater-Lea begins to struggle, branching out as a contract manufacturer to aircraft and motor firms.

Fighting throughout the 1970s and 1980s to regain its former position, Chater-Lea goes into bankruptcy. The business secures no offers and is placed into administration so its outstanding debts can be paid down. The company is finally wound up in 2002.

An Anglo-American team of cycling enthusiasts revives the legendary brand, working to balance past and future, old and new, tradition and transformation.