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JESPER SOLLING CYKELPRODUKTION arely has a bicycle been more closely associated with a single person. Mikael Pedersen, a Dane living in Dursley, England, was the restless originator. 14 separate narrow diameter thin-wall tubes, connecting in 57 places to make 21 triangles. The Pedersen 'space frame' combines lightness and strength. About 8000 Dursley Pedersens were produced around the turn of the century. They were luxuriously finished and practically custom-built for the owner. High quality Pedersens are again available to connoisseurs of distinguished cycles. They are made (fittingly) in Denmark, by Jesper Soiling, a man who matches, in his own way, the eccentricity and unconventionality of Pedersen himself. Jesper began making Pedersens in 1978, and has refined the design over the years. The frame and hammock saddle follow the original design, but otherwise appropriate
back problems. The rider's weight keeps the whole frame in balanced tension. The original Pedersen saddles were woven from 45 yards of silk cord. An adjustable buckle varies saddle tension, and the rear stays have limited height adjustment. Frames come in four sizes, to fit almost any adult. There is an 'R1(Royal Large) version, which is a 'copy' of Pedersen's 1906 model, featuring the Royal handlebar, with the handlebar brazed to the stem. This gives an even more upright riding position and is available on request (nickel-plated or powdercoated) for other size Pedersens. The small Pedersen shown here is fitted with a Royal handlebar. All nuts and bolts are stainless steel, and there are braze-ons for a low-rider rack. The fully equipped version features Vredestein Monte-Carlo semi-slick tyres with reflective side-walls, and attractive Woodguards (illustrated). It also has Alesa 917 hollow-section black anodised rims. Also welcome is the Bumm Secutec LCD dynamo rear light, which stays on when you stop. Jesper and his three co-workers make around 700 Pedersens a year, most of which are sold in Germany. The production base has moved from Copenhagen to Ebeltoft, so that production costs can be lowered. Right: Pedersen made tandem versions, well portrayed in this recent woodcut by English artist, David Eccles. Further details are on pages 176-178 Below: A small-framed Pedersen, made for a rider five-foot tall. (1.5m)
The triumph of the triangle
modern components are used. The makers equip Pedersens where-ever possible with European parts, feeling that they are just as good as components from the Far East. The modern Pedersen has the stately feel of a longwheelbase roadster, with no compromise in terms of weight and performance. The pedalling action causes a slight sideways swing in the saddle position, which is a small price to pay for the added comfort, and is of little consequence. The comfort of the hammock saddle is central to the whole design. It supports an upright riding position, cushioning road shocks: excellent for cyclists with
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Jesper Selling
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