A suspended bottom bracket cradled by the surrounding tubes, this Thanet Superlight demonstrates radical 1950s bike design
A clubman's bike designed, with a bit of flair, for long days out in the saddle
In December 1950, the Thanet Silverlight arrived at P.S. Wells of Crawley, likely a rare sight during the coldest December since 1890. This bike, a sought-after clubman's machine, would have been kept under wraps until the following spring if its owner had to navigate the 22-mile route to Brighton pier in such cold weather. The Silverlight embodies a bold design from its inception, as it was crafted in the spirit of lightweight WWII aircraft frames.
Its founder, Les Cassel, aimed to enhance traditional diamond-shaped frames by optimizing bracing, incorporating Hellenic seatstays and, most strikingly, a suspended bottom bracket. This unique feature, achieved through narrow-gauge Accles & Pollock Kromo chrome molybdenum tubing, allowed for slim primary tubes. While the bike's innovations resulted in increased strength, early failures were noted due to additional lugs being added to the bottom bracket area in later iterations.
Despite its limited production between 1945 and 1958, the Silverlight was priced at an affordable £46 12s 6d in its time, equivalent to around £1,500 today.
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