Behold one of only 50 Guvnor Plus Fours ever made. You cannot buy this bicycle anymore, you can only look at it. Chances are you’ll never see one in the wild. Chances are you’ll never ride a bicycle with four gears and no obvious means of changing them. Chances are you’ll never be so torn between riding and admiring.
At horizontal, kick this plate with your heel to change gear on the Speed-Drive
And / or back pedal 15% to change gear in the Sachs Duomatic hub
Click to marvel at the full gear change instructions
Remember the early Guvnor press shots? The glorious wingnuts finally make their appearance
No one else in the world has this number plate
Well, it would be rude not to take it for a gentle spin
A great many thanks go to the Simon, the owner of Plus Four 4/50, whose kindly submitted photographs are reproduced here.
Endnote: since receiving these photos this bicycle has already become enmeshed in an unexpected adventure of sorts. We have an intriguing follow up story to tell, but it is yet to fully unfold.
Watch this space.
{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }
Would be good to see something similar for the 3-speed. Any owners out there?
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
’tis the cruelest of posts–to see what ye shall never have. Alas…
I would love to send pictures of my 3-speed but I dont’ know how…
On topic: This bicycle is sooo beautiful! I was always wondering how the gear change would work. Thanks for this post and the pictures.
Yep,
at last!! Real shots of that mythic bicycle.It’s a dream for all of us.
Personally I’don’t like very much the pedals system (I hope you understand what I want to say) which is to small but it’s a very sophisticated sytem and I would like try it in an another life.
All other parts and colours are wonderfull.
Thank you for that chronicle.
A beautiful creation alright.
I want that ‘Guvnor’ bar badge, and the wingnuts. Are they available from the factory does anyone know ?
I have brought forward the delivery date of my 3 speed Guvnor to this Thursday because I can’t wait any longer !!
Happy to send some pics in when he arrives. How do I do it ?
@Andrew: The wingnuts are great but you can’t use them on your rear wheel because of the 3-speed system.
You can see pictures of my 3-speed on my Flickr page:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nmarse/sets/72157622822184874/
Nils, I love your pictures, love the grips rather than the tape affair i have.
The Plus Four gears are an acquired taste, how are the 3 speed? My dream to have a bike with a perfect gears.
Hi Simon, congratulations with your bike! I think we all envy you…
The 3-speed changes gears like a knife through butter (Dutch saying) but… it has to be correctly adjusted to the millimeter. On my first ride I noticed the sound of the chain/sprocket. After adjusting just a mm. the sound was gone and the gear changes were perfect. After a couple of rides I had to adjust it again. I think the manual says it’s normal during run-in. Let’s hope the manual is right.
I’m actualy a single speed kind of guy but I ordered the 3-speed because I like simplicity and looks of the SA system. Too bad there’s a modern type gear changer on it and not an old-style full metal changer.
Nils
I bet the Guv’nor is perfect for Holland and all that flatness. Plenty of crazy Dutchies riding all sorts of mad bikes, you’d fit right in with the Guv. Girlfriends dad has a place in Holland and love the bike culture, I cant believe the prices for your bikes though.
Thanks Nils for the link to your 3-speed photos, excellent as ever. So glad to hear the change is smooth.
I had been slightly disappointed by the look of the gear change lever too, but Nils with your track record I can see you installing something more appropriate in no time!
Andrew, congratulations on your purchase, please do let us know how it goes when you take your first ride.
And Simon, thanks again. We all owe you!
I own 01-50..picked it up today…
“the love of beauty is taste,the creation of beauty is art”
wanted to say thanks for letting me enjoy the beautiful English landscapes,the history,the nice people I get to meet while Im here for 2 more years until my family returns to the states.hope to see some of you on the roads,Happy trails to all:)
INFADELL187
Keith
Welcome to the club, how are you finding the gear changing?
S
Keith,
Fantastic news. Please let us know how your first rides go, and if you have any photos too they’d be most welcome! Have sent you an email…
James
Hello,
for your information two little things:
- I have some mails with a Frenchie working at Pashley’s staff ( Bryce Benat Development Engineer) who say to me that is better to change gear stopping pedaling a few.
-I put MKS Sylvan Touring rat trap Pedals (30 GBP) which are a little larger than the MKS Sylvan Stream rat trap selling with the Guvnor.I have bought this new pedals at “The old Bicycle Company” (Essex).
It’s really more comfortable especially with town shoes.
Please excuse my bad English.
Many thanks Ian, just to clarify:
Did M. Benat recommend waiting a short moment before changing gear? I presume this refers to the Speed-Drive which could potentially be changed with a sharp kick while still pedaling.
Keith, Simon, any insight?
Ian, your English is far better than my French! And a good suggestion about the Sylvan Touring pedal, thank you.
The Owner’s Manual of the 3-speed says:
“To ensure smooth gear changing, it is best to stop pedalling for a moment whilst operating the gear shifter. Attempts to shift under load may cause damage to the gear system. If the bike is stationary simply select the gear required. To reduce the strain on your bicycle and yourself, select a low gear before setting off.”
I bet it’s the same with the Plus Four.
With the Plus Four you pretty much have to stop pedalling, you kick back or either have to make a specific horizontal change. Most gearing systems require some sort of pause to prevent unnecessary wear or am I just old now!
Yes,
just à little stop pushing the button gear of the 3 speed in the same time.
In the action I don’t execute it well at all time and the result is,sometimes,a bad “cranck” and….. I suffer.
I felt like I was flying a spitfire..the feel of real british steel is amazing!..I rode on base(RAF LAKENHEATH) with a smile from ear to ear.
it’s has been awhile since I have had a bike with a coaster brake.I have never owned own with a front hub brake,but in no time,I was getting more and more comfortable using both.combined with bigger rims then Im ever use to,it just felt like it was all melted together perfectly. seemed to “float” over big bump’s and the small one’s,seemed none existant.The brook’s saddle is new and stiff,but will break-in time(I’m thinking of having it etched with a beautiful design latter)
The shifting,a little stiff also .in time ,I espect it to be smooth as butter…only issue I had (and I believe that this is to my own ignorance honestly)was the little cap’s that cover the nut’s(the B.B.) that you tap with your heel’s to shift up or down,unscrewed itself and came off,but I caught it in time.perhap’s just need’s a dash of lock-tight.but I has read in a few post up,I can see why it’s better to make your shifts at a stop and if you could imagine that if you tried to shift the crank’s while you WERE pedaling and DIDNT do it while it was in the HORIZNTAL POSTION coasting along,not pedaling(crank arm’s)as stated above,your heel would cause the cover’s to loosen up in time.
I could see to use 1st and 2nd gear’s for the hill’s etc but honestly,I started out in 3rd and upshift to 4th and just cruised along.for the time being.
Don’t be fooled by the look of that small chain ring.I had owned a high-end,27spd road bike and it felt to me as if the PLUS FOUR was geared a little higher(4th gear).the weight of the bike surprised me,it honestly felt very,very lite.
from the hand built frame,to the brass lug’s,to the leather saddle and simple yet effective brake’s.the simplicity,as far as you can get with a 2-speed hub and 2-speed crank.I love my bike and have no regret’s,well maybe just one,that I didnt have this year’s ago:(
I have thought that down the road perhap’s some wooden fender’s and a panner set,as in the ROADSTER model,for touring.
while this bike look’s like it should be just looked at and admired,I promise,it will be ridden,even if the condition’s outside might seem to dictate differently.
sorry for no picture’s of her as of yet,like Isaid,she doesn’t seem to like to sit still enough to take any so far:)
I hope,through this site,I will be able to meet other PASHLEY OWNER’S and hear there tales and better yet,go riding with;) (before I leave this country in 2 year’s and head back to the USA)
HAPPY TRAIL’S to all!
PASHLEY GUVNOR PLUS FOUR 01-50
CHEER’S!
INFADELL187
Keith,
A wonderful tale, thank you! I know exactly what you mean about the smile…and I’m sure we’ll all meet and ride (and smile) together some day soon.
Regards mudguards (fenders), just pointing you to Sogreni of Copenhagen who do the best that I know of (wood, alloy, copper, brass):
http://www.sogreni.dk/Mudguards.php
And a picture of a double top tube Guvnor with some (unknown) wooden mudguards:
http://www.ecovelo.info/2008/07/13/one-more-guvnor/
Many thanks for taking the time to write, I’m so delighted for you!
James
Hmm, those brass mudguards may work well with the Plus Four, no doubt quite a bit of weight though
contacted PASHLEY..there going to send me my missing wingnut’s ASAP..
customer service seem’s to be pretty good :)..now,wich bike to get the wife?
any idea’s?
I sometimes use the SA 3 speed hubs in “preselector” mode. Probably not the maker’s intended use! And it only works going from 1 to 2 to 3 (not down the gears). If you keep the pedalling effort up, the gears wont change. So you can pedal off from the lights, flick into 2, but keep accelerating in 1st. When ready, momentarily ease off the pedalling pressure, and 2nd engages. A very smooth exercise, almost automatic, and no loud gnashing of teeth as heard from the derailleured half-cousins. Done it for years without any obvious deleterious effect to said hub.
Love the Guv, guvs.
I have built a very similar bike from an old 20s BSA frame, 28″ wheels, unencumbered by brake cables, and halted only by spectacularly worn and ineffective Eadie coaster hub… and a little prayer.
It is in storage in NZ whilst I winter in the UK, but next year it is to be fitted with an old Major Taylor stem to complete the look, whence it shall be known as ‘The Major’ – sorry, Guv.
On further inspection of the photos at the top of this thread, I am alarmed at the amount of unengaged thread visible inside the wingnut – is this wheel secured safely? Did the Plus Four come with wingnuts or are these an aftermarket accessory? If so, please make sure your wheel will not part ways with you at speed..
Al
A fair comment but doesn’t seem to be a problem, they do screw on quite tightly and I’m keeping an eye on it for sure!
I still want that ‘Guvnor’ bar badge !
I wrote to the factory but the politely told me they couldn’t supply any.
I love my Guv, but would like to add a Pashley specific decal to the top or downtube and love that brass looking one.
Andrew
Andrew,
Am working on some club-specific items which you may appreciate. Pencilled in for launch in March…stay tuned!
James
Hello there,
I am writing from Bobbin Bicycles of Angel, Islington.
We have more than one example of the Pashley Guv’nor Plus-4 in stock and available now. Have a peek on the website.
Better still, come in and have a look at the brass and four speed wonder in all its glory.
Ted
Hi Just put my order in for a 3 speed Guvnor.Not sure of the delivery date but cant wait.Wanted to treat myself to something special as I hit 50 in February.Going to spend some of my year end bonus.They look so different to anything else on the market.What do they ride like?Are they hard work?.Hope the weather gets better soon as I dont want to ride on the wet salty roads.
Ted, in the chaotic run up to Christmas I neglected to thank you for the fantastic heads up. Any Plus Fours left now?
Chris, great news for you! The Guvnor rides very well indeed, well enough for a man to start a blog and a club about it; in fact obliged to do so through the sheer pleasure thrust upon him by the bicycle’s charms.
It is however different, if you are used to a modern machine. Technically it may be less efficient, but you don’t set out on a Guvnor in a hurry. Instead it sets out with you on board, and once you’ve let go a bit you’ll find unison, dignity and remarkable punch if desired.
Let us know when you take ownership.
Thanks for the advice.Once I saw the bike I just had to have one.Most of my friends and family think I am bonkers !.I have only had modern road bikes so I know its going to be different type of ride.Is there really a waiting list for the Guvnor?.I have also been looking at the Pashley web site almost every day, when will they release the accessories for the Guvnor? I would like a set of the appropriate lights and some type of saddle bag for carrying a few essentials.
Chris
I don’t think that Pashley have specific accessories for the Guv’nor, I’m keeping an eye our for the £199 handlebar bag…although its a bit steep to be honest
There are apparently accessories in the works, but the last I heard there was no firm release date set, nor any further details than could be found in the sparse and long-since-updated Pashley Guvnor accessories page:
http://www.pashley.co.uk/guvnor/accessories.html
My preferred accessories would include:
-Mounting for the existing Roadster/Princess headlamp
-Mudguards
-A diamond shaped leather frame bag
-Wingnuts
-General spares (cables, levers, nuts, bolts etc)
Me too for the wingnuts !..and the plus 4 ‘Guvnor’ badges.
Chris, You’ll find the Guvnor a completely differebt ride t nay other bike, Its actually very liberating. attached is a link to my other bikes but the Guvnor encourages you to amble, and admire your surroundings as opposed to wearing lycra and riding against the clock. You also need to be prepared for all the admiring glances and comments.
I use mine as I would a vintage car
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44760589@N05/
You’ll love it when you get it !
It’s great to see the enthusiam for this machine – I got Plus 4 No7 just before Christmas (from Bobbin Bicycles) and can confirm all that is said. After the modern machinery this is just so smooth to ride. Some would call the gears quirky but that’s just part of its character, I love it. Now, where’s the summer for cruising?
Congratulations Brett! So glad to hear of another happy owner. Look forward to tackling the gears myself one day too.
Note: as of today I can confirm there is at least one other available (No13) in Velorution. And Bobbin’s website says that No6 is still available too…
Ah, my pictures are getting elsewhere http://limitedhype.com/2009/12/pashley-guvnor/ and google images pops up with a few too.
Simon, I know. Good for the Guvnor, but little benefit to you. I dropped Limited Hype a line asking what they were doing, and the best they would do is a link back to here, and it doesn’t even work! Very slightly better than nothing I suppose.
The other option is watermarks, would rather not do this but there may be a way to incorporate a subtle design.
James, all good…I would expect the [Photo Source] link to work though, more the merrier on this site :)
Mine’s on that site too !!…..2nd photo down.
I must sort that fence out !!
To all you ‘Plus Four’ owners and others who may be interested about coaster brake operation and use, take a look at: http://www.ctc.org.uk/resouces/Training_and_Education/Back_Pedal_Brakes.pdf
Regards and safe riding…….Geoff.
Oooops! sorry should be: http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Training_and_Education/Back_Pedal_Brakes.pdf
Enjoying the site.
Have a shot in a fashion story i did for next issue of Esquire’s Big Black Book with a young chap in old school summer clothing and astride a Guv’nor. Thought you might like to see it and maybe include it on the site ( I saw you featured a lovely Alexei Lubomirski shot). Where should i send it?
Best
Nick Sullivan
Editor
Esquire’s Big Black Book (USA)
(and Guv’nor fancier)
Cheers Nick, great you could drop by. Have dropped you an email…
Hi Guys,
Love the posts on this site. I have just come across a Plus Four to buy in Australia and have to act quickly without being able to see or ride it in person. I would really appreciate it if some owners (particularly Simon and Keith) could answer a few quick questions for me? Ones i can’t seem to find answers for anywhere else…
I plan to use this Plus Four for a daily commute in Sydney. The trip is about 6 miles each way, 60 per week, and involves some significant hills (not sure how to describe them but imagine something in-between the Cotswolds and the Lake District) and descents. I don’t need to be the fastest, but the bike would have a very practical job in my life:
Is this bike suitable? Sure i love the look and idea of it but unfortunately don’t have room in my life for a Sunday Tourer. That is, will the lowest gears accommodate steep hills? And do you think the bike and mechanisms will stand up to these types of miles – distance plus pressure applied?
What does it weigh?
Do the brakes handle steepish descents?
Any way of describing the riding position? Is it more upright like a touring/hybrid/urban bike, or is it more like a road bike in the coasting (non aggressive) position- please excuse my lack of vernacular!
Am i out of my mind for even considering it?
Any light you could shed (and quickly!) would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers, and keep up the great support you have going here.
Travis
Travis, good luck on your venture. Looks like you do need a Plus Four owner to answer most of your questions, but this may be of help:
You can see from here the weights of the regular models:
http://www.guvnorownersclub.com/forum/the-public-house/the-weight-of-your-guvnor-is/
Will it stand up to it? Yes. I ride a (single speed) Guvnor 12 miles a day and have done for almost 2 years. Should you commute on a precious Plus Four? That’s up to you…
If it helps your estimation, the regular 3 speed has the following gear inches and ratios:
44″, 59″, 78″, / 0.75:1, 1:1, 1.33:1
One imagines the Plus Four covers a similar range at least.
As for the riding position, it’s very flexible, in no small part because of the North Road bars and their multiple angle possibilities. Off the (brass) peg I think you would describe it as upright (but miles off ‘sit up and beg’).
Best of luck, and of course let us know what happens. By the way, what number (of 50) is this Plus Four?
James
James,
Thank you so much for that! Very useful. I’m actually not sure of the number yet… It’s being sold by someone (well, actually someone’s mother) who came back to Australia from the UK recently and is apparently reluctantly selling it for financial reasons. It’s still in the unopened box and they’re selling it that way: hence the not being able to try it myself or knowledge of the serial number! I’ll let you know if it comes off…
With the knowledge of the probable lowest gear ratio that you’ve mentioned, tomorrow I’ll try my hills on a friends’ bike in a gear that matches to see if it’s doable.
My only delimma (if that works out ok) after that you’ve articulated; Is it a sin to ride a precious Plus Four as a commuter? I only have room in my life (aka hallway) for one bike, which means either I commute on Plus Four, or I go a disposable mass produced, or my wife moves out.
I’ll let you know how it pans out! Thank you again for the info- has made all the difference. Hopefully some of the Plus Four owners can chip in a few more details as well. Any other advice would be very warmly received.
Specifically what i would like to know if the gear ratio and gear inches of the lowest gear (even better, all of them) of the Sachs Duomatic rear hub combined with the Speed Drive front chain wheel on the Plus Four?
And does anybody know if the cog on either of these parts can be changed to get lower ratios if it turns out?
Or, if a Plus Four owner sees this: can you comfortably get up a steep hill?
Cheers,
Travis
Travis, don’t be precious with the Plus 4. Ride and enjoy. If it does bother you using such a wonderful machine for commuting, expedite your “Sheila” and sleep with the Guvnor!
I’ve been married three times and found you can always get another wife. As for thePlus 4, well, doesn’t bear thinking about….
Ride on!
Ha! I think you’re right…it should be ridden. Every day. Can’t think why I intimated otherwise, basically against my own philosophy of riding not fetishising.
Travis, two things are for sure: you will fall in love with the bike, and it will meet all of your needs.
Our site is full of owners who bought the Guvnor on a whim, or for weekends, or as a lovely treat, and without fail everyone seems to ride it more, and with more enjoyment, then they originally thought.
Great idea re the gear test.
And like you I’d love to read a Plus Four owner’s opinion on all this. But as there’s only 50 of them alive today they are a rare beast! I think they all live in a glorious mansion somewhere with it’s own figure of eight velodrome made of walnut.
Fellow Wheelers……….for information, I see on the Pashley website that wing nuts, presumably the much admired type fitted to the Plus Four, are now listed on the Guv’nor options list, but no price given……….safe riding, one and all, Geoff.