Ruby Cycle Co Ltd
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motorcycle manufacturing |
| Founded | 1909 |
| Defunct | 1932 |
| Headquarters | Ancoats, Manchester , United Kingdom |
| Products | Motorcycles, cyclecars |
The Ruby Cycle Co Ltd. was a motorcycle manufacturer located in Ancoats, Manchester, United Kingdom. Established in 1909, the firm produced motorcycles under the Royal Ruby name until ceasing operations in 1932.
History
Initially a bicycle manufacturer operating on Cannel Street in Ancoats, amidst Manchester’s cotton industry, Ruby Cycle Co. transitioned to producing motorcycles starting in 1909. The Royal Ruby motorcycles were positioned as premium products, with all cycle components crafted internally, while engines were procured from JAP and Villiers.
Their lineup included 250cc two-stroke and four-stroke models, along with a unique 'Ladies Model' featuring a lowered frame design. The top-tier offering was a 976cc side-valve V-twin engine model. During World War I, the company shifted focus to manufacturing munitions and parts but secured a major export contract for their V-twin motorcycles with the Imperial Russian Army in 1916. Although production was completed, delivery was hindered by the 1917 Russian Revolution, resulting in uncertain payment outcomes.
Following the war, the British motorcycle market was flooded with surplus military machines. Backed by continued munitions contracts and a reorganized management team, Ruby established a new factory on Moss Lane, Altrincham, and restarted motorcycle production in 1921. They introduced proprietary Ruby-designed leaf-sprung front forks and rear suspension systems; however, these innovations increased manufacturing costs substantially, leading to sluggish sales and financial difficulties culminating in insolvency by 1922.
In 1927, Albert Horrocks from Bolton acquired the company. Under his leadership, new saddle-tank models were developed incorporating Villiers and JAP engines paired with Albion and Sturmey-Archer gearboxes. Production of Royal Ruby motorcycles ended around 1931, although sporadic assembly using remaining parts may have persisted until approximately 1933.
Cyclecars
Besides motorcycles, the company also manufactured cyclecars during two distinct periods. During the pre-World War I cyclecar surge, Royal Ruby produced a model between 1913 and 1914 equipped with a 10hp V-twin JAP engine, two-speed gearbox, and either shaft or belt drive to the rear wheels. This model saw limited production.
In 1927, a three-wheeled Royal Ruby featuring a single-cylinder JAP engine was introduced, designed by Maurice Edwards; however, only a prototype was completed. A refined version named the MEB (Maurice Edwards Bolton) was manufactured in 1928 by Bromilow and Edwards, commercial vehicle coachbuilders based in Bolton. A performance-tuned variant achieved notable racing success at Brooklands and Montlhery circuits from 1930 to 1932, piloted by drivers Gwenda Stewart and Douglas Hawkes.
See also
External links
- Articles with short description
- Defunct motorcycle manufacturers of the United Kingdom
- Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1909
- Vehicle manufacturing companies disestablished in 1932
- Defunct companies based in Manchester
- Manufacturing companies based in Manchester
- 1927 mergers and acquisitions
- 1909 establishments in England
- 1932 disestablishments in England
- British companies disestablished in 1932
- British companies established in 1909