1951 Rex FM34 on 1936 Miele Damenrad 34cc
This restored 1936 Miele bicycle has been fitted with a Rex FM34 hilfsmotor (‘help-motor’) which has also been restored with new internal components. It runs well.
There were many pre-war bicycles available after the war in Germany, and cycle attachment engines such as the Rex FM34 were sold alone as an auxiliary engine to fit to whatever bicycle a customer might have available.
As you can see below, the Rex, being a lightweight engine, was often fitted to ladies’ bicycles.
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The majority of cycle-attachments were not produced for long enough for their design flaws to be ironed out and updated; and many of the early postwar machines such were still more-or-less prototypes. However, most of the German machines were based on sound design technology and well-built: don’t forget the Cyclemaster was originally a German invention.
Despite its prehistoric appearance the Rex is a very well-made engine…
…and, it would seem, is so light that a woman can carry it under one arm without even ruffling her clothes.
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It’s like a two wheel equivalent of ‘Genevieve’ and whether you’re riding it or stationary the Rex can’t help but attract attention.
The Rex has a cult following in Germany, where good running examples such as this on a matching period bike command high prices.
One advantage of owning and running a Rex is that various companies in Germany have re-manufactured many parts. So it’s easy to keep your machine on the road.
What other 1940’s/ 1950’s cyclemotor has such good spares availability?
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In Great Britain in the 1950’s, the Rex was sold under license as the Cyclaid, a cycle-attachment engine that mounted over the rear wheel instead of the front. Here it is hanging next to a Cyclaid for easier comparison…
When mopeds were introduced throughout Europe from 1954, many manufacturers bought engines from companies such as Rex to use in their machines. For example, in Great Britain, the Phillips Gadabout engine sported a Rex engine. This type of arrangement allowed British companies to enter the new moped market with an engine that had already been tried and tested.
The Rex FM34 is an excellent piece of equipment. Though not so well known in Britain, it is a very practical and well-built machine, and an ideal set-up for anyone who fancies some enjoyable summer cyclemotoring.
At the Online Cyclemaster Museum
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MIELE WERKE
GUTERSLOH
The Miele company was started on 1st July 1899 in Herzebrock, Westphalia, to make milk centrifuges. A year later butter churns were added to the production line and, from them, the first washing machines were developed. From 11 employees at the start, the company grew to a 60-worker concern by 1907, necessitating a move to nearby Gutersloh. Bicycles were produced from 1911.
In 1927, the company introduced vacuum cleaners; Europe’s first electric dishwasher was made in 1929, and motorcycles from 1930. During WW2, the factory made control units for torpedoes.
Postwar, Miele was one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in Germany.
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This means that it is not my responsibility,
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Great Britain – delivery is ONLY £50 for this motorcycle to main parts of England;
extra to extremities such as Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, etc (and may take longer to arrive)
(Please email your postcode if you want to confirm price).
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If you want it fast, please organize your own collection.
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Please feel free to email or phone with any comments or questions…
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VEHICLE CONDITION: Vintage vehicles are wonderful beasts
– but each has an individual personality and they sometimes have bad days just like you and me.
You will need basic mechanical skills (or a local mechanic) to use one on a regular basis.
Two-strokes invariably need basic servicing before starting them, if they’ve been left to stand for more than 3 weeks or so.
These are rare vehicles whose values are not necessarily based on running order.
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