Description
Sarolea 1912 3 ½ HP 499cc cc SV single speed frame# 3010 engine# 6010
The firm was established in 1850 at Herstal( Liege) as an arms factory by Joseph Saroléa.
In 1892 the production of bicycles was started.
Joseph died in 1894 and under the management of his sons the company grew bigger and bigger.
In the early years of the new century the company started to develop motorized bicycles and soon Saroléa was a force to reckon with: around 1907 the firm employed some 200 labourers and had 4000 m2 of production facilities.
In the early years of the century Saroléas were sold in Britain under the “Kerry” brand.. Both singles and V twins were made and the firm supplied engines to a number of firms in several countries. In turn, Saroléa used a number of British components such as Sturmey Archer hub gears, countershaft gearboxes and AMAC carburettors.
In 1912 two models were supplied, a 2 HP lightweight and the 85×88 3 ½ HP model.
Note the striking similarity with the veteran Triumph engine! Magneto is a waterproof Bosch, forks are Druid.
This simple but elegant machine is an older restoration.