The tow clips are an interesting addition to the collection of bicycle ephemera in the Museum. They relate to the history of cycling equipment used in association with cycle racing in terms of design and materials which differ from those of today.

Toe clips with leather straps were used to secure the foot in place on the pedal and ensure that it did not slip off. Toe clips came in three sizes, small, medium and large. The small size was for ladies with small feet, the large ones are for men over size 9. Most cyclists used the medium size. Medium ensured the smoothest pedal action. The benefit of toe clips was that they enabled the pedals to be pushed down and pulled up. They also increased the ability to "spin" the pedal faster with less ankle and knee pressure or fatiguing muscle strain from pedaling too hard or too slowly. A cleat on the cycling shoe fitted into a narrow ridge on the pedal and then by tightening the leather strap of the toe clip the rider's foot was held firmly in place.

Nothing is known about the production.

The toe clips were purchased at auction from the collection of Mr Jack Hepher. Mr Hepher was born in about 1915 and raced bicycles in the 1930s, competing six times in the famous Goulburn to Sydney race. He owned a bicycle shop in Campbelltown from the 1930s selling Carbine and later Speedwell bicycles. He sold his bicycle business in 1954 and in 1976 bought the Ye Olde Bicycle Shoppe in Bundanoon where he hired bicycles and restored pre 1940s bicycles. He has since retired to Mittagong and kept his collection of bicycles in a special garage/workshop next to his house. In 2003 an auction was held and most of his collection of over forty pre 1940s pedal bikes and cycling material sold.

Toe clips (2) for use on a bicycle, 'AFA', metal, maker unknown, France, 1960-1980

A pair of toe clips made from pressed sheet metal and [chrome] plated. The two 'U' shaped toe clips are held together at one end by two slotted screws with nuts. When in use the toe clips would have been screwed onto the pedals of a bicycle allowing the rider to fit the front of their shoe into each toe clip securing the foot to the pedal.

Made: France; 1960 - 1980

Stamped into the surface of each toe clip is 'BREVETE SGDG / AFA / MADE IN FRANCE'. 'AFA' is also stamped into the surface of each toe clip on the opposite side.

2004/133/8

1960 - 1980

80 mm

50 mm

120 mm