Simpson chain

Simpson made claims, widely discredited, that the levers of this chain provided a mechanical advantage that could amplify energy produced by the cyclist.

Simpson hired top cyclists such as Constant Huret, Lisette Marton, and Tom Linton (of Paris-Bordeaux fame), and the Gladiator Pacing Team from France to race for high stakes in England for the Chain Matches.

Jimmy Michael (depicted in the first draft of the Toulouse-Lautrec's advertisement[2]) attended the so-called Chain Race at Catford track in 1896.

Later known as the chain matches, these races at the Catford track in London attracted huge crowds estimated between twelve and twenty thousand in June 1896.

Simpson's brought over the Gladiator team of pacemakers from Paris, consisting of 12 assorted quads and quints [five-man bicycles] and several triplets.

Cropped section of image below to show details of the Simpson lever chain
Henri Loste, Champion du Midi, on a Humber bicycle with a Simpson lever chain c. 1894
Lisette Marton and Gabrielle Eteogella on Gladiator bicycles with Simpson lever chains in 1896
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec publicity poster from 1896, Constant Huret riding with a Simpson chain behind the Gladiator tandem at the Vélodrome de la Seine . The second rider on the tandem is Lisette Marton , women's European Champion, one of Simpson-sponsored athletes.