Massey Harris representatives and agents used to attend shows to mount a bicycle display of their famous "Silver Ribbon" bicycles.

The display included the renowned Massey Harris racer, which had made a name for itself on the racing tracks of Australia. Their bicycles were always considered good value for money.

The company would insist that their agents always displayed all different models or to equip bicycles in differing ways for large displays.

The company had a particularly good novelty in the way of two local riders who would often cause a great deal of merriment doing riding displays at the local agricultural shows.

At one Bathurst show, the company sent a display of bicycle wheels which were built into a tall arch which was then revolved using motor power.

By now, Massey Harris had perfected its free wheel feature and the company claimed it possessed several important advantages over other makes in so much that the brake was essential.

Their brake was absolutely noiseless and well protected from injury if there was a fall or collision.

Their cushion-frame bicycle was considered a bit of a novelty and was becoming popular with elderly riders as it lessened vibrations.

Massey Harris had already established itself as a manufacturer of farm machinery in Canada.

The Bathurst newspaper, on Tuesday, March 12, 1895, tells of an extensive trial of Massey Harris and Co's ploughs, scufflers, cultivators and sectional seeders that started at 2pm. The trial took place at Mr George Matthews' farm, near Leeholme.

For turning out implements of incalculable benefit to agriculturists, Massey Harris and Co.'s fame was worldwide, and farmers who consider their own interests were advised to roll up in large numbers at the trial to see for themselves what work their valuable implements could do.

The company then started fabricating bikes just as the first global boom in velocipedes or bicycles gathered momentum in the 1890s.

The company specifically set itself up to produce its bicycles all by itself.

Massey Harris bicycles were noted for their innovative products that were of high quality.

At times, the company was making more than 30 models.

Massey Harris made its own range of bicycles as well as its Red Bird series and had done since starting marketing in Australia in the mid-1890s.

Massey Harris was the company that was selected to supply its famous Model 6 roadster which had been selected by the British Government for use by the Cycle Corps in South Africa in 1900.

There were two bicycle clubs in Bathurst in the early 1880s, however, on March 4, 1889, the two clubs were called together at Stapleton's Hotel to affect an amalgamation.

There was a good attendance of members. Mr A.W. Curtis was voted to the chair and, after reading the advertisement to convene the meeting, he called upon the two secretaries to present their annual reports and balance sheets.

Mr J. Schoe, secretary of the Occidental Bicycle Club, said the club had 35 fully paid-up members - 14 active and 21 honorary members.

The club struggled to get active riders even though Messrs. E. Webb and Co. had provided a magnificent trophy, valued at 10 guineas, to be presented in their annual competition.

Then Mr C. W. Mills, secretary of the Bathurst Bicycle Club, read his report. He proposed amalgamation with the Occidental Bicycle Club.

The amalgamation took place under the name of the Bathurst Occidental Bicycle Club, with Dr T.A. Machattie voted president.