Grandex were produced from 1909 to 1916 by a company at 86, Gray's Inn Road, London.
1909 The first model was offered for sale. Of sleek appearance, it had a 2½ hp JAP engine, belt drive and Druid forks.
For the next few years other models appeared, fitted with JAP and Precision engines.
1912 Three models were offered, all with Precision engines:
2½ hp Lightweight, single speed, 2 speed NSU or 3 speed Sturmey-Archer.
3¾ hp Touriste or T.T., single, 2 or 3 speed as above.
4¼ hp Big Sidecar Instrument, single, 2 or 3 speed.
1913 Only Precision engines were used, except for a short period when a Green water-cooled unit was fitted.
1915 A 225cc Peco two-stroke model with two-speeds was added.
1916 Was the last year. For some time prior to this they had also been listed as Grandex-Precision.
2½ h.p. Model: 70 x 76 mm.; a.o.i.v.; Simms magneto; B. and B. carburetter, h.b.c. ; 5½ to 1 gear; 2in. tyres to order; V-belt transmission.
Grandex Cycle Co., 28, Grays Inn Rd., W.C.
This is a neat little lightweight motor cycle of good design shown for the first time. The magneto, which is located behind the cylinder, is gear driven. Footrests and Druid spring forks are used, as is also the efficient little 2½ h.p. J.A.P. engine. The machine is Bowdenised throughout, and a rim brake is fitted to both front and rear wheels. The oil pump is concealed in the tank, and the handle is inclined towards the rider. A petrol gauge is fitted in the tank.
Stanley Show 1909
The Motor Cycle, November 22nd 1909 Page 915
Grandex Motor Cycles, Gray's Inn Road, W.C.
The chief models for 1913 made by this firm are a 5-6 h.p. twin for sidecar work, a 4 ¼ h.p. single cylinder for sidecar work, and a 3¾ h.p. Tourist model, all of which are fitted with Sturmey-Archer three-speed gears. In addition to these there are the 3¾ h.p. and 2¾ h.p. T.T. single-geared models and the 2¼ h.p. competition model and a 2½ h.p. lightweight.
All of these machines are fitted with Precision engines, Best and Lloyd lubricators, and the same double dropped frame which was introduced at the end of last year. The carrier is slightly altered, being made rather more strongly and attached to the rear mudguard, and Saxon forks are used on all models. The magneto is handle-bar controlled, and the latest pattern automatic Brown and Barlow carburetter is fitted.
1912 Olympia Show
The Motor Cycle November 28th 1912, p1393
AN exceedingly handy little lightweight is the 1915 Grandex-Pup, which we recently had an opportunity of inspecting at the Grandex Co.'s showrooms at 86, Gray's Inn Road, W.C. The machine is fitted with the new 2¼ h.p. Precision engine, the valves of which are mechanically operated and vertical instead of horizontal as formerly, while it may be remembered that the dog clutch two-speed gear is incorporated in the crank case, the change being operated by means of a pedal.
The machine we saw was not the final model, and the next batch will be altered in various details; for example, instead of a U.H. magneto the Splitdorf will be fitted. The machine will be provided with aluminium footboards, and an improved heel-operated brake with transverse pedal will form part of the equipment. The silencer is large, and fitted with a long exit pipe so that the little machine should be fairly silent. Either Druid or Saxon Spring forks may be had to order.
The frame possesses a dropped top tube, while an excellent piece of work is the bottom bracket, which is in one piece and brazed directly on to the chain stays. A Bowden handle-bar is fitted complete with levers and wires, the latter running inside the bar and presenting a very neat appearance. The carburetter is the well-known B. and B. The machine, which is sold at quite a moderate figure, is well equipped and turned out with 2in. tyres, luggage carrier, and metal cased tool-bag.
The Motor Cycle, December 3rd, 1914.
Grandex-Precision Motor Co., 86, Gray's Inn Road, W.C.
Sources: Graces Guide, The Motor Cycle
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