Drew,
Bicycles were made by several U.K. gun makers,including Greener under the name of F. Greener and Co; F. Williams trading under the name, American Gun and Cycle works, and of course B.S.A.
As I see it,the gun trade in Birmingham had the technical, mechanical and manufacturing skills required to manufacture key components of the Bicycle. The enormous demand for bicycles in the Victorian /Edwardian era presented gun makers with a golden opportunity to diversify and expand their business. In many cases these enterprises were short lived..
B.S.A was the exception expanding to make, not only bicycles but splendid motor cycles and also a not very practical three wheel sports car.
