Pierre Michaux
Paris, France ca. 1863
The velocipede (named the "Boneshaker" for its springless, uncushioned ride) enjoyed an exciting, yet brief, history. This machine was the first evolutionary step towards the adult bicycle. The attachment of cranks and pedals to the front axle created the rotary propulsion system that
remains in use today, albeit with modifications and improvements. A similar model appeared in the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.Singer Coventry Sewing Machine Co.
Coventry, England ca. 1865
This very early tricycle is of the Boneshaker era. The company later built the Singer Motor Car until the 1950s.James Starley
England
ca 1881
Almost half the cycles produced during this era were tricycles. Ladies, of course, could not ride the high wheelers and many men lacked the skill and courage. A slightly different version of this machine, called the Royal Salvo, was built for Queen Victoria.Coventry, England
ca. 1885
This bicycle design replaced the velocipede. Commonly known as the "Ordinary" or "Penny Farthing" (the large and small wheels reminded the English of two relatively sized coins), it was a much faster and more efficient bicycle, albeit more dangerous to its riders. Its development led to a resurgence of manufacturing in Coventry as the woolen industry was being phased out. This bicycle put the Englishman on wheels, giving him a mobility not previously available. This model was ridden around the world by Thomas Stevens in 18884-1886. It is occasionally ridden around Palo Alto even today.United States
ca. 1885
An American invention designed to make the high wheeler safer to ride by placing the small wheel in front. Its unusual propulsion system operated with a vertical motion of the pedals through a system of leather straps, ratchets and springs. As a demonstration of its safety, an American Star was ridden down the steps of the Capitol in Washington D.C. (Possibly the first advertisment of a vehicle featuring "closed course, professional driver"?)Chicago, IL
ca. 1890
One of the original safety bikes. It has a diamond shaped frame similar to that of today's bikes, but not pneumatic tires. The company later built the Rambler automobile.England
ca. 1891
This model held the 24 hour record of 361 miles and 1446 yards. It had solid rubber tires. The company later manufactured automobiles.Tom Tit Cycle Co.
London, Birmingham
England
ca. 1893
This is a bicycle for children. The frame is fabricated of solid steel rods, except for the steering post, which is a diagonal tube. It has hard rubber tires.Rochester, NY
ca. 1895
A side-by-side "Sociable". With this machine, a blind person could be taken for a cycle ride. Weight differential of up to 100 pounds could be accomodated. A single rider could operate the machine by removing a seat and installing it on the center post, then pedaling with the inside pedals.Model 48
Pope Manufacturing Co.
Hartford, CT
ca. 1897
It could have been the famous "Bicycle Built for Two" from the song. Note the dual-linked steering for control from front or rear handlebars. The lower front seat accomodated the ladies in those days.Pope Manufacturing Co.
Hartford, CT
ca. 1897
The Model 46 was the standard for ladies bicycles in the late 1890s as it offerred full protection for ladies skirts. It was also equipped with wood fenders and a chain guard, plus gas light, plunger brake and neat handle grips. Pope Manufacturing also produced automobiles branded "Columbia".George N. Pierce Co.
Buffalo, NY
ca. 1897
In this unusual design, the drive shaft runs through the lower right side stay and there is no chain. No dirt or grime got into this system! The company later manufactured the Pierce Arrow Motorcar.Sears-Roebuck Co.
ca. 1898.
This tricycle was a Sears-Roebuck catalog item, sold throughout the country for only $4.95. The actual manufacturer is unknown. The steering tiller could also be swiveled around to become a tow bar. The tires are solid rubber.Hartford, CT
ca. 1898
Shaft drive bicycles were expensive to manufacture as it was difficult to insure an accurate fit of the bevel gears connecting the drive shaft to the pedal crankshaft. Assembly was difficult and time consuming. The design also made it difficult to change the rear tire. Dispite the disadvantages, shaft drive bicycles were produced well into the early 1900s.Dursley, England
ca. 1900
This bicycle has a unique cantilever frame system with all ridged member in compression only. One of the Dursley Pederson models weighed only nine pounds and is still considered a cult bicycle in EnglandBilly Morris
Oxford, England
ca. 1907
This is the Rolls Royce of bicycles. It was originally sold by Billy Morris of Oxford who later opened an auto repair business and then the MG Motorcar Company. It is distinguished by its patented "little Oil Bath" that kept the running chain coursing though a pool of light oil and a foot-peg on right rear axle that lifts a mounting rider high enough to come forward over the back of the saddle in a "gentlemanly" fashion.Fairy Manufacturing
ca. 1911
This ball-bearing wheeled auto-coaster features a hand brake, a clutch release and a steering wheel.Smith Motor Wheel
Buffalo, NY
ca. 1915
Chicago, Il
ca. 1925
This machine is propelled by the rider pumping his weight up and down, causing the rear eccentric wheel to rotate. Popularly rented and ridden in amusement parks, it was ridden by its inventor from Chicago to Miami in 11 days (another definition of pumping iron?). A skilled rider is said to be capable of attaining speeds of 20 mph. Ingo racing is a popular pastime on the East coast.BSA Ltd.
Birmingham, England
ca. 1942
This folding bicycle was dropped from aircraft to ground forces by parachute in WWII. It is the successor to the non-folding bikes used by the British military in the Boer War and in WWIBenjamin Bowden
England, Kansas City
ca. 1946-1959
Designed by Englishman Benjamin Bowden in 1946 in an attempt to revolutionize the English bicycle industry, manufacturing was later moved to Kansas City in 1954. About 500 units were produced from 1954 to 1960 subsequent to the move.Construction is all fibergalss except for the forks and handlebars. Bicycle collectors consider the Spacelander a fine example of "Art Deco" design.Steam modification,1950
This steam propulsion unit was sold in kit form in the 1950s by Richard Smith of Southern California. A ½ h.p. engine drives this machine at 25 mph. It is propane fuel-fired. Boiler steam pressure is 150 psi.
William Smith Electric
Modification, 1960
Cinelli Bicycle Co.
ca. 1986
This Italian-made bicycle was ridden by Olympic speed skating champion Eric Heiden in the Tour de France. A similar frame hangs in the Milan Technical Museum.
