Eagle Bicycle, 1891

Summary

The Eagle Bicycle Manufacturing Company built this high-wheel safety in 1891. The Connecticut company copied other manufacturers by placing the small wheel up front and the large drive wheel in back -- preventing the dreaded "header." Still, it was difficult to mount; cyclists had to swing their leg over the large wheel. Low-mount safeties with equal-sized wheels solved this problem.

The Eagle Bicycle Manufacturing Company built this high-wheel safety in 1891. The Connecticut company copied other manufacturers by placing the small wheel up front and the large drive wheel in back -- preventing the dreaded "header." Still, it was difficult to mount; cyclists had to swing their leg over the large wheel. Low-mount safeties with equal-sized wheels solved this problem.

Artifact

Bicycle

Date Made

1891

Keywords

Bicycles 

Henry Ford Museum
 On Exhibit

at Henry Ford Museum in Collections Gallery

Object ID

29.2103.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Chromium
Leather
Wood (Plant material)

Dimensions

Height: 58.5 in

Width: 26.25 in

Length: 73.25 in

Wheelbase: 36 in

Inscriptions

Plate on steering post just above front wheel fork marked: THE / EAGLE BICYCLE / MFG. CO. / EAGLE / PATENTED / OCT. 2ND 1883 / APRIL 1887.

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