Springfield Roadster Bicycle Advertisement, "The Only Absolutely Safe Wheel against 'Headers' Made," May 1887

A danger when riding high-wheel bicycles was taking a "header" -- tumbling over the handlebars. The crank pedal on most high wheelers made the axle a pivot point and pushed frame and passenger forward when an obstacle was encountered. The Springfield Roadster promised a safer ride. Its lever-and-clutch mechanism continued to push the wheel forward -- up and over the obstacle.