Columbia Model 60 Women's Bicycle, 1898

Summary

Pope Manufacturing Company introduced its "chainless" bicycle in 1897. The driveshaft with bevel gears needed less maintenance than chain drives and was cleaner -- no greasy stains on your clothes. Unfortunately, a shaft drive was heavier and lost a bit of power. It was also more expensive -- not helpful when sales were lagging. Early shaft-driven, chainless bicycles failed to catch on with buyers.

Pope Manufacturing Company introduced its "chainless" bicycle in 1897. The driveshaft with bevel gears needed less maintenance than chain drives and was cleaner -- no greasy stains on your clothes. Unfortunately, a shaft drive was heavier and lost a bit of power. It was also more expensive -- not helpful when sales were lagging. Early shaft-driven, chainless bicycles failed to catch on with buyers.

Artifact

Bicycle

Date Made

1898

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

61.138.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Mr. & Mrs. H. Benjamin Robison.

Material

Steel (Alloy)
Metal
Nickel (Metal)
Leather
Wood (Plant material)

Color

Black (Color)
Tan (Color)

Dimensions

Length: 72.5 in

Width: 20.5 in

Height: 40.5 in

Inscriptions

On front frame plate: POPE MFG COMPANY / MOD 60 / COLUMBIA / HARTFORD, CONN, U.S.A. /... On PR pedal: COLUMBIA / PAT.APP.FOR

Related Content

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More