Columbia Model 60 Women's Bicycle, 1898
Add to SetSummary
The Pope Manufacturing Company introduced their "chainless" bicycle in 1897. Its driveshaft with bevel gears needed less maintenance than chain-drives and it was cleaner -- no greasy stains on your clothes. Unfortunately, a shaft-drive was heavier and lost a bit of power. They were also more expensive -- not helpful when sales were lagging. Early shaft-driven, chainless bicycles failed to catch on.
The Pope Manufacturing Company introduced their "chainless" bicycle in 1897. Its driveshaft with bevel gears needed less maintenance than chain-drives and it was cleaner -- no greasy stains on your clothes. Unfortunately, a shaft-drive was heavier and lost a bit of power. They were also more expensive -- not helpful when sales were lagging. Early shaft-driven, chainless bicycles failed to catch on.
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
Share Anywhere
Use this Artifact Card to share this great find with others. From historic images to vivid descriptions, a record of rich detail is bundled inside a single card.
