Columbia Model 60 Women's Bicycle, 1898
Add to SetSummary
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
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