Singer "Xtraordinary" High-Wheel Bicycle, 1880

01

Artifact Overview

Singer and Company of Coventry, England, manufactured the Xtraordinary, an early high-mount safety bicycle. The rider sat farther back behind the wheel (rather than on top), lowering the center of gravity. This made it safer if the large drive wheel came to an abrupt stop. To accommodate this new position, the front fork was raked and a lever-action drive was employed.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Bicycle

Date Made

1880

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

29.274.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Steel (Alloy)
Metal
Wood (Plant material)
Rubber (Material)
Chromium
Leather

Color

Black (Color)
Brown
Light reddish brown

Dimensions

Height: 61.25 in
Width: 26 in
Length: 76 in
Diameter: 56 in

Inscriptions

On frame: 14398 / 56
Keywords
Singer "Xtraordinary" High-Wheel Bicycle, 1880