Springfield Roadster Bicycle, 1887
01
Artifact Overview
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.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Advertisement
Date Made
December 1887
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Made for Springfield Bicycle Manufacturing Co., Boston, Massachusetts
Collection Title
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
87.14.19.2
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of G. Donald Adams.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 10 in
Width: 6.5 in
Inscriptions
Text reads in part:
The only Absolutely Safe Wheel against "Headers" Made...COASTING WITHOUT DANGER. HILL CLIMBING TO PERFECTION. LONG -DISTANCE MADE EASY. INVENTED AND MANUFACTURED BY RIDERS OF EXPERIENCE.
Keywords |
|---|