High Wheel Bicycle, circa 1878

Summary

This wood-wheeled bicycle from the 1870s is an example of an early high-wheel ordinary. The ordinary evolved from the velocipede of the late 1860s. Innovators enlarged the velocipede's front wheel which made traveling great distances quicker. Future improvements, such as steel-tube frame construction, ball bearings, and wire wheels with rubber tires, made the high-wheeler a popular recreational and sporting vehicle.

This wood-wheeled bicycle from the 1870s is an example of an early high-wheel ordinary. The ordinary evolved from the velocipede of the late 1860s. Innovators enlarged the velocipede's front wheel which made traveling great distances quicker. Future improvements, such as steel-tube frame construction, ball bearings, and wire wheels with rubber tires, made the high-wheeler a popular recreational and sporting vehicle.

Artifact

Bicycle

Date Made

circa 1878

Keywords

Bicycles 

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

00.4.4065

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Iron (Metal)
Wood (Plant Material)

Dimensions

Height: 17 in

Height: 51 in

Related Content

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More