CATALOG OF THE CYCLE COLLECTION 21 



Avith Avooden grips on each end, and the saddle is composed of leather 

 and sprino-s. The lower end of the vertical section of the frame is 

 articulated, for adjusting: the tension of the driving chain. The 

 single chain strut is to the left of the rear wheel, as is the chain 

 itself. This strut, as well as the crank-bracket stay, required adjusting 

 in ordei' to swing foi-ward the ai'tic\ilated section of the frame for 

 tightening the chain tensioii. 



The rear wheel is Siy^ inches in diameter, while the front wheel is 

 slightly smaller, being 30 inches in diameter. Each contains 48 

 spokes. The rear-wheel sprocket is driven by a block chain from the 

 front sprocket, which is equipped with pedals adjustable in throw 

 from 4% to about 6 inches. There is no coaster attachment, the pedals 

 always turning while the bicycle is in motion. Oil cups are provided 

 in the hub of each wheel. 



A small metal mudguard is secured over the rear wheel, and it is 

 thought that originally another was located over the rear part of the 

 front wheel. A small footrest is attached to each side of the front- 

 wheel fork, for use while coasting. A step is attached to the left 

 side of the rear fork, for use by the rider in mounting the machine. 

 A warning bell is attached to the left handle bar, and a lever for 

 hand operation of the front- wheel brake spoon is pivoted on the right 

 handle bar. A coil spring normally holds the spoon away from the 

 tire. 



A small leather tool bag hangs from the steering-head stay. At- 

 tached to a bracket on the front of the steering head is an oil lamp 

 marked "Zacharias & Smith, Bicycle Sundries, Newark, N. J." In 

 addition to the round clear glass in front, the lamp is fitted with a 

 green glass in the right side and a red glass in the left side. 



OVERMAN BICYCLE, 1889 



U. S. N. M. Xo. 214971 ; original ; gift of Miss May H. Mead in 1903 ; pliotograpli 

 No. 306.j(>-A ; plate 17, 6. 



Made by the Overman Wheel Co., of Boston, Mass., this bicycle was 

 their Victoria model, for women. It bears a nameplate carrying 

 patent dates ranging from November 20, 1877, to July 9, 1889. 



This type of bicycle with a drop frame was invented in order that 

 a woman could sit astride without having her skirt caught on 

 the cross bar. Its adoption greatly increased the popularity of the 

 bicycle and helped make cycling a sociable recreation as well as a 

 spoi't and a means of transportation. 



The frame is of metal tubing, the wheels are of metal with tan- 

 gential wire spokes, the thin tires are of solid rubber, and the curved 

 handle bars are of metal with spade handles on each end. The saddle, 



