The Atlas Safety Bicycle was manufactured by the Adams and Hart Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Style and innovations of this bike are significant to the history of this period.
In 1888 an Irish Veterinarian, John Dunlop, created a hollow tire filled with air to be used on the new “Safety” bicycle. The comfortable tires on wooden rims would carry the bicycle into its greatest period of refinement and popularity. Barbers complained that gentlemen were out riding their “wheels” rather than coming in for their daily shave. Ministers noted vacancies in the pews on Sundays when cyclists were riding 100 mile “century” tours. Bicycles became affordable, selling from $13.25 to $100.00. Since they were also more comfortable and easier to ride than ever before, everyone had to have one.
Bicycle manufacturers were everywhere. There were two other companies making an Atlas Bicycle during this same time. One was the W.S. Demorest Co. in Chicago (1896) and the other, the Farnsworth & Wilson machine Co. of Amsterdam, New York (1896).
Refinements to the bike were as numerous as the makers. The direct chain drive with no brake was popular, although a few companies were trying gear drives. To stop, you would apply backward pressure on the pedals or drag your shoe on the tire. The narrow tread one piece crank was stronger and easier to work on. And in 1898, the Columbia Bicycle Co. introduced the New Departure Coaster Brake, leading to the next generation in two wheel travel.
The Atlas Bicycle was a lightweight touring bike weighing only 26 pounds and the light wooden rims were a dream to ride, comparing favorably to the aluminum rims today.
