This “Safety” bicycle was manufactured by Iver Johnson & Co. of Worcester, Mass. under a patent dated in 1880 and renewed in 1890 and was sold by the Lovel Arms Co. of Boston. By 1896, the company had become the Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Co. which produced bicycles through the early 1900's
Manufacturers of this time had realized the limitations of the High Wheeled “Ordinary” bicycle and were attempting to use a chain/gear drive system with two equal sized wheels to maintain the speed that could be reached on a High Wheeler, but increase safety. By 1886, John Starley’s “Rover” safety was breaking all existing speed and distance records. The modern bicycle was born.
These bicycles were safe, but very harsh riding. The unusual steerer tube, the shorter, stiffer spokes and the hard rubber wired on tires gave these bikes the nickname “Boneshaker”. To remedy durability problems, a very heavy diamond style steel frame was used, but this only added to the rough ride. The soft coiled spring saddle was their only attempt at comfort.
By 1890’s standards, this was a very advanced bicycle. With a step on the rear wheel to help you step on and off, two pegs on the front fork to allow coasting and a spoon brake on the front wheel for slowing down, the Iver Johnson was a true “Safety”. With a few refinements it is very similar to the bicycles we ride today.
