Fahrrad
Herrenvelo Rover mit Kreuzrahmen
Dating
um 1885Description
Niederrad mit Kreuzrahmen, Hinterradantrieb mit Pedalen und KetteObject type
Object (three-dimensional)Material / Technique
MetallDimensions
25 kgInventory number
VHS-4558Legend
Rover Safety Bicycle with cross frame
Great Britain approx. 1885
Rover, the vagabond
John Kemp Starley founded a bicycle factory in 1878, which he named the „Rover Bicycle Company“ in 1893. A "rover” is a tramp or vagabond – a reference to the excellence of this low bicycle for travelling and as a means of transport.
The disadvantages of the penny farthing bicycle
The only way to gear up a penny-farthing bicycle is to make the front wheel larger. The seat position is thereby higher, and a possible fall will be further. Travelling uphill requires an impossible amount of strength, while travelling downhill is very dangerous. This is not the case with the „Safety Bicycle“.
Safer and faster
Many gear combinations are possible with chains and pedals. The rider lifts himself from the saddle when going uphill. High speeds are also possible in downhill curves, and the safety bicycle can be reliably braked with the (still rudimentary) braking system or with the feet. The penny-farthing bicycles were therefore soon displaced almost completely.
Technical data
Main colour
schwarzNumber of crew
1Number of passengers
0Top speed [km/h]
30Type of propulsion
MuskelkraftantriebSystematics
• Rear wheel drive
Literature
Führer durch das Verkehrshaus, Autor/in: Waldis, Alfred; Co-Autor/in: Wottreng, Stephan/Haldi, Jean-Pierre/Mösli, Jakob/ Wismann, Hans/Wydler, Henry, Sign.: HHA 8