Victor Bicycles and Tricycles
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Citation
Victor Bicycles and Tricycles. Overman Wheel Company, 1886. cyclearchive.com, https://cyclearchive.com/books/victor-bicycles-and-tricycles-catalogue-overman-wheel-co-1886/
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Contents
- The Overman Wheel Company's fourth annual catalogue opens with its account of the rivals' attempts to stop the new Victor reaching the market, then praises the Victor's coasting and hill-climbing and its all-steel build with no cast metal.
- The makers of the Victor's steel, spoke wire, Para-gum rubber and tubing are named, followed by the case for Bown's ball bearings, bought as the U.S. patent in 1884, and for the Warwick hollow rim.
- Describes the Victor compressed tire, set into the rim by clamping machinery without cement and said to wear twice as long as a stretched, cemented tire; compressing tires into other makers' wheels is offered at ten dollars a pair.
- Covers the weldless-tube backbone, forks and handle-bar, solid vulcanite handles, the tangent spokes (72 or 80), hubs and the dust-proof, oilable steering head with Latta's locked nut.
- Two-hole cranks, square rubber ball pedals, the Victor swing saddle (front spring 50 cents extra) and the two finishes, the second costing ten dollars more.
- Claims 79 of 103 American amateur records for the Victor, gives a leg-measure table for choosing wheel size, a summary of points and the bicycle prices, $122.50 for the 48-inch rising to about $137.50 for the 60-inch.
- Argues that interchangeable parts avoid costly fitting after repairs, and guarantees that parts of the Victor bicycle need no fitting.
- Describes the front-steering, double-driving tricycle: jointless tubular frame, ribbon steering instead of rack and pinion, 48-inch driving wheels, and 126 balls in its Bown bearings.
- The tricycle is $125 complete with saddle bag, wrenches and oiler; two-speed gears are rejected. Also lists the Victor Baby Seat ($5.00) and Luggage Carrier ($2.00), and the tricycle's quarter- and half-mile world record.
- Praises the enamel finish, owned in America by the company, with John Harrington's certificate, and prices re-enamelling (large wheels $7, small $3, backbone or fork $2.50). Also covers patents held, tire cement and a $5 charge for compressing tires, with a one-year guarantee.
- Opens the accessories section with O. W. Co. head and hub lamps ($4.50 to $7), Bown's Aeolus ball pedals ($10 a pair), the Acme Bicycle Stand ($2), the Buffalo Home Trainer ($30) and Warwick hollow rims.
- Lighting and lubricating oils in spouted cans, with a spoke wrench, bells ($1.25 to $2.50), plumbago, the Victor spring-top oiler, the Duplex Whistle, Bown's ball bearings and tool bags at $1.50.
- The nickel-plated swing saddle ($6.00), with a screw driver, shoulder bag, Lakin's cyclometer, Handy Hooks, a pocket wrench, rubber cement and a closing note on joints.
- One-page list of every item sold, from the 48-inch Victor bicycle at $122.50 to the 60-inch at $137.50, the $125 tricycle, lamps, bells, tools, bags, oils, cement and cabinet photographs.
- Rider letters praising the Victor's running, coasting, hill-climbing and saddle, from clubs and towns across the United States, running over pages 16 to 19.
- Ordering notes: send wheels for enamel or compressed tires clean and free of cement, and remit by American Express money order; followed by more signed recommendations of the Victor from Buffalo riders.