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Replica of McMillan's Rear Driver Bicycle

Specifications

Replica of McMillan's Rear Driver Bicycle

Category

Transportation

Classification

CHENHALL - Distribution & Transportation Objects - Land Transportation T&E - Human-Powered Vehicles - Cycle - Bicycle

Object Origin
Builder:

Museum of Science and Industry

Date Built:

1931

Date Original design:

c. 1840

Physical Characteristics

Object Description: Replica of a wooden bicycle with a red painted body and handles, yellow painted wheels, a brown cloth-covered seat, and black metal pedals. There is a carved wooden horse head mounted above the front wheel. The pedals are attached to long black poles and rest near the front wheel. They swing back and forth, rather than moving in a circle. The rear wheel is larger than the front wheel.

Materials:

wood

metal

cloth

Measurements: Object:
    Height: 47.5 in, Length: 86 in, Width: 20 in

Credit

Produced by Museum, 31.873

Display Status

On Exhibit

Replica of McMillan's Rear Driver Bicycle

About: Replica of McMillan's Rear Driver Bicycle

About: Replica of McMillan's Rear Driver Bicycle

This a replica of a McMillan's Rear Driver Bicycle, created by James W. McMillan in the 1890s. It was a unique bike design where the rider sat at the back, and the pedals powered the rear wheel instead of the front wheel. This design was made the bike more stable and easier to balance because the rider’s weight was spread more evenly over the back wheel. For his design to work, McMillan used special parts including a different gear and chain system. Unfortuantely, the bike did not become popular or widely used.


Even though the McMillan's bicycle did not succeed in the market, it was an important part of cycling history. While the rear-drive design did not catch on in the world of biking, it influenced later types of bikes, including recumbent bikes. Today, the McMillan’s Rear Driver Bicycle is remembered as an example of the unique and creative ideas that contributed to the development of later bicycles.

Additional information

Copyright information

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