1917 Iver Johnson
1917 Iver Johnson Truss bike
This is what a hundred year old commuter bike looks like.
It has everything you need for a run to the market or for your ride to work. It has pedals. It has tires. It stops and it goes. There’s a basket to carry some stuff. It’s very deluxe.
A hundred years ago, having the latest features on your bike meant that it had a coaster brake (instead of a fixed gear), not that it had hydraulic disc brakes. The latest in puncture protection and/or tubeless tires? In 1917, people were still talking up the fact that they had pneumatic tires in the first place. Gearing “features” a hundred years ago meant roller pin chains and the ability to coast. Nobody mentioned the need for more gear combinations (certainly not 11 speeds versus 22 or even 30).
Crankset
Iver Johnson head badge
Original basket
Speaking of features, this Iver Johnson is built around their trademark truss bridge style frame, which was claimed to be “structurally and mechanically correct in every detail”. These bikes rode pretty smoothly and had great handling characteristics. Remember, the early 1900′s were a time when roads were primarily made of cobblestones, bricks pavers or dirt. A “road” bike had to handle similar demands to that of today’s off-road bicycles.
Frame detail
Corbin-Duplex coaster brake hub
A well-preserved Troxel saddle
This bike is remarkably well preserved. The original leather Troxel saddle looks terrific. The wooden rims and old tires, which would normally be dry and brittle on a bike of this age, look ready for many more miles. The original iron basket is also quite a find. It’s big and stout and it will still handle a big load of market supplies.
Not a reflector, but really nice looking.
Iron bike basket
Truss bridge decal
Now, if you were looking for a deluxe bike to take the place of a car (or horse), you need it to be ready to ride regardless of the weather or the time of night. You’re pretty much all set with this bike. The fenders are in great shape, and there’s a “reflector” on the back. All you need is a lantern and you’ll be ready to roll.