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1930s Speed-O-Byke
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Description
Although it was not a real motorcycle, designer George Lewis wanted kids riding his Speed-o-Byke to feel like they were. Patented in 1933 and produced by the Metal Specialties Company in Chicago, the Speed-o-Byke was a luxury toy coming out at the peak of the Great Depression. In addition to a vibrant maroon-and-black color scheme, the bike had a coaster brake, adjustable spokes, and sealed roller bearings. The result was a $50 price tag when most children’s bicycles…
Although it was not a real motorcycle, designer George Lewis wanted kids riding his Speed-o-Byke to feel like they were. Patented in 1933 and produced by the Metal Specialties Company in Chicago, the Speed-o-Byke was a luxury toy coming out at the peak of the Great Depression. In addition to a vibrant maroon-and-black color scheme, the bike had a coaster brake, adjustable spokes, and sealed roller bearings. The result was a $50 price tag when most children’s bicycles cost $10. The combination of high cost and poor market meant the Speed-o-Bike was produced for less than a decade.
Year:
1933
Make / Manufacturer:
Metal Specialties Company
Model:
Speed-O-Byke
Location Created:
Chicago, IL
Donated By:
Nancy Baer