The American Star Bicycle was invented in 1880 by G. W. Pressey and manufactured by the H. B. Smith Machine Company in Smithville, Burlington County, New Jersey.[1][2] It was characterized by a small wheel in front to avoid the problem of tipping forward inherent in other high wheelers.[3] A Star bicycle was photographed being ridden down the steps in front of the United States Capitol in 1885 to demonstrate its longitudinal stability,[4] and Star bicycles were used for the sport of bicycle polo in the mid-1880s.[5] Pressey sued Smith in 1887 for royalties.[6] The name "Star" was attributed to the double star arrangement of the spokes.[1]
- ^ a b "The American Star". Library of Congress. Archived from the original on 2012-12-13. Retrieved 2012-01-16.
- ^ "ca. 1885 American Star Safety Highwheeler". Owls Head Transportation Museum. Archived from the original on 2012-05-25. Retrieved 2012-01-16.
- ^ Herlihy, David V. (2004). Bicycle, The History. Yale University Press. pp. 235. ISBN 0-300-10418-9.
- ^ Herlihy, David V. (2004). Bicycle, The History. Yale University Press. pp. 219. ISBN 0-300-10418-9.
American Star Bicycle.
- ^ Herlihy, David V. (2004). Bicycle, The History. Yale University Press. pp. 372. ISBN 0-300-10418-9.
- ^ "A Star Bicycle Suit" (PDF). The New York Times. June 4, 1887. Retrieved 2012-01-16.