I Ride a Victoria and consider it the ideal bicycle for ladies’ use. Such is the invariable testimony of ladies who try the Victoria.
The majority of bicycles for ladies are heavy and hard to propel. The Victoria is a model of lightness, grace, strength and easy-running qualities – a fit mount for American women.
A most desirable feature of the Victoria is the Victoria Tilting Saddle, which simplifies mounting by preventing the dress from catching on the peak of the saddle.
– Overman Wheel Co Advertisement
1893 Overman Victoria
Single Tube Ladies’ Bicycle
Titling saddle
21″ Frame
26″ Wheels with Single Tube Tyres
(Now sold)
The Single Tube bicycle was the first design manufactured for women: the down tube connected to the bottom bracket without any extra bracing.
Soon after this style of bicycle had been introduced, the majority of manufacturers added extra strengthening to the single tube, but Overman Wheel Co continued with this design on their Victoria – ‘The Queen of Safeties’ – until 1895.
A ‘Single Tube’ bicycle is an important historic model that serious enthusiasts like to have in their collections as an example of the evolution of the bicycle.
This Victoria is functional, but requires some light restoration. The handlebar grips are usable but incorrect (original or repro trips can be obtained). The skirt guard over the rear wheel either needs removing completely or replacing: the cord is present, but a previous repair to the wooden rear mudguard has come unglued, so it needs re-gluing and the skirt guard re-lacing. It runs on obsolete ‘tubeless’ tyres that are in good condition and hold air.
The saddle is a unique feature, not seen on any other make of bicycle. As you can see, below, the leather top is damaged. I now have a new leather top fitted to it.
1893: OVERMAN VICTOR DISPLAY at the WORLD’S FAIR
As one of America’s top cycle manufacturers, Overman Wheel Co had a prominent display at the 1893 Columbia Exposition in Chicago, also known as the 1893 World’s Fair.
FOR FULL DETAILS & PHOTOS of
OVERMAN VICTOR DISPLAY at the 1893 WORLD’S FAIR
PLEASE CLICK HERE
OVERMAN WHEEL COMPANY
OVERMAN VICTOR ADVERTS
1890
1891
1892
THE OVERMAN TILTING SADDLE
A unique feature of this model is a seat that tilts forward to make it easier for the rider to mount and dismount. When I road-tested this Victoria soon after buying it the saddle’s leather top broke. I recently had a new leather top made for it (below), and it’s ready to fit.
OVERMAN VICTOR ADVERTS
1893
1894
1895
