1929 Labor Truss-bridge Road Racer

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Iver Johnson introduced the distinctive Truss Bridge frame in America in 1901. World champion racing cyclist Major Taylor rode Iver Johnson bicycles. When he raced in France in the early 1900s, he used an Iver Johnson Truss Bridge, and the style caught on there. Labor became the French license holder for this design, and various French companies made their own versions until the late 1920s.

1920s Labors had better ‘decoration’ than earlier models, with the LABOR name illustrated in the chainwheel (above) and a head badge showing the truss bridge design. This particular example is rare because it also has a Labor truss bridge illustration transfer (decal) on the rear mudguard (below).

1929 Labor Truss-bridge Road Racer

22″ Frame

28″ Wheels

Original rear tyre, front tyre replaced. Modern tyre size equivalent = 27 x 1 1/8″

Flip flop hub, currently set up as fixed wheel

(Now sold)

My friend Robert saw this Labor soon after I’d purchased it last year, and insisted on buying it from me. The original transfer (decal) on the rear mudguard is particularly rare and, of course, an unrestored Labor in good cosmetic condition is something that we’d all snap up if we get half a chance.

There are few good vintage bicycles available at the moment, so I’ve been contacting friends and customers to see if I can buy back anything I’ve previously sold them! Robert agreed to let me have it back. Since buying it, he has fitted an original headbadge (missing when I had it), a new front tyre, serviced it, flipped the rear hub over to fixed wheel, and taken it for some good rides. So it’s now ready for a new owner to cherish, enjoy and ride…

 

Labor had considerable success in racing with their distinctive frames. Patented by Iver Johnson in 1900, the truss bridge design became popular in France as a result of world champion Major Taylor, who raced for Iver Johnson in France to escape prejudice in America due to his colour. Labor introduced their own truss bridge bicycle in 1906, copying Iver Johnson’s design, and the model continued through the 1920s.

The example below shows Maurice Dewaele of Belgium, 2nd in the Tour de France in 1927 with his Labor.

IVER JOHNSON TRUSS BRIDGE PATENT
Patent number: D35391
Filing date: Oct 28, 1901
Issue date: Dec 3, 1901
The Truss Bridge patent was awarded to Frederic Iver Johnson on 3rd December, 1901. According to the patent application (below), Frederic Johnson is declared as its inventor.