wnp70.0064

Cliff House

January 1, 1950

Cliff House Bicycle Collection, Woman on bicycle looking backwards, probably taken in Cliff House Gift Shop. Seal Rocks in background. The bicycle is an early 1920s German 'J-Rad' treadle bicycle. Only about 2,000 of these unusual cycles were made.

Joe Breeze - Marin Bicycle Museum - German-made Stutgart Machine (maker) "J-Rad" semi-recliner. Propulsion is by reciprocating pedaling (as opposed to the usual rotary pedaling). The rider pushes against the pedals which pull cables around a spring-ratcheted spool on the rear hub. The pedal cranks are quite long, pivoting about 5 inches forward of the steering head. You can see, the rider can choose among three leverage ratios (and tempos).