X-Nico

2 unusual facts about American Bicycle Company


E. C. Stearns Bicycle Agency

In an attempt to control supply and limit competition, 42 manufacturers (later over 75 companies) formed the American Bicycle Company (A.B.C.), known familiarly as "the trust."

By June 1900, the American Bicycle Company demanded that company founder, Edward C. Stearns, Herbert E. Maslin and Mrs. Avis Van Wagenen, of Syracuse, execute an agreement not to engage in the manufacture of bicycles in competition with A.B.C., who claimed they made an agreement with the Stearns company when their factory was sold to the combination.



see also

Cleveland motorcycle

After receivership in 1907, merged with the American Bicycle Company to form Pope Manufacturing Company.