American Bicycle Company

American Bicycle Company was an American bicycle company. American Bicycle was founded by Albert Augustus Pope, owner of the Columbia Bicycle. In 1898, the U.S. bicycle industry was caught in a downward spiral of market saturation, over-supply and intense price competition. Pope issued an affidavit says that the American Bicycle Company was incorporated on May 12, 1899.^[1] In an attempt to control supply and limit competition, 42 manufacturers (later over 75 companies) formed the American Bicycle Company and soon afterwards announced plans to open a branch plant in Canada called the National Cycle Company.^[2] American Bicycle later bought the Gormully & Jeffery Manufacturing Company which made Rambler brand bicycles. Rambler bicycle was obtained in 1900 after Thomas B. Jeffery sold it to focus on the Rambler automobile.^[3]

References

1. Kyle, James Henderson; Clarke, Albert (1901). Volume 13 of Reports of the Industrial Commission. United States Industrial Commission. p. cxxvi.
2. "Collection Profile: The Canada Cycle and Motor Company (C.C.M.)". Canada Science and Technology Museum. Retrieved December 5, 2011.
3. 100 Years of the American Auto Millennium Edition, 1999. Publications International, Ltd.