Yankee Bicycle Company
 Yankee Bicycle Headbadge | |
| Founded | 1991 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Royce Husted |
| Headquarters | , United States |
| Products | Bicycles |
The Yankee Bicycle Company operated in West Chicago, Illinois between 1991 and 1992, producing bicycles under the vision of its founder, Royce Husted. These bicycles incorporated Husted’s patented Rim Band Brake and featured an innovative Radial Gear mechanism that provided fifteen gear options.[1]
Departing from conventional designs, the Yankee Bicycle did not utilize rear or front derailleurs, internal hub gears, nor a traditional chainring. Instead, it employed a Radial Gear system with a single six-segment sprocket capable of expanding and contracting to modify gear ratios, thereby preventing the common slippage issues found in derailleur setups.[2]
In 1991, this bicycle was honored with the Grand Award for Recreation in Popular Science’s Best of What’s New edition.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
The company’s market debut highlighted the bicycle industry’s general reluctance to embrace groundbreaking technology unless introduced by established manufacturers such as Schwinn Bicycle Company.[3]
History
Established in 1991 by Royce Husted, the company was born out of his dissatisfaction with the bicycle industry's hesitancy toward innovation. Based in West Chicago, Illinois, Husted developed patented advancements in shifting and braking systems. After just one year, in 1992, both the company and its patents were acquired by NordicTrak.
Yankee Bicycle
Production reached approximately 3,000 units of the Yankee Bicycle. Its hallmark features included the Radial Gear system—a single expanding sprocket operated by shift lever timing—and a Kevlar-reinforced steel cable brake that wrapped around the rear wheel. Despite these pioneering elements, the industry largely favored established brands over adopting such innovations. The brand name "Yankee" symbolized "Yankee ingenuity." Due to limited manufacturing and specialized components, these bicycles have become prized collectibles.
External links
- Revolutionary Bicycle, circa 1992 YouTube advertisement by NordicTrack showcasing the Yankee Bicycle’s advanced features
- Yankee Bicycle For Sale or Trade Enthusiast forum post from 2001