Monarch 1905

Monarch chainless racing model, 1905. The vehicle has been restored (more information).

Monarch Cycle Manufacturing Company based at Lake, Halsted and Fulton Sts., Chicago, Illinois evolved from the little sewing machines manufacture opened by John. W. Kiser during 19th century industrial revolution in Chicago. When cycling madness had begun, Kiser, the president of Chicago Sewing Machine Co. (photo to the left), decided to enter bicycle market. Soon Monarch Cycle Mfg. Co was selling bicycles through agents & distributors throughout the USA and in foreign countries. Their bicycles ("Kings of all cycles") were known for quality. Monarch chainless bicycle with Cardan drive first appeared in 1898 Janney, Semple & Co catalog. (Janney, Semple & Co of Minneapolis, Minnesota was one of major Monarch distributors. They were selling Geneva products, too). Chainless Monarch was a precise and very innovative construction, still the most popular Monarch bicycle in this time was Defiance with typical chain drive, available in gents' and ladies' version.

1898 Chainless Monarch in Janney, Semple & Co catalog

Below: 1895 Monarch bikes press advert

By the end of the 19th century Chicago, with 1.5 milion population and 2000 miles of roads - most of them paved - was ideal location for cycling industry. In the last decade of the century eighty-eight companies based in Chicago produced nearly two-thirds of the nation’s bicycles. Unfortunately the boom didn't last long; bicycle industry was caught in a downward spiral of market saturation, over-supply and intense price competition. Market crash forced small manufacturers to unite. Monarch Cycle Mfg. Co became part of American Bicycle Company, founded in 1899 by Albert Augustus Pope, owner of the Columbia Bicycle. American Bicycle Company was formed of 42 manufacturers (later over 75 companies), as an attempt to control supply and limit competition. Monarch brand was preserved, and Monarch bicycles with their charateristic logo - lion's head - were presented in American Bicycle Company catalogs in the beginning of 20th century. This chainless Monarch racing bike with Cardan drive built inside is American Bicycle Company product dated 1905.

See also: Pennant Westfield Mass 1920, other chainless bicycle by the same manufacturer.