First introduced in the United States in the 1830s, the bicycle reached its height of popularity in the 1890s as it evolved to become a popular form of locomotion for adults. Two decades later, ridership in the United States collapsed. Turpin chronicles the story of how the bicycle's image changed dramatically, shedding light on how American consumer patterns are shaped over time.

First introduced in the United States in the 1830s, the bicycle reached its height of popularity in the 1890s as it evolved to become a popular form of locomotion for adults. Two decades later, ridership in the United States collapsed. Turpin chronicles the story of how the bicycle's image changed dramatically, shedding light on how American consumer patterns are shaped over time.