Originally Posted by sykerocker

Back in the bike boom era (in Erie, PA, to be exact) an Iverson was the lowest quality, cheapest new 10-speed bicycle you could buy. The 10-speed version sold for $69.95, the 3-speed was about $15.00 less. By comparison, a Schwinn Varsity and Raleigh Record went for $100.00; a Gitane Grand Sport de Luxe was $130.00; the same big box or catalog store could sell you a Chiorda for $95.00; and a Huffy or Murray went for around $75.00. Columbia's were just under $90.00, and were the cheapest 10-speed we were willing to carry in the bike shop. They may have looked like the mass market bike, but components were usually better, as was the construction.

Construction appeared to be identical to a Huffy or Murray, but they were cheaper. The Iverson used 26x1/38" wheels, and was nothing more than their 3-speed with the rear hub changed to allow a 5-speed freewheel, single chainwheel and chain guard replaced with a double and pie-plate pants guard, and drop bars. The stem was the same stamped steel one they used on the 3-speed.

Now, where I get my attitude against them is that I can clearly remember on three or four occasions (40+ years has dimmed the memory a bit) fairly new (under one year old) Iverson's were brought into the shop with the headtube snapped off from the frame. This was the only brand we ever saw come in in this condition. Murray's, Huffy's, Rollfast's seemed to have slightly better quality control and were welded together with a bit more care. Well. when you're talking production quality, some brand has to come in last, and back then Iverson seemed to be clearly it. Yes, kids were rough on those bikes, why do you think we sold so many Varsity's?

Does that mean those of you who are commuting with Iverson's are riding walking time bombs? I doubt it. At least you're in no more risk, and possibly less, than someone with a Lambert with the death fork. Which, incidentally, I've never heard a FIRST PERSON story about one snapping while riding. Every incident I've ever been told has been the invariable friend of a friend of a friend variety.