I more than strongly suspect that Jerry is thinking on the Itera, launched in `82 as "the eternity bike" the new sensational breaktrough in bicycle design. Unfortunately from Sweden, made in Wilhelmina in the northern inland which meant that they got state money - regional support - for it. It didn´t make it and the last were sold out very cheap, I do regret I didn´t buy a few.
In style it was more like a moped than a traditional bike, with a thick step-trough frame, the thick frame necessary to make it a little less noodly. Some people in fact did swear to it just because of that, it had a reputation as being comfortable. But heavy, more like 40 pounds than 35.
I tried to find some photographs on the net, no success so far.
The wheels got popular with horse people, used for carts, also in competion for trotters.
The company was launched by two young executives from Volvo, 100% car people who left car business to reform the under- developed bicycle sector. I remember the discussion - there was quite a lot of talk in the papers and some heavy criticism from bike people - and from their defense I drew the conclusion that they were dead earnest and very serious. Mayby underrated the sophistication of the bike (I have seen that among other car lovers)?
As it is from the permitted time-span I might venture to publish a picture if I can put my hands on it. I may be at risk for an OT rebuke though, as it may well be half-old, but certainly not vintage.
Olof Stroh
Uppsala Sweden