The Merkel brand first appeared in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1902

In 1914 The Flying Merkel won the National endurance run from Chicago to St. Louis

By 1916 with the onset of World War I, a contracting market and increased competition, production faltered.

This beautiful machine was part of a Dutch collection

In 1911 the Miami Cycle Manufacturing Company purchased Merkel and production moved to Middletown, Ohio

Merkel’s set many performance standards that live today, including a patented spring front fork that was the forerunner of the modern telescopic front fork and the “mono shock” rear suspension

The final Merkel’s were produced in 1917