The history of the bicycle….!
Today the bike represents one of the most important means of transportation with approximately 1.5 billion bicycles in circulation. European countries themselves represent 50% of the totally kilometres cycled world wide each year. The bicycle was first introduced in Germany by Baron Karl von Drais called laufmaschine or “running machine” in 1817 and then patented in Paris 1818. At the time, riders sat astride a wooden frame supported by a fork and pushed the vehicle along with his/her feet while steering the front wheel.
In 1861, inventors took bicycle design in a new direction by adding a mechanical crank drive with pedals and producing the velocipede. By 1869 the bikes featured, tubular steel frame and wire spoke wheels with solid rubber tires.
After the war of 1870, the bikes had a very large front wheel with a small one at the rear. These bicycles were difficult to ride due their very high seat and poor weight distribution. It was only in 1884 that wheel diameters were reduced and setting the seat further back weight distribution and comfort. To solve the problem of obtain sufficient speed chain drive was introduced, thereby connecting the frame-mounted pedals to the rear wheel. These models were known as the safety bicycles. By the end of 1890 the bike refinements resemble today’s bikes with the exception of speed shifters.
This innovative transportation method became so popular in Europe that the first tour de France took place in 1903. Soon after the invention of speed shifters, cyclists started using them for competitive cycling.
By the turn of the century, cycling clubs flourished on both sides of the Atlantic, and touring and racing became widely popular. The bike popularity is still growing today because of new innovations that renders cycling enjoyable as well as useful.
« Back
