Sunday, January 1, 2012

The History of Bicycles


!±8± The History of Bicycles

It was in 1817 when the story of the two-wheeled vehicle started. Baron von Drais invented a device that would help him get around to where he wanted to go. The device was composed of two same-sized wheels made of wood. It was used by pushing your feet against the ground making the wheels roll. The device, which was known as the Draisienne or hobby horse, became very popular during that time. However, its popularity became passing since it was impracticable to use the Drasienne on places that are not well maintained.

1865 marked another year for the birth of a two-wheeled vehicle. It was then when the Velocipede or the "bone shaker" was invented. The pedals of the device were directly connected to the front wheel. It was also purely made of wood; however, another variation came into existence, which was made of metal. This also became very popular during that time.

In 1870, the first all metal two-wheeled vehicle was invented. It was also the first time that it was called the bicycle, which means "two wheels". The tires, which were made of solid rubber, provided the rider a much smoother ride than its previous models. The front wheel was usually large since the inventors realized that the larger the wheel, the farther the distance you could travel with one rotation of the pedals. These high-wheeled bicycles became a fad up to the 1880s.

After the invention of the high-wheeled bicycle, the high-wheeled tricycle came into existence. These were very popular among the ladies of that time and also they provided more dignity to gentlemen such as doctors and clergymen.

Because the front wheel is larger than the backside wheel, a sudden stop by the rider may cause the bicycle to rotate forward. And since the feet of the rider are trapped under the handle bars, he may fall head first. Because of this, the same-sized wheels came back to the scene. With further improvements in metallurgy, the metal used was now stronger than the previous models. Pneumatic tires were applied giving the rider a much more comfortable travel. This was first applied by an Irish veterinarian, Dunlop, in order to give his son a much more comfortable ride on his bicycle. The package of safety and comfort became very popular and became cheaper as manufacturing methods improved. As cycling became well-liked in the society, designs especially made for kids were also invented just after the First World War.

As bicycling became very well-liked in the society, special roads for bicycles were made. Until now, the trend of cycling has been very popular. For those who want an extra challenge on their ride, they prefer mountain bikes. Also, the use of road bikes to travel to work has been also well-liked.


The History of Bicycles

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