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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Vintage Macintosh and Mac Inspired Coats - A Brief History and Guide

!±8± Vintage Macintosh and Mac Inspired Coats - A Brief History and Guide

Companies in the North of England had been experimenting with rubber coating fabrics since the early 1800's in order to benefit from the waterproof qualities rubber provides. It was 1823 before Charles Macintosh, whose name is now synonymous with the rainproof overcoat that has come to be known as the 'Mac' or 'Mack', patented waterproofed cloth. Macintosh is also often spelt as Mackintosh and refers to the same company.

The Mac is typified by its simple, lightweight and waterproof design. The earliest examples are incredibly rare today. This is not just due to it being hard to find good examples of clothing from this era in general but specifically to the Mac, issues with the rubber that was used at the time being subject to cracking, melting and general wear, contributing to their scarcity.

The process of vulcanizing the rubber began in 1843. This is a chemical process that allows the rubber to take on new elastic characteristics and in doing so it becomes less brittle and more suited to creating a durable material for making coats. Vulcanization was also being used in other industries; for example, it was used to make shoes and tyres.

One of the worlds leading manufacturers of vulcanized rubber, Dunlop Rubber, acquired the Macintosh business in 1925. At this time, production was increased and most of the earliest examples of Macs that can be found today are likely to be from around this time.

The Mac is now a term that is often given to any garment that takes on the characteristics of being a lightweight and waterproof overcoat or jacket, not necessarily from the Macintosh company. Indeed, the company nearly became a victim of its own success, with other brands producing 'Macs' and sales waning until the brand started to reinvent itself in the 1990's, collaborating with the likes of Hermes. It was at this time that a sales executive, Daniel Dunko, saw an opportunity to re-establish Macintosh as a leading luxury British brand. Dunko acquired the company and has since worked with designers such as Louis Vuitton and Yohji Yamamoto. The Macintosh Rainwear brand has positioned itself as the best of British and continues to operate out of its factory in Cumberauld, near Glasgow In Scotland.

Vintage Macintosh and Mac Inspired Coats - A Brief History and Guide

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