Einstein said:
"I thought of that while riding my bicycle"
(Einstein, in reference to the Theory of Relativity)
Those before him, have probably thought about other things and started doing objects that gave origin to the bicycle. No one or any country can claim the invention of bicycle.
From the huge list of drawings made by Leonardo da Vinci, a sketch of a bicycle was found. In MUSEO LEONARDIANO, we can observe a Replica of his sketches.
1790 - The Earliest Bicycle - No Pedals
Comte Mede de Sivrac of France thought and constructed this object that can assemble to a bicycle. He called it a celerifer and it was a wooden-scooter-like vehicle with no pedals or steering.
Created by the German Baron Karl von Drais de Sauerbrun this model included a steering mechanism joined to the front wheel. He called it a Draisienne.
When Pedals Were Added-A big improvement
According to some historians, the invention of the pedal bicycle is assigned to Kirkpatrick MacMillan, a Scottish blacksmith. MacMillan's bicycle had a frame made of wood and the wheels were made of wood and iron. The front wheel was smaller (30 inches-760mm) than the back (40 inch-1016mm) one and was attached to pedals via connecting rods. He could ride his bicycle 68 miles to visit his brothers in Glasgow.
1870 - The High Wheeler Bike - Penny FarthingWith the coming of the Industrial Revolution, metalworking had improved and since then many pieces started being constructed on metal. It was the case of the bicycle. The tires were in rubber and the pedals were attached directly to the front wheel. The front wheel was bigger because they thought the bigger the wheels the faster you could go. However, there was a problem - the safety. As the riders had to seat so high, they were more vulnerable to falls.
1885 - Safety Bicycle - John Kemp Starley
A major advancement in design
The creation of the safety bicycle transformed the bicycle from a dangerous object to a reliable and comfortable device that could be safely used by people of all ages for everyday transportation.
In 1885, Kem Starley created a bike design that featured a rider much lower between two wheels of the same size, coupled with a sprocket and chain system that drove the bike from the rear wheel. This model had rubber tires smoothing the painful rides. Suddenly cycling was safer and funnier and it became a more common way of transportation because the prices dropped continually as the manufacturing methods improved.
20th Century - Technological Innovations
In the 20th century, bicycles have to be adapted to the new people's requirements. They had to transport heavy loads over long distances, particularly in third-world countries.
In the 20th century, bicycles have to be adapted to the new people's requirements. They had to transport heavy loads over long distances, particularly in third-world countries.
The evolution of materials, components and manufacturing processes have contributed to the appearance of more sophisticated vehicles. Designers also gave a hand to the creation of new styles.
The new innovations were related to materials. Titanium and carbon fiber have created lighter and stronger bikes. The use of gears also allowed the use of bicycles in steeper hills and higher speeds.
Nowadays there is a wide variety of bicycles styles and you can choose the suitable to your rides.
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