Bicycles, Bikes And Cycles - How They Got Where They Are Now


by Vin DeWolfe - Date: 2008-06-16 - Word Count: 782 Share This!

Early in the 1800's the first forms of the bike were being made. They were normally referred to as "velocipedes". They were pedal-less, hard wheeled, wooden contraptions. The rider sat on a seat and used his legs to push himself along.

It wasn't until the latter 1830's that pedal powered cycles were introduced. This is when those large wheeled cycles we've seen in old pictures came in. They were named High Wheelers and they were the fashion of the time for gentlemen.

The ride on one of these large wheel cycles through the towns of the time was dangerous. They were not very comfortable to ride and a bit unmanageable to keep upright. If the ride didn't rough you up a bit, the fall sure enough would. They took on the nickname "bone-shakers" for good reason.

With the invention of the Safety Bicycle, all that changed. A man named John Kemp Starley is alleged to have made the first successful example in 1885. He named it the "Rover," but he never registered it.

Starley's modern design boasted some parts we are now familiar with. It had two wheels the same diameter, a chain drive to the rear wheel and a steerable front wheel.

In earlier cycles, the frame was ponderous, and commonly made of wood. The introduction of lighter metals and the rhombus frame construction made them lighter. This single alteration provided for several other designs to be added.

Previously, the pedaling action of the rider was applied to the front wheel. This made it hard to power the bike and it was more accident prone. With a chain drive attached to the rear wheel, the rider could more readily pedal. Turning corners and other maneuvers became easier, and the bike viewed as safer.

With the improvement of pneumatic tires, the riders of the time were finding it easier. Gone were the days of hard rubber or wooden tires. These modern tires were lighter and tendered a significantly improved, softer ride.

The bicycling fury hit Europe and North America in the mid to later 1800's. Individuals from the middle classes as well as the posh were keen to get in on this crazy way to jaunt around. Cycling clubs were cropping up all around Europe and the United States bicycling was not only a sport leisure-time activity, but it became a crucial form of personal transport as well.

Women, particularly, were joining the ranks of bike riders in huge numbers. Before these alterations to the bike, women were not allowed to ride. There was a question about the dangers and potential moral significances of a woman riding a bike. For a time, even with the safety features, young unmarried women could only ride in the party of an elder, respected female.

European countries still employed the bike for transportation and leisure well into the early 20th century. In some countries in Europe, even today, cycles far outnumber autos. They are preferred in bigger metropolises where parking is limited and traffic is hard. And, possibly best of all, they are highly effective and produce no pollution.

Americans did not pursue in the Europeans path though. By the 1910's, cycles for adults were being replaced by cars. Although still employed by some, they were not quite as popular as they once were. By the 1940's, the attitude towards cycles was that they were childrens toys. Most cycles of the time were made for kids.

Bicycles are making a comeback in these times of high gas prices. Bicycles are highly efficient modes of transport. The added benefit of a healthier body are enticing more people to ride bikes. People that haven't been on a bike in 2 decades or more are pedaling their way to work or out shopping.

Some of these industrious people are even constructing their own cycles. From a standard safety bike to tandem cycles and trikes, it's something almost anybody can build. When you construct your own bike, you select the design and customize it to your own needs. It's a great way to spend time with the children too. And after you have built a bike or two, it'll be a blast to take 'em out for a spin!

The bike has come quite a way since the earlier attempts. Now, cycles are made of lighter weight, stronger materials. Manufacturers offer a large number of designs, founded on the intended use. They're designed for safety, comfort and are faster than ever before. Accessories like child trailers make taking your children for a ride or stopping for some food easy.

In my following bicycling article, I'll be talking of the different designs of cycles there are and how you can construct your own. In the meantime, go ride a bike!

Related Tags: accessories, cruiser, bicycle, bike, parts, recumbent, mountain, lowrider, bmx, touring, cycle

For more free info and to check out DIY Build It Yourself Bicycle Instruction, visit: bicycles.biblioflip.comK.L. "Vin" Hayes directs a team of independent writers and investigators. Over the previous 10 years, they've worked together to produce quality digital reprints of vintage books & documents as well as original works. Vin specializes in how to info that includes a broad variety of topics such as fishing & hunting, crafts & hobbies, construction, self-improvement and more.

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