Bicycle history

Bicycle history

As early as the end of the 15th century, a sketch of a bicycle-like assembly was drawn in the manuscripts of Leonardo da Vinci.

The first bicycle, which already had not only wheels, but also a steering wheel with a tiller, was created in 1817 by Karl Drais in Germany. The bicycle was wooden, without pedals, which rolled by kicking the legs.

Frenchman Pierre Michaux in 1860. produced the first pedal-powered bicycle "velocipede". This bike quickly became popular, which served to further improve the bikes.

in 1868 large-scale bicycle production began in Great Britain and the United States. The first bicycle newspaper, The Velocipedist, was published in New York.

1870-1880 bicycles with a large front wheel and a small rear wheel were popular. The bikes were not very comfortable, they were unstable and quite dangerous.

John Kemp Starley in 1885 created a safer and easier to control bicycle called "Rover Safety Bicycle". The bicycle he created was similar in design to the modern one, with similar sized wheels and frame, with a horizontal handlebar on the tiller. This model was very popular and greatly influenced the further evolution of bicycles.

in 1888 pneumatic tires appeared, developed by Scotsman John Boyd Dunlop. Pneumatic tires provided a more comfortable ride and less rolling resistance.

As early as the 1890s, bicycles with spoked wheels and pneumatic tires, as well as chain drives and brakes, began to be mass-produced.

From the 19th century bicycle technology and design have continued to improve. Various innovations are being developed, bicycles have become lighter and with stronger frames, more ergonomic, etc. Now bicycles are much more comfortable and safer than ever before.