The old-time bicycle at one time was a real breakthrough in the small transport industry. His invention is attributed to various people. There is a version that projects with a chain drive and a pair of wheels belong to Leonardo da Vinci. The patent for the invention in 1814 received the German baron Karl von Dres. The model was made of wood and did not have pedals, in order to ride, it was necessary to push one's feet off the ground. It is believed that such a device was created by the Russian craftsman Efim Artamonov (14 years earlier than the German counterpart), but he did not patent it. In this case, the first bike traveled about 5 thousand kilometers, was also made of wood.
Improvement
A designer from Germany Dres created in 1817 an old bicycle, which in fact was a wooden scooter equipped with a saddle and a wheel. The invention was named after the creator "trolley". This term is still used in relation to some self-propelled vehicles.
In the forties of the nineteenth century, the device underwent modernization, thanks to the efforts of Kirk Patrick MacMillan (a blacksmith of Scottish blood). A former bicycle without pedals is equipped with metal rods fixed to the rear wheel. With the help of them it was possible to set the machine in motion by means of legs. The driver himself was located between the front and rear wheels, adjusting the direction using the steering wheel interacting with the front rim.
It is worth noting that the engineer Thompson soon provided inflatable tires, which at that time did not gain popularity, due to their technical imperfections. Mass production of bicycles with pedals and cameras began after 1867.
Further development
The bike got its name thanks to Pierre Michaud, who patented a pedal drive mounted on the front wheel. At the end of the 19th century, “penny-farthing” models became popular, so named by analogy of coin diameters (pennies are less than farthing). The pedals were mounted on a large front wheel. The saddle was located on top of them. Since such a vehicle had a shifted center of gravity, a bicycle with a large front wheel was considered a rather dangerous modification, the ride on which required the attention and balance of the rider.
An alternative to this device was tricycle models that quickly gained popularity. The next stage in the development of a bicycle is the use of a metal wheel with internal spokes. A similar invention was proposed in 1867 by Eduard Cowper. Just a couple of years later, the vehicle was equipped with a frame, and at the end of the 70s a chain drive appeared (inventor - English Lawson).
End of the 19th century
Penny farthing and similar models were replaced by a bicycle, which vaguely resembles modern modifications. It was made by English craftsman John Kemp Starley in 1884. The car received the name "Wanderer" (Rover). After 12 months, mass production of this version began. The unit had a chain gear, the same diameter of the wheels, the driver's seat was carried out in the middle, between the front and rear rims. Subsequently, Rover began to manufacture cars and other equipment, until 2005, after which it went bankrupt.
In 1888, Scottish engineer John Boyd Dunlop offered rubber tires, softer and more comfortable. Reliable cameras compared to rubber counterparts quickly gained popularity. If an old bicycle was compared with a “shake” for bones, now riding has become much smoother and more comfortable.
Golden time
The heyday of the development of two-wheeled vehicles without a motor is the 90s of the nineteenth century. This is due to the appearance of a pedal brake, as well as a freewheeling device, which allows you to not pedal unnecessarily. Soon a hand brake appeared, but its mass application began a little later.
The first folding type bike was made in 1878, and in the next decade aluminum structures were invented. A vehicle with pedals on which it was possible to move in a lying or reclining position was invented in 1895. A similar modification was called "rikambent". A few years after the presentation, Peugeot took up its mass production.
What changed at the beginning of the 20th century?
An old wooden bicycle at the beginning of the 20th century has long sunk into oblivion. In 1915, models appeared equipped with rear and front suspension. Their main purpose is to use for the needs of the Italian army. Ten years later, ball-type bearings, multi-speed bushings, a conveyor assembly method, a speed controller on a chain drive and steel pipes with foot brakes appear in the device.
The first gearshift mechanisms were far from perfect. On the rear wheel mounted special sprockets on both sides. To switch speed, it was necessary to stop the equipment, remove and turn the wheel. In addition, it was necessary to adjust the position and tension of the chain.
The modern history of bicycle development
The planetary mechanism, which serves as a prototype for a modern gear shifting device, was invented in 1903, however, it gained distribution almost 30 years later. A more modern modification of the gear shifter was made by the Italian cyclist Tulio Campagnolo (1950), who later became a well-known manufacturer of bicycle machines.
In the 74th year of the last century, bicycle models made of titanium appeared, a little later - from carbon fiber. A special computer that allows you to track the parameters of the load, speed and time, was released in 1983.
The antique bike was a success due to the lack of alternative options. In the twentieth century, the popularity of the technique in question was unstable. This is due to the development of the automotive industry and the invention of mopeds, motorcycles. The fashion for cycle machines appeared again, largely due to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the protection of the ecological system. As the main vehicle, now most often the bike is used by residents of European countries. The most active users are residents of Denmark and the Netherlands. On average, a Dane rides a bike about 900 kilometers a year, a resident of the Netherlands - 850 km. In Germany and Belgium, this figure is 300 km. Less used machinery is in southern Europe. For example, the average Spaniard overcomes on it only 20 kilometers.
Features
The policy of the governments of different countries aimed at the development of bicycle building allows to popularize this type of transport, improve the health status of the population, relieve the central streets from the heavy traffic flow and save the environment. In China, India and many other countries, bicycle is considered the main means of transportation. This is due to its maneuverability in narrow streets and affordability. There have been cases where the authorities prohibited the movement of this type of equipment so as not to impede the passage of cars. For example, in Shanghai (2003), a ban was introduced for several months.
Interesting information
The following are some interesting facts related to the history of the development of two-wheeled units without motors:
- A bicycle without pedals was invented back in 1814, made of wood, it was possible to move on it, pushing off the ground with your feet.
- The first bicycle race was held in the suburbs of Paris (the distance was 2 kilometers, 1868).
- Chain models began to appear in Russia massively in 1880.
- A significant breakthrough in the development of bicycles occurred in 1884. Scottish veterinarian Dunlop came up with a pneumatic tire. Initially, he tried to fill it with water, but this significantly reduced the speed. Then the inventor blew air into it and came up with a special valve to prevent the mixture from returning back.
- China is considered the main modern manufacturer of bicycles, since most capacities are located there (about 95% of the production).
Criterias of choice
When choosing a bicycle, a number of parameters must be considered. Firstly, it is necessary to determine the location of the main movement (city or country road). Secondly, you need to consider the age and gender of the future owner. In addition, the frame should be suitable for the height and weight of the person. Taking into account all these factors, you can choose two-wheeled vehicles that ensure safety, reliability and comfort of movement.
What are the types of modern bicycles?
An old tricycle can now be seen only in the museum. Modern analogues can be divided into three types:
- Mountain models. They are designed to move over rough terrain, mountains and off-road. Qualitative modifications of this type are considered the most popular, reliable, strong and durable. Some versions are equipped with a pair of shock absorbers (two suspensions). Despite the fact that such a machine is heavier than the standard variation, it shows the best performance when driving on an uneven surface.
- Road bikes. These modifications are lighter, have larger diameter wheels with narrow tires. The model is equipped with a lowered steering wheel, which allows the driver to take an aerodynamic position, as a result of which speed indicators are improved.
- Mixed options. Such bicycles combine the best qualities of the analogs discussed above, are designed for riding in and out of the city, but will not be suitable for participants in sports races.
Total
The development of bicycle technology has been going on for centuries. Many inventors and craftsmen participated in the development and creation of this device. As a result, the bike became not just entertainment, but a full-fledged vehicle.