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The Draisine, also known as the "running machine" or "hobby horse," was the first two-wheeled, steerable, human-propelled machine. It had no pedals; riders propelled themselves by pushing their feet against the ground. The inventor was Baron Karl von Drais.
Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a Scottish blacksmith, is credited with adding pedals to the front wheel, creating a primitive pedal-powered bicycle.
The Michaux velocipede featured pedals attached directly to the front wheel. Its iron frame and wooden wheels with iron rims earned it the nickname "boneshaker" due to the rough ride it provided. Pierre Michaux and Pierre Lallement are credited with this innovation.
Eugène Meyer introduced the penny-farthing, characterized by its large front wheel and much smaller rear wheel, improving speed and efficiency. However, it was difficult to mount and ride and posed a risk of "headers" (going over the handlebars).
Starley's Rover featured equal-sized wheels, a chain-driven rear wheel, and a diamond frame, making it safer and more practical than the penny-farthing. This design became the prototype for modern bicycles.
The United States Playing Card Company (USPCC) introduced the Bicycle brand in 1885. Foretelling the coming bicycle boom, the Bicycle brand quickly became known for its high-quality playing cards, recognizable by the iconic "Rider Back" design featuring a winged bicycle rider.
John Boyd Dunlop’s invention of the pneumatic (air-filled) tire dramatically improved ride comfort and performance, marking a significant advancement in bicycle technology.
The 1890s saw a massive surge in bicycle popularity, often referred to as the "Bicycle Boom." Bicycles became affordable and widely available, leading to increased mobility and social change.
The 1890s saw a massive surge in the popularity of bicycles, often referred to as the "bicycle boom." This period marked the first time bicycles became widely accessible to the general public, including women. The Rational Dress Movement emerged in the late 19th century, advocating for more practical and comfortable clothing for women. Traditional long skirts and corsets were restrictive and dangerous for cycling, prompting the adoption of more functional attire.
Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton saw the bicycle as a tool of women's liberation. Anthony famously remarked that bicycles had "done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world."
One of the earliest known patents for an electric bicycle was filed by Ogden Bolton Jr. in the United States. His design featured a battery-powered electric motor mounted on the rear wheel hub.
The first modern Olympic Games in Athens included cycling events, solidifying the bicycle's status in competitive sports. Cycling was one of the nine sports included in the 1896 Olympic program. The inclusion of cycling underscored its growing popularity and significance as a competitive sport in the late 19th century. The cycling competitions were held at the newly constructed Neo Phaliron Velodrome, which could accommodate thousands of spectators.
The inaugural Tour de France, now the most prestigious road cycling race, was held, highlighting the sport's growing popularity. The race took place from July 1 to July 19, 1903. The total distance covered was 2,428 kilometers (approximately 1,509 miles). The race was divided into six stages, significantly longer than those in modern Tours, with each stage averaging around 400 kilometers (250 miles).
The Le Cyclo derailleur was one of the first commercially successful derailleur systems. It allowed cyclists to change gears by moving the chain across different sized sprockets on the rear wheel, significantly improving climbing ability and overall ride efficiency.
Caminargent, a French company, was the first to introduce aluminum frames in the early 1930s. Caminargent developed a unique method for constructing aluminum bicycle frames. Their bikes were assembled using a system of screwed and glued joints, rather than welded, which was innovative for the time.
"Ladri di biciclette" received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. It won the Academy Honorary Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1950 and the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film. The film is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made. Its realistic portrayal of poverty and human struggle has influenced countless filmmakers and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
The French Velo Cross Club Parisien (VCCP) was comprised of about twenty young bicyclists from the outskirts of Paris who between 1951 and 1956 developed a sport that was the start of present-day mountain biking. The early mountain bikes were built from parts collected from Motobecane, Peugeot, and VeloSolex mopeds and bicycles.
Bicycle Motocross (BMX) emerged in California, with kids emulating motocross races on modified bikes, leading to the creation of a new cycling discipline.
Geographer P.J. Perry completed a study of how the gene pool changed in rural Dorset in western England. Perry concluded that the greater genetic diversity brought about by the change in distance between marriage partners was caused by the arrival of the bicycle. "There is little doubt that the most important event in recent human evolution was the invention of the bicycle." said Steven Jones, geneticist.
The development of mountain bikes in Marin County, California, brought about durable frames, wider tires, and improved suspension systems for off-road cycling. The first ‘production’ mountain bikes were introduced by Specialized, Univega, and Motobecane in the mid to late 1970s.
"Breaking Away" is often voted as the best sports movie ever by the BikesDirect staff. Dave's passion for cycling and his desire to break free from the expectations placed on him by his working-class background are major focal points of his life. He idolizes Italian cyclists and immerses himself in their language and culture. The film culminates in the annual Little 500 bicycle race, a prestigious event held at Indiana University. Dave and his friends, who call themselves the "Cutters" (a term referring to local limestone quarry workers and their families), decide to enter the race against the college teams. The race becomes a metaphor for their struggle to prove themselves and find their place in the world.
"Breaking Away" was met with critical acclaim, praised for its heartfelt story, strong performances, and authentic portrayal of small-town life. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay (Steve Tesich) and received nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress (Barbara Barrie), and Best Music.
The Gossamer Albatross became the first fully human-powered aircraft to cross the English Channel. As a long-time long-distance cyclist, Pilot Bryan Allen was built for the kind of challenge presented by the Gossamer aircraft (flying bicycle).
The introduction of carbon fiber frames revolutionized bicycle construction, offering superior strength-to-weight ratios and allowing for advanced aerodynamic designs. Exxon, more commonly associated with the oil industry, ventured into advanced materials and developed one of the earliest carbon fiber bicycle frames. The Graftek frame used carbon fiber tubes bonded to aluminum lugs. Despite its innovative design, it faced issues with bonding reliability and durability, limiting its commercial success.
One of the first electronic shifting systems was the Mavic Zap, introduced in the mid-1990s. It featured a wired system that allowed riders to change gears electronically. While it was a groundbreaking concept, the system faced issues with reliability and was not widely adopted.
Lee Iacocca, an iconic figure in the automotive industry, founded EV Global Motors in 1997 with the aim of producing and marketing electric bicycles (e-bikes). His vision was to create affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation options for urban commuters. EV Global Motors aimed to bridge the gap between traditional bicycles and motor vehicles, offering a solution that combined the benefits of both. One of the company's most notable products was the E-Bike SX, introduced in the late 1990s. The E-Bike SX featured a lightweight aluminum frame, a 500-watt electric motor, and a rechargeable battery. It could reach speeds of up to 20 mph and had a range of approximately 20 miles on a single charge. The bike also included features like pedal assist and a thumb throttle, making it easy to use for a wide range of riders.
Lance Armstrong won the Tour de France seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005, which was initially celebrated as one of the most remarkable achievements in the sport. In 2012, Armstrong was stripped of all his titles from 1999 onwards following a comprehensive investigation by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), which revealed widespread doping practices.
Bradley Wiggins won the gold medal in the men's time trial shortly after becoming the first British cyclist to win the Tour de France. The women's road race and time trial received increased attention, with Marianne Vos winning gold in the road race.
A poll by the UK Science Museum crowned the bicycle as the best invention, highlighting its simplicity, sustainability, and transformative impact. The bicycle stands out as a marvel of human ingenuity and design. Its profound impact on transportation, health, the environment, and society underscores its status as arguably the best invention ever.
The UCI launched the Women's WorldTour to promote women's professional cycling and provide a more structured and prestigious calendar of races for female cyclists.
Denise Mueller-Korenek set the world record for paced bicycle land speed at 183.932 mph and is considered "the fastest cyclist on earth."
Annemiek van Vleuten won the UCI Road World Championships women’s road race after a solo breakaway of over 100 kilometers, showcasing her incredible endurance and skill.
The Olympic Games 2024 include cycling events in track, mountain biking, road racing, and BMX. A long way from the 1896 first modern Olympic cycling events.
Electronic Shifting: The widespread adoption of electronic shifting systems, such as Shimano Di2, Campagnolo EPS, and SRAM eTap, has revolutionized gear changing in both road and mountain biking.
Aero Bikes and Disc Brakes: Advances in aerodynamics and the integration of disc brakes have become standard in high-performance road bikes, enhancing speed, safety, and braking efficiency.
Gravel Bikes and Adventure Cycling: The popularity of gravel biking has surged, leading to the development of specialized gravel bikes designed for mixed-terrain riding and bikepacking.
Electric Bikes: Electric bikes, or e-bikes, have revolutionized the world of cycling, offering a versatile and eco-friendly alternative to traditional bicycles and motor vehicles.
This history is easy for us to update – if you have suggestions, please e-mail bikesdirectservice@gmail.com