An old bicycle. The history of the creation and development of a bicycle

An ancient bicycle in its time became a real breakthrough in the small transport industry. His invention is attributed to different people. There is a version that the projects with chain transmission and a pair of wheels belong to Leonardo da Vinci. The patent for the invention in 1814 was given to the German Baron Carl von Dres. The model was made of wood and did not have pedals, in order to go, it was necessary to push away from the ground. There is an opinion that such a device was created by the Russian craftsman Efim Artamonov (14 years earlier than his German counterpart), but he did not patent it. At the same time, the first bicycle traveled about 5 thousand kilometers, it was also made of wood.

Improvement

Designer from Germany Drez created in 1817 an old bicycle, which in fact was a wooden scooter, equipped with a saddle and steering wheel. The invention was named after the creator of the "trolley". This term is still used in relation to some self-propelled machines.

In the forties of the nineteenth century, the apparatus underwent modernization, thanks to the efforts of Kirk Patrick MacMillan (blacksmith of Scottish blood). A former bicycle without pedals is equipped with metal rods fixed on the rear wheel. With the help of them it was possible to drive the car through the legs. The driver himself was located between the front and rear wheels, correcting the direction with the help of the steering wheel, which interacts with the front rim.

It is worth noting that engineer Thompson soon provided inflatable tires, which at that time did not gain popularity, due to his technical imperfection. Mass production of bicycles with pedals and cameras began after 1867.

Further development

Its name was given to the bicycle thanks to Pierre Michaud, who patented the pedal drive installed on the front wheel. At the end of the 19th century, the "penny-farthing" models were popular, named by analogy to the diameters of coins among themselves (pennies less than farthing). The pedals were mounted on a large front wheel. The saddle was on top of them. Since such a vehicle had a displaced center of gravity, a bicycle with a large front wheel was considered a rather dangerous modification, riding on which required the attention and balance of the rider.

An alternative to this device were three-wheeled models that quickly gained popularity. The next stage of development of the bicycle can be considered the use of a metal wheel with internal spokes. Such an invention was proposed in 1867 by Eduard Kauper. Literally a couple of years the vehicle was equipped with a frame, and in the late 70's a chain transmission appeared (inventor - Englishman Lawson).

The end of the 19th century

The penny-farthing and similar models were replaced by a bicycle remotely resembling modern modifications. It was made by the English craftsman John Kemp Starley in 1884. The car has received the name "Wanderer" (Rover). After 12 months, the serial production of this version began. The unit had a chain drive, the same diameter of the wheels, the driver's seat was taken to the middle, between the front and rear rim. In the future, Rover began to manufacture cars and other equipment, until 2005, after which it went bankrupt.

In 1888 Scottish engineer John Boyd Dunlop proposed rubber tires, softer and more comfortable. Reliable cameras compared to rubber analogs, quickly gained popularity. If an old bicycle was compared to a "shake" for bones, now the ride has become much smoother and more convenient.

Gold time

The blossoming in the development of two-wheeled technology without a motor is considered to be the 90s of the nineteenth century. This is due to the appearance of the pedal brake, as well as free-wheeling devices, which made it possible not to pedal unnecessarily. Soon a hand brake appeared, but its mass application began a little later.

The first bicycle of a folding type was made in 1878, and in the next decade invented aluminum structures. A vehicle with pedals, on which it was possible to move in a recumbent or semi-reclining position, was invented in 1895. A similar modification was called "Rikambent". A few years after the presentation, Peugeot took over its mass production.

What changed in the early 20th century?

An ancient wooden bicycle at the beginning of the 20th century has long since sunk into oblivion. In 1915 there were models equipped with rear and front suspension. Their main purpose is to use it for the needs of the Italian army. After a decade, ball type bearings, multi-speed bushings, a conveyor assembly method, a speed regulator on the chain drive and steel pipes with foot brakes appear in the device.

The first gear shift mechanisms were far from perfect. On the rear wheel, special sprockets were mounted on both sides. To switch the speed, it was necessary to stop the technique, remove and turn the wheel. In addition, it was required to adjust the position and stretch of the chain.

Modern history of bicycle development

The planetary mechanism serving as a prototype for the modern gearshift device was invented in 1903, but spread almost 30 years later. A more modern modification of the gear selector is made by Italian cyclist Tulio Campagnolo (1950), who later became a well-known manufacturer of bicycle machines.

In the 74th year of the last century, bike models made of titanium appear, a little later - from carbon fiber. A special computer that allows you to monitor the parameters of load, speed and time, was released in 1983.

An old bicycle was a success, because of 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 cycling 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 use bicycles residents of European countries. The most active users are residents of Denmark and Holland. On average, a Dane rides a bicycle on the order of 900 kilometers a year, a Dutchman - 850 km. In Germany and Belgium, this figure is 300 km. Less used equipment is in Southern Europe. For example, the average Spaniard overcomes it only 20 kilometers.

Features

The policy of governments of different countries, aimed at the development of bicycle construction, allows to popularize this mode of transport, improve the health of the population, to relieve the central streets from the dense flow of cars and to preserve the ecology. In China, India and many other countries, a bicycle is considered the main means of transportation. This is due to its maneuverability on narrow streets and affordability. There have been cases when the authorities prohibited the movement on this type of equipment, so as not to interfere with the passage of cars. For example, in Shanghai (2003) a ban was imposed for several months.

Interesting information

Below are some interesting facts related to the development history of two-wheeled units without motors:

• The bicycle without pedals was invented in 1814, made of wood, it was possible to move on it, pushing from the ground with its feet.
• The first bicycle race was held in the suburbs of Paris (the distance was 2 kilometers, 1868).
• In Russia massively models with chain transmission began to appear in 1880.
• A significant breakthrough in the development of bicycles occurred in 1884. A veterinarian from Scotland, Dunlop invented 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, which prevents the mixture from escaping back.
• The main modern manufacturer of bicycles is China, since most of the facilities are located there (about 95% of the production).

Criterias of choice

When choosing a bicycle transport, it is necessary to take into account a number of parameters. First, it is necessary to determine the place of the main movement (city or country road). Secondly, you need to take into account the age and sex of the future owner. In addition, the frame should be suitable for the height and weight of the person. With all these factors in mind, you can pick up a two-wheeled vehicle that provides safety, reliability and comfort of movement.

What are the types of modern bicycles?

An old tricycle can now be found only in the museum. Modern analogs can be conditionally divided into three types:

1. Mountain models. They are designed to move on rough terrain, mountains and off-road. Qualitative modifications of this type are considered the most popular, reliable, durable 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.
2. Highway bicycles. These modifications are easier, they have larger diameter wheels with narrow tires. The model is equipped with a lowered steering wheel, which allows you to take an aerodynamic position to the driver, resulting in improved speed.
3. Mixed options. Such bicycles unite the best qualities of the above mentioned analogs, they are intended for driving outside the city and in it, but they will not suit participants of sports races.

The result

The development of bicycle equipment has been going on for more than one century. Many inventors and craftsmen took part in the development and creation of this device. As a result, the bicycle became not just entertainment, but a full-fledged vehicle.