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Early Bicycles
Forerunner of modern bicycles developed in early 19th century. Many individuals developed two wheel transportation, but first known US patent was issued to Pierre Lailement. He claimed to have built the first velocopde (as they were known then) 3 years earlier. -
Faster bikes with pedals
Eugene Meyer is credited with developing the "penny farthing"--a bicycle with pedals attached to a arge front wheel. The rear wheel was much smaller; otherwise mounting the bike would have been evan more difficult. These bikes were also called "boneshakers", highwheels". -
Pneumatic Trye
John Boyd Dunlop realized while watching his son ride a bicycle that solid rubber tires on the bike made the ride very uncomfortable since roads back then were in a sad state. He developed an inflatable tire along with a cost effective method of producing them. I found references to patents dated July 23 and December 7, 1888. Dunlop transfered the patent to William Du Cros but the company still bears his name. -
Frame materials
Early frames were constructed from wood but ia bamboo bicycle was showcased in 1894. We'll come back to frame materials later. -
First Functional Derailleur
The first functional deraileur was invented by Paul de Vive of France. It shifted 4 gears mounted on the front crank. Today this would be considered a front derailleur. Rear derailleurs were developed during the 1930's. -
Quick Release Skewer
Tullio Campagnola patented a quick release skewer within a hollow hub wheel axle. This simplified installing and/or removing wheels without tools under any conditions. This design has remained virtually unchanged for over 80 years. -
Development of mountain bikes
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1985 Tour de France
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CEJiFMZM34&feature=em-share_video_user -
Clipless Pedals
Bernard Hinault was the first winner of the Tour de Frarnce weariing the new Look clipless pedals. It was the fifth time Hinault won the Tour joining Eddy Merckx and Jacques Anquetil as the only cyclists to win it 5 times (since joined by Miguel Induran and Lance Armstrong). -
Bicycle Frames
Early frames were made of wood and even bamboo (as seen earleir) but during most of the 20th century steel was the main material. Now frames are made with aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber. In the 1950's steel frame cruiser bikes weighed 50 puonds. Now standard road sytle bikes weigh under 20 pounds and some are so light the UCI makes riders add weight in order to be race legal. -
Mandatory Helmet Use
Professional cyclists had resisited mandatory use of helmets until Andreii Kivilev dird in a routine crash during Pairis-Nice. He had taken his helmet off uring a climb, had not put it back down, and crashed head first onto pavement. After this the UCI made helmet use mandatory for all pro cycling events. -
Back to the Future
The Zion Century was my first 100 mile ride on a single speed bike. Felt like a rock star since I was interviewed after the ride. This was probably my 15 minutes of fame. Since then there have been many more centuries including New York City later the same year with bike set up fised gear.
