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The Running Machine
The running machine was the first bicycle-like invention. It was very different than the bicycles that we have today. Karl Von Drais created it. The running machine was made entirely of wood. You could not steer itand there were no breaks. There were no pedals, so you had to push yourself along with your feet instead. -
Tricycle and Quadracycle
Willard and Sawyer first invented the tricycles and quadracycles. They were more stable than the running machine. It was therefore easier for balancing. They had three of four wheels. This change was important because it was now a safer type of bicycle. -
Velocipede
The velocipede was invented by Pierre Micharux. This new type of bicycle featured pedals. The front wheel was so large that the person who was riding it couldn't reach the ground. The bike now had pedals but it was still very hard to ride. It weighed about 100 pounds.This was an important invention because it was the first bicycle with pedals. -
Penny Farthing Bicycle
The penny farthing bicycle was invented by James Starley. The Wheels looked like 2 coins. A penny and a farthing. The front wheel was giant. The wheel was so high up that it was hard to get on and off of the bicycle. The bicycle was very unstable. These changes were very important but not entirely beneficial -
The Safety Bicycle
The safety bicycle was invented by John Kemp Starley. The safety bicycle now had two tires the same size. It was starting to look more like the bikes that we have today. This change was important because lower wheels were easier to balance on and if you were to fall off of the bicycle, you wouldn't fall as far. -
Internal Hub Gears
Internal hub gears were invented by two men named Scott and Phillot. Internal hub gears allow you to control how hard it is to move the pedals. This invention was important because if you are going uphill you don't want it to be too hard to push the pedals and if you are going downhill you don't want the pedals to go around too fast so. -
The Kid's Bike
The people who first created the kids bike were Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Ward. At first only adults rode bicycles but then they started to lose interest. Bicycle creators decided to try to get kid's attention. The kid's bike was 65 pounds. this invention was important because kids could now go places on their own. they didn't have to walk. -
Spring Fork and Fat Tire Added
The spring fork and fat tire were added to the bicycle because of teenage boys. They would abuse their bikes and so Schwinn came up with fat tires and spring forks. This way boys wouldn't ruin their bicycles by treating them roughly. -
The Mountain Bike
The mountain bike was not invented by anyone in particular. It was invented with many different people giving their ideas. Joe Breee was the one to create the frame but that wouldn't have happened without all of the ideas from before.This invention was important because people could now ride on rough roads and in the mountains on bikes. They wouldn't have to worry about popping their tires. This invention was very important. -
Sinclair Folding Bike
This bike was created by sinclair. It can fold up to be so small that it fits in a backpack. The wheels on this bike are really small. This invention is important because it can fold up to be so small. It is a very unique invention.
