Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: thedoc on 08/07/2014 17:57:10

Title: How was the bicycle invented?
Post by: thedoc on 08/07/2014 17:57:10

The Tour de France has been running since 1903 only stopping for the two world wars. So how much have bikes changed over the last 111 years?
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Title: Re: How was the bicycle invented?
Post by: janetadams on 09/07/2014 10:29:17

This is something interesting me. Invention of a bicycle really a great invention I think. If we ask this question to a genius one, I am damn sure that he/she might be get stuck for while to answer the question. To study about the invention of the bicycle a good research and a case study is needed.


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Title: Re: How was the bicycle invented?
Post by: CliffordK on 09/07/2014 10:50:41

I wonder if the invention of the bicycle required certain technological advancements that did not occur until the early 1800's. 

For example, one really wouldn't expect a bicycle that was made with two wooden oxcart wagon wheels, wooden bushings, and a heavy steel rim to be very pleasurable to ride. 

Thus, the invention of a bicycle may have required a steel tubular frame and steel spoke wheels which may have occurred concurrently with other inventions of the early 1800's.

Title: Re: How was the bicycle invented?
Post by: evan_au on 09/07/2014 17:41:08

The invention of the rubber tire would have reduced the bone-jarring nature of early bikes.

Title: Re: How was the bicycle invented?
Post by: Bored chemist on 09/07/2014 19:06:12

This looks to me like a very uncomfortable idea but they existed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandy_horse
They are not far from "a bicycle that was made with two wooden oxcart wagon wheels, wooden bushings, and a heavy steel rim"- somewhat better wheels, but still no suspension to speak of.

Title: Re: How was the bicycle invented?
Post by: CliffordK on 10/07/2014 03:30:06

Quote from: Bored chemist on 09/07/2014 19:06:12

This looks to me like a very uncomfortable idea but they existed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandy_horse
They are not far from "a bicycle that was made with two wooden oxcart wagon wheels, wooden bushings, and a heavy steel rim"- somewhat better wheels, but still no suspension to speak of.

That was only 1818.  Not Greek or Roman times. 

It might be fun for riding downhill, but there is little mechanical advantage for going on the level.  Although, I suppose you could argue that skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, and push scooters also lack mechanical advantage, but some people can cruise quite fast on them.