Man, bike, gadget - from the beginnings to the present
In the most “cycling” country - the Netherlands, May 14 was Cyclist Day (in the Dutch Landelijke Fietsdag). This holiday is celebrated on the second Saturday of May. Residents of the country mount their iron "horses" and hit the road. And although Cyclist Day does not have an official status, it is highly revered among the Dutch. In the CIS countries, this movement is only gaining momentum, but nevertheless, the ranks of cycle enthusiasts are constantly growing. For this reason, we decided to recall the history of the emergence of bicycles, as well as consider the modern market for devices for this vehicle.
Since time immemorial, mankind has used the wheel to facilitate movement on the earth. Among archaeological finds, the earliest is considered to be a wheel about 7,000 years old. Throughout its history, people have found application in various types of carts, carts and chariots. But the invention of Karl von Dres, who in 1814 created something like a two-wheeled scooter from wood, became absolutely revolutionary. This unit has become the prototype of a modern bike. Baron von Drez called his device “a running machine” (in German Laufmaschine). Unlike the bicycle in the classical sense, this car did not have pedals, the scooter was set in motion due to the fact that the rider was kicked off the ground. The device was patented in 1817 and laid the official foundation for the history of bicycle construction.
Bicycle of German inventor Baron Karl von Dres
But there are other versions of creating the first bike. For example, they say that for the first time such a device was created by the Russian craftsman Artamonov - a blacksmith who was ahead of von Drez by as much as 14 years. And although the blacksmith's model was quite successful (according to history, he covered more than 5,000 km on his bike!), He still failed to obtain a patent for the invention.
In the early 40s of the XIX century, another blacksmith took part in the fate of the development of bicycle construction. A Scottish guy named Kirkpatrick Macmillan added pedals to the Drez bike to drive the rear wheel. Despite the fact that Macmillan’s invention was ahead of its time and at the same time was not given the attention of the general public, its model formed the basic principles of a modern bicycle.
Macmillan bike
In 1853, Pierre Michaud patented a front-wheel pedal drive. The bike was equipped with a spring-loaded saddle and a brake, and the model itself acquired the characteristic nickname "crusher."
Pierre Michaud
's bike The nickname of the bike paid off - it wasn’t easy to ride, it required special skill and strength. But, despite this, such vehicles attracted more and more attention. In 1869, in one of the suburbs of Paris, even a two-kilometer race was held on such “bone shocks”. The success of the event was undeniable and cycling became a fairly common hobby.
Painting of the end of the XIX century
Another significant turning point in history was 1867, when the English engineer Eduard Alfred Cowper proposed the use of a metal wheel equipped with spokes. And only a year later in Paris began the production of bicycles with a chain drive of the rear wheel.
Since 1870, models with a large front wheel, the so-called "spider bikes," came into fashion. They have been extremely popular for 15 years. The pedals were attached to the front wheel, and the rear only served to maintain balance and was much smaller. The huge size of the front wheel was justified by the fact that it allowed to gain high speed in one revolution of the wheel. With a sufficiently large size, it was possible to accelerate to 30 km / h. But thereby the rider of the "spider" exposed itself not to little danger. Due to the size of the wheel, the cyclist was quite high above the ground, and any pothole on a rough road could lead to an unplanned somersault. A cumbersome tricycle could be a safe alternative to a spider.
A little later, thanks to the English inventor Lawson, the “spiders” were added chain transmission. Such an upgrade gave them a new name - “kangaroo”. After improvement, the speed was determined by the type of gears. In 1880, about a hundred of such models were designed in St. Petersburg. They gained popularity and after a few years were presented in Moscow. But the “kangaroos” could not cope with the harsh Moscow roads and very soon were outlawed.
Bicycle "kangaroo"
In the following years, the development of bicycles took on an avalanche-like character. Approximately 6,000 patents have been filed in the United States of America and England alone.
Another turning point was the creation of the Rover model ("wanderer", "tramp") by John Kemp Starley in 1884. The bike had the same size wheels, a chain drive to the rear wheel and a seat between the wheels. This bike has received the title of "safe" (Safety).
Bicycle Rover
But, perhaps, the complete transformation of the bicycle was completed by the contribution of the Scotsman Johnny Dunlop, who added a pneumatic hollow tire. Initially, Dunlop wanted to somehow soften his son’s “shaker” and used an irrigation hose mounted on wheels for this. Later, he filled the hose first with water, and then with air, which provided a higher speed of the device.
The development of bicycles and the growth of their popularity led to the fact that they became not only a common hobby and a way to keep themselves in good shape, but also a real vehicle. And for someone, even an integral part of the style.
In modern life, the diversity of bicycle models has reached such a number that their description is beyond the scope of this article. But, as often happens, an increase in quantity also leads to changes in qualities. In exactly the same way, progressive development has moved to a new plane, leaving the aisles directly of the “wheeled friend” itself and turning on a series of additional devices and gadgets for bicycles.
To date, the world has created a huge variety of different devices designed to improve various aspects of using a bicycle. Consider some of the most interesting and useful.
Waterproof GPS *
A device that the blacksmith Artamonov, who traveled along the roads of Russia at the beginning of the 19th century, clearly did not reach. A modern computer with a highly sensitive GPS is equipped with a powerful waterproof protection, allowing it to stay for 1 meter immersed in water for 1 meter. More than enough for the harshest heavy rain.
Cable Alarm *
Given the cost of modern bicycles, attention to their protection against theft is more than justified. This protection system is equipped with an impressive cable and a siren that makes a loud sound when the lock is shaken or attempts to cut the cable.
Bicycle bag for a smartphone *
Smartphones have long become an integral part of human life. Such a bag is attached directly to the bike, helps to keep the smartphone in sight, protect it from rain. But the most important thing is that it makes it possible to interact with the touch screen through the film of the bag itself.
Programmable light for wheels
Obviously, a bicycle is not only a vehicle, but also a way of self-expression, an element of individual style. This gadget *allows you to make the bike more colorful and original. The installation contains several modes that create various patterns and pictures when the wheel moves.
There are many such illuminated paintings that can give a bicycle a unique look.
MP3 for bicycle *
The developers also made sure that listening to music while riding was as comfortable as possible. The music center has a wide range of functions and can be attached to the bike body. Listening is available both through headphones and through a speaker.
LED signal *
An indispensable device in conditions of busy car traffic. The rear light has several modes that make the cyclist more visible on the road. In addition, the device projects two lines of red light on the sides of the bicycle, which marks the space of the cyclist and reminds drivers of the existence of bicycle paths.
LED gloves *
Another element of a bright style. The gloves are specially designed for night cycling. To change the color and mode of operation of the LEDs, just one click on the wrist.
Handsfree Water Container *
This type of water container will help you continue driving without stopping for a long time. The volume of the tank is 2 liters.
Sports Camera *
A reliable sports camera, which is also protected from water and shock, will help capture the most interesting sections of the route.
Solar Powered Spotlight *
This device may be another good addition to the bike. It is especially useful for long bike trips. In addition to floodlights, the station can also charge other devices such as smartphones and cameras.
Portable quick repair kit *
Obviously, the repair kit has always been relevant. One of the advantages of this tool kit, created specifically for cyclists, is their compactness and versatility.
So, a modern bicycle is not only the mechanism itself, but also the devices accompanying it. In its history, the bicycle has come a long and busy path of development. As for the future, it is obvious that the trend of equipping a bicycle with additional gadgets and its integration with modern technologies will only intensify.
PS * - links marked with a referral asterisk, so you can save extra by returning cashback up to 3%. Read more at Dronk.ru/cashback/ or you can get up to 30% for any purchases by purchasing them through the LetyShops cashback service . Sponsor of the post cashback service LetyShops
. Refund money for any purchases on the Internet. Read more about what a cashback service is in our article. Choose a cashback service for the 6th anniversary of Aliexpress.
History of occurrence
Since time immemorial, mankind has used the wheel to facilitate movement on the earth. Among archaeological finds, the earliest is considered to be a wheel about 7,000 years old. Throughout its history, people have found application in various types of carts, carts and chariots. But the invention of Karl von Dres, who in 1814 created something like a two-wheeled scooter from wood, became absolutely revolutionary. This unit has become the prototype of a modern bike. Baron von Drez called his device “a running machine” (in German Laufmaschine). Unlike the bicycle in the classical sense, this car did not have pedals, the scooter was set in motion due to the fact that the rider was kicked off the ground. The device was patented in 1817 and laid the official foundation for the history of bicycle construction.
Bicycle of German inventor Baron Karl von Dres
In the early 40s of the XIX century, another blacksmith took part in the fate of the development of bicycle construction. A Scottish guy named Kirkpatrick Macmillan added pedals to the Drez bike to drive the rear wheel. Despite the fact that Macmillan’s invention was ahead of its time and at the same time was not given the attention of the general public, its model formed the basic principles of a modern bicycle.
Macmillan bike
Bike development
In 1853, Pierre Michaud patented a front-wheel pedal drive. The bike was equipped with a spring-loaded saddle and a brake, and the model itself acquired the characteristic nickname "crusher."
Pierre Michaud
's bike The nickname of the bike paid off - it wasn’t easy to ride, it required special skill and strength. But, despite this, such vehicles attracted more and more attention. In 1869, in one of the suburbs of Paris, even a two-kilometer race was held on such “bone shocks”. The success of the event was undeniable and cycling became a fairly common hobby.
Painting of the end of the XIX century
Another significant turning point in history was 1867, when the English engineer Eduard Alfred Cowper proposed the use of a metal wheel equipped with spokes. And only a year later in Paris began the production of bicycles with a chain drive of the rear wheel.
Since 1870, models with a large front wheel, the so-called "spider bikes," came into fashion. They have been extremely popular for 15 years. The pedals were attached to the front wheel, and the rear only served to maintain balance and was much smaller. The huge size of the front wheel was justified by the fact that it allowed to gain high speed in one revolution of the wheel. With a sufficiently large size, it was possible to accelerate to 30 km / h. But thereby the rider of the "spider" exposed itself not to little danger. Due to the size of the wheel, the cyclist was quite high above the ground, and any pothole on a rough road could lead to an unplanned somersault. A cumbersome tricycle could be a safe alternative to a spider.
A little later, thanks to the English inventor Lawson, the “spiders” were added chain transmission. Such an upgrade gave them a new name - “kangaroo”. After improvement, the speed was determined by the type of gears. In 1880, about a hundred of such models were designed in St. Petersburg. They gained popularity and after a few years were presented in Moscow. But the “kangaroos” could not cope with the harsh Moscow roads and very soon were outlawed.
Bicycle "kangaroo"
In the following years, the development of bicycles took on an avalanche-like character. Approximately 6,000 patents have been filed in the United States of America and England alone.
Another turning point was the creation of the Rover model ("wanderer", "tramp") by John Kemp Starley in 1884. The bike had the same size wheels, a chain drive to the rear wheel and a seat between the wheels. This bike has received the title of "safe" (Safety).
Bicycle Rover
But, perhaps, the complete transformation of the bicycle was completed by the contribution of the Scotsman Johnny Dunlop, who added a pneumatic hollow tire. Initially, Dunlop wanted to somehow soften his son’s “shaker” and used an irrigation hose mounted on wheels for this. Later, he filled the hose first with water, and then with air, which provided a higher speed of the device.
The development of bicycles and the growth of their popularity led to the fact that they became not only a common hobby and a way to keep themselves in good shape, but also a real vehicle. And for someone, even an integral part of the style.
In modern life, the diversity of bicycle models has reached such a number that their description is beyond the scope of this article. But, as often happens, an increase in quantity also leads to changes in qualities. In exactly the same way, progressive development has moved to a new plane, leaving the aisles directly of the “wheeled friend” itself and turning on a series of additional devices and gadgets for bicycles.
Modern gadgets
To date, the world has created a huge variety of different devices designed to improve various aspects of using a bicycle. Consider some of the most interesting and useful.
Waterproof GPS *
A device that the blacksmith Artamonov, who traveled along the roads of Russia at the beginning of the 19th century, clearly did not reach. A modern computer with a highly sensitive GPS is equipped with a powerful waterproof protection, allowing it to stay for 1 meter immersed in water for 1 meter. More than enough for the harshest heavy rain.
Cable Alarm *
Given the cost of modern bicycles, attention to their protection against theft is more than justified. This protection system is equipped with an impressive cable and a siren that makes a loud sound when the lock is shaken or attempts to cut the cable.
Bicycle bag for a smartphone *
Smartphones have long become an integral part of human life. Such a bag is attached directly to the bike, helps to keep the smartphone in sight, protect it from rain. But the most important thing is that it makes it possible to interact with the touch screen through the film of the bag itself.
Programmable light for wheels
Obviously, a bicycle is not only a vehicle, but also a way of self-expression, an element of individual style. This gadget *allows you to make the bike more colorful and original. The installation contains several modes that create various patterns and pictures when the wheel moves.
There are many such illuminated paintings that can give a bicycle a unique look.
MP3 for bicycle *
The developers also made sure that listening to music while riding was as comfortable as possible. The music center has a wide range of functions and can be attached to the bike body. Listening is available both through headphones and through a speaker.
LED signal *
An indispensable device in conditions of busy car traffic. The rear light has several modes that make the cyclist more visible on the road. In addition, the device projects two lines of red light on the sides of the bicycle, which marks the space of the cyclist and reminds drivers of the existence of bicycle paths.
LED gloves *
Another element of a bright style. The gloves are specially designed for night cycling. To change the color and mode of operation of the LEDs, just one click on the wrist.
Handsfree Water Container *
This type of water container will help you continue driving without stopping for a long time. The volume of the tank is 2 liters.
Sports Camera *
A reliable sports camera, which is also protected from water and shock, will help capture the most interesting sections of the route.
Solar Powered Spotlight *
This device may be another good addition to the bike. It is especially useful for long bike trips. In addition to floodlights, the station can also charge other devices such as smartphones and cameras.
Portable quick repair kit *
Obviously, the repair kit has always been relevant. One of the advantages of this tool kit, created specifically for cyclists, is their compactness and versatility.
So, a modern bicycle is not only the mechanism itself, but also the devices accompanying it. In its history, the bicycle has come a long and busy path of development. As for the future, it is obvious that the trend of equipping a bicycle with additional gadgets and its integration with modern technologies will only intensify.
PS * - links marked with a referral asterisk, so you can save extra by returning cashback up to 3%. Read more at Dronk.ru/cashback/ or you can get up to 30% for any purchases by purchasing them through the LetyShops cashback service . Sponsor of the post cashback service LetyShops
. Refund money for any purchases on the Internet. Read more about what a cashback service is in our article. Choose a cashback service for the 6th anniversary of Aliexpress.
