Today's modern bicycles are far from our first tests pedal power. In fact, what many consider the birth of the bicycle had no pedals at all. It was more of a hobby horse of wood on wheels that the rider would push riders and the machine with his legs. Although it had no pedals, it at least have steering. He was known by the name of the machine. Compared with today's range of bikes, it does not sound much fun really!
Later, another beast, Wood hit the cobbled streets to the fashion of Europe Boneshaker. The appropriately named Boneshaker had pedals, and was entirely made of wood, except metal wheel drive. Fortunately, for the general public and make riding in Europe, the Boneshaker would soon be replaced in the 1870s by the much more comfortable, but far more dangerous Farthing, Penny.
The Penny Farthing was easily distinguishable from all bicycles that came before it by its enormous front wheel and small rear wheel. He also, for the first time, offered the relative comfort of hard rubber tires. The size of the front wheel was so great, because the more the wheel, the more efficient pedaling. While allowing the well-off at full speed to hurtle recklessly through the streets, it has also been the cause of many serious injuries. All he needed was a stick to jam into the front wheel or a dog run across the road bike and the rider is unhappy propelled over the handlebars and the hard ground below, usually head. Helmets were not a necessary accessory in those days!
For the ladies of the day, riding a Penny Farthing would simply not do, so an adult version of the tricycle was invented in order for proper ladies to enjoy the pleasures of riding through the parks and gardens without compromising their reputation.
Later, the bike was introduced. It was a new version of the Penny Farthing that placed the huge front wheel at the rear of the bike and the small rear wheel forward. This new design greatly reduces the risk of being thrown over the handlebars like a rag doll and ending up with a severe concussion or permanent brain damage.
In the 1880s, the bicycle has been through more changes. The tires, the use of ball bearings and the spring seat constituency in a much more comfortable. It was during this period as well as more practical designs incorporating two wheels of equal size were introduced, making riding experience much safer and enjoyable. The bike was changing rapidly in the modern machines we have today.
It was during the latter part of the 20th century, however, that the bike really started to grow. In 1963 for example, introduced a radical new bike called Schwinn Sting-Ray. The Sting-Ray borrowed much of its design features of the bike EasyRider and included a handlebar height, a comfortable seat, banana and a stick of fortune. The Schwinn Sting-Ray allows its young riders to become far more adventurous in their riding and it wasn't long before wheelies, jumps and other tricks were accomplished. The Schwinn Sting-Ray would soon lead to the development of BMX and the rest, as they say, is history! )