​On two wheels through the ages

Cycling is a pleasure and gives us a sense of freedom, and that is probably what has been the driving force behind the development we have seen over the years. The bicycle as a means of transport is growing in popularity and there are currently thousands of bikes to choose from. The bicycle is seeing a renaissance.

The view of cycling has changed considerably over the years and has a long and chequered history. The bike has played many roles throughout history – from being a toy to an important means of transport for the military, to being a symbol of the struggle for equality by American women. Countless models and sizes have been produced. From heavy, ungainly iron horses to carbon-fibre racing bikes as light as a feather.

Here are some important milestones in the history of cycling.

1817

Even though images have been observed of various bicycle-like contraptions from as early as the 15th century, “Draisine” by the German Karl Drais von Sauerbronns is considered by most to be the first bicycle. He obtained the patent for this running device in 1818. The technique involved kicking the bike forward from a sitting position. In England, the Hobby horse was also known as the Dandy horse and the bicycle reached its greatest popularity in Paris and London from 1818 to 1819, where it became the latest craze among the wealthy. It was more about style than function.

1870

The penny-farthing was equipped with pedals, which made it possible to pedal it forward. The penny-farthing became hugely popular in England and in 1870, mass-production of the first all-metal bike began. James Starley patented his “Ariel” in 1870. It weighed 22.5 kilos and was the first bicycle with spoked wheels. In 1874, there were more than 20 manufacturers of penny-farthings in England. The foremost of these was arguably the "Coventry Machinists Co". The front wheels reached a maximum size of over 60 inches (approx. 152 cm), all in order to achieve maximum speed. This in combination with the small rear wheel made the bike more likely to topple forward, propelling the rider to the ground. This was known as “taking a header”!

1880s

Since the penny-farthing was difficult to ride, a safer model was developed with a chain-drive on the rear wheel and pedals between the wheels. In 1885, John Kemp Starley presented his ”Rover II”, which is considered the first modern bike. This design reduced the risk of accidents and therefore became known as the ”safety bike” . This is the model from which our modern bikes originate.

1900s and onward

In the 20th century and up until today, thousands of bicycle models have been developed. When Frenchman Paul de Vivie invented gears in 1905, it opened up further opportunities for exploiting the energy of the bicycle.

Since then, trends have come and gone, and a variety of bicycle models have been designed. Bikes with or without gears. Folding bikes, mountain bikes and city bikes. BMX bikes, cargo bikes and ultra-light racing bikes. And now the popularity of electric bikes has increased dramatically.

Cycling is pure joy, and I am sure the last bicycle model has not yet been invented!