Evolution of the Bicycle

  • First Bicycle

    First Bicycle

    The first bike was made in Germany by Baron Karl von Drais. This wooden bike had no pedals, so to operate it you had to run.
  • Boneshakers

    Boneshakers

    Pedals were now attached to the larger front wheel. They were known as boneshakers because they were such a bumpy ride.
  • Penny Farthing

    Penny Farthing

    To add stability, inventors produced a bike with a large 4 foot front wheel. In the 1880s, the first bicycle clubs and competitive races began.
  • Safety Bicycle

    Safety Bicycle

    This new version of the bike had the same sized wheels so it was much safer. Is also had a chain drive and gears.
  • Inflatable Tires

    Inflatable Tires

    Bikes were made with inflatable rubber tires to make the ride smoother. Bikes also got brakes at this point.
  • Electric Bike

    Electric Bike

    The bicycle was motorized so it could assist the pedaler or pedal fully for them.
  • Tandem Bicycle

    Tandem Bicycle

    The tandem bicycle was invented so that more than one person could ride a bike at once.
  • The Kickstand

    The Kickstand

    A shorter kickstand was added to the bike so the rider could prop their almost 50 pound bike up. The original kickstand was attached to the handlebars, so this made it more discrete.
  • The Chopper

    The Chopper

    This bike was especially popular with children.The seat had a back rest and was more comfortable to sit on. It was also easier to balance.
  • Mountain Bike

    Mountain Bike

    The mountain bike was invented for more treacherous riding conditions and so the rider could go more places than just pavement.