The humble bicycle hasn’t really changed that much since the invention of the Safety Bicycle in 1885 by John Starly. Which had two similar sized wheels and a rear chain driven wheel.

Prior to that there were all kinds of wierd and wonderful machines like the Penny Farthing, The Penny Farthing Trike, the push alongs and all other manner of inventions. They were often difficult to ride, unfriendly to steer and downright dangerous.

As one can see from above the fundamental “diamond” shape frame is the standard of most modern bicycles.

What has changed is the technology which makes up the modern ride.

Most frames were made from heavy steal and gears were either non-existant or clumbersome affairs.

Todays road bikes see an overwhelming amount of technology and gadgets thrown at them to make them faster, strong, easier to ride and more comfortable (try telling my bottom that on 50 mile rides though. God only knows how much worserer it would have been). 

Carbon fibre is one example of making a frame as light as a feather. What was once a structure that weighed in at 30lbs-40lbs has now been dropped to 6lbs-8lbs and is flexible and strong.

Gears have become a hanging arrangement of cogs and wheels to feed a chain through in order to drive  the rear wheel and the modern set ups are great. There is no need to guess either or fumble with levers to change gear as it can be done instantly with the use of direct electronics so the days on mashing ratios are gone.

Now the few examples above are just a dip in the ocean of the styles and types of bicycles one can see or use today. There are Mountain bikes with full or part suspension to cope with rugged off road terrain. There are full road bikes and touring road bikes. If a commuter and space is a worry then maybe a folding type is more desirable. Either way whatever your needs or requirements there is a machine out there.

Apart from wind weight is a cyclists worst enemy but science and technology are constantly striving to make bicycles more streamlined and easier to cut through the air. Cables are routed through the frame, wheels have angled spokes, frames are shaped and the riding position adjusted to cut down on resistance. All this would  not be with us if technology was not employed.

Now we have looked at the design and function of the ride its not the end of the story. “Ah what; your kidding?” I jess not my friends. Gadgets for the modrn rider have never been so  abundant.

When I was riding around on my old Stermy Archer three speed hub bike a saddle bag and bottle holder were about the only accessories available. 

Today there are helmets with attachable cameras to record your ride along with sat navs and computers to relay information by the bucket load. This infoormation can be uploaded to sites like Strava, Garmin and Map My Ride so one can save a record of routes and courses. This is great if you want to beat your previous attempt or realise fitness goals. You can train against others too without having to be with them on particular rides or times. Competition is wonderful.

Lights are also now gaining multi technological uses. Garmin have invented their Varia set which are truely amazing. Not only do they work like traditional lights, they also become brighter when other road users approach so one can be seen better and from further away. Thats not it from these babies. They can also detect approaching vehicles from behind using radar and this information can be relayed to the cycle computer or a eyeglass viewer mounted on your spectacle’s arm so one has a heads up window. It shows the distance and number of vehicles behind so there is no need to take your eyes of the road ahead to make that dangerous backwards glance. 

Clothing has also made a massive impact on how and where we ride. Lycra and padding are a road riders best friends and breathable materials are far more comfortable. Don’t worry what you look like; thats not the point. Being seen and being safer and less chaffed is. I wouldn’t wear a suit and bowler hat to go swimming in; end of! 

So from the humble “safety” bike to the modern cycle there have been subtle but staggering advancements to allow us to explore wilder terrain, further distances and practicle destinations and its all thanks to the imagination of our great inventors and researchers.

Happy cycling everyone and a big thank you to John Kemp Starly for giving us his brilliant creation.