The BicycleThe Bicycle explores the rich and varied history of cycles and cyclists beginning in the early 19th century, when "running machines" caught the fancy of the fashionable world in Europe, and goes on to explore the bicycle's "Golden Age" in the 1890s. By the early 20th century, bicycle technology was also being used in the automobile and aviation industries, while ironically, the popularity of the bicycle itself declined. Today, however, the overcrowding and pollution of our cities has shown the automobile to be a dangerous and unviable solution to the future of transportation, and bicycle clubs and pressure groups have once again presided over a boom in leisure cycling. In this beautifully designed volume, an extraordinary compilation of visual material drawn from the author's collection of antique bicycles, posters, prints and memorabilia - one of the largest private collections in the world - is supplemented by a wealth of previously unpublished documents on technology, bicycle clubs, and cycle racing. An international list of cycling organizations and collections, as well as a bibliography including magazines and other publications will make this book indispensable for cycling enthusiasts of all kinds. |
Contents
Introduction by David V Herlihy | 6 |
Introducing the Pedal | 30 |
High Bicycles | 57 |
Copyright | |
1 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
amateur American automobile became began Bicycle Club bicycle culture bicycle industry bicycle manufacturers bicycle's Bicyclette bloomers Boneshaker brake carriage chain chainless Charles classes clockwise from top Company Coventry cyclists Daisy Bell derailleur developed Drais Draisine drive early engine England English Europe fashion frame France French front wheel gear Germany handlebars high wheel bicycle high-wheeler hobby-horse horse human-powered improvements introduced invention inventor James Starley Joe Breeze John Keen ladies Lallement later Laufmaschine Left London machine magazine mechanics Michaux motorized organized Paris Park patented pedals pneumatic tires Pope Pope Manufacturing Company popular Poster produced quadricycle racers races rational dress rear wheel riders riding school Right road rode Rudge safety bicycle Schwinn six-day race social speed sport Starley steering tandem Terront took top to bottom Tour Tour de France transport tricycle Union United vehicles Vélo velocipede Vélocipèdes Wheelmen Whippet women York