An increased technology of bicycles has allowed for mass-production of various modern day bike styles, the types of bikes that we see students and professors riding on campus. However, this modern mass-production took time to evolve. Ever since the invention of the bicycle in 1817, various styles and technologies have been created to improve this mode of transportation.
The first bicycle, or the draisine, was created by German inventor Baron Karl von Drais. This human-propelled machine was nicknamed a "hobby-horse," as it was supposed to replace a horse for a form of transportation. A few years later at the start of the 1820's, three and four wheelers were introduced. These tricycles and quadracycles used a variety of new technologies such as pedals and handlebars.
Throughout the 1830's to the 1860's, these three and four-wheeled modes had become two wheelers. The first full-pedal bicycle was also introduced during this time. In 1870, the high-wheel was invented for faster speeds and racing. In 1885, however, came the invention of the safety bike the most important progress made in the evolution of bicycles. With this invention, the bicycle became used for recreational purposes allowing a greater amount of people to ride bikes.
Since the invention of the safety bike, both the mountain bike and racing bike were created in the 20th century. These three types of modern bikes have become the most mass-produced forms of the bicycle, and are also the most commonly found types of bikes on the University of Illinois' campus.
Nowadays, most college students are buying their bikes from big-chain retail stores such as Walmart or Target rather than from smaller and more local bike shops on campus.
The first bicycle, or the draisine, was created by German inventor Baron Karl von Drais. This human-propelled machine was nicknamed a "hobby-horse," as it was supposed to replace a horse for a form of transportation. A few years later at the start of the 1820's, three and four wheelers were introduced. These tricycles and quadracycles used a variety of new technologies such as pedals and handlebars.
Throughout the 1830's to the 1860's, these three and four-wheeled modes had become two wheelers. The first full-pedal bicycle was also introduced during this time. In 1870, the high-wheel was invented for faster speeds and racing. In 1885, however, came the invention of the safety bike the most important progress made in the evolution of bicycles. With this invention, the bicycle became used for recreational purposes allowing a greater amount of people to ride bikes.
Since the invention of the safety bike, both the mountain bike and racing bike were created in the 20th century. These three types of modern bikes have become the most mass-produced forms of the bicycle, and are also the most commonly found types of bikes on the University of Illinois' campus.
Nowadays, most college students are buying their bikes from big-chain retail stores such as Walmart or Target rather than from smaller and more local bike shops on campus.
