Jumblerant: Cycling

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Weird and Wonderful

Image from 1904 Dictionary of Technology showing an 1880 bicycle on the left and an 1886 rover on the right. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The bicycle has been around for a while now. Bicycles were introduced in the 19th century and now number more than a billion worldwide, twice as many as automobiles.

They are the principal means of transportation in many regions. They also provide a popular form of recreation, and have been adapted for such uses as children's toys, adult fitness, military and police applications, courier services and bicycle racing.

The basic shape and configuration of a typical upright bicycle has changed little since the first chain-driven model was developed around 1885. However, many details have been improved, especially since the advent of modern materials and computer-aided design. These have allowed for a proliferation of specialized designs for diverse types of cycling.

And then this chap came along and had the gall to change it all! This Bicymple is a surprisingly interesting little thing and I wonder what applications can be found for it: