The history of the bicycle

If you're reading this article, you probably own at least one bicycle, and you certainly find yourself occasionally discussing cycling news. Whether you're interested in bicycles for purely practical reasons or spend hours in heated debates about the superiority of Shimano over Campgnolo, it's worth understanding the roots of our passion. The history of the bicycle helps us understand how crucial the invention of a way to harness muscle power for faster travel and transportation proved to be for civilization. In 2018, the Munich Museum of Science and Technology organized a special exhibition to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the invention of the bicycle. Of course, the anniversary itself is purely arbitrary – one could argue whether Karl Drais's invention should be considered the most important progenitor of modern two-wheelers. For example, Wikipedia indicates that it was the French Count Mède de Sivrac who built the first prototype bicycle in 1765 or 1790. This has virtually no significance for us today. Nevertheless, the exhibition also featured a handy summary of the most important "groundbreaking" phases in the history of the bicycle.

1817: The history of the bicycle from the beginning, or the running machine ("Laufmaschine")

In the summer of 1817, Karl Freiherr Drais von Sauerbronn first presented his running machine, causing quite a stir. The device itself was patented a year later. In the following years, several thousand machines were built. After a brief period of fascination, the device failed to gain long-term acceptance. Horse-drawn carriages and stagecoaches once again dominated the roads, with the first steam vehicles appearing, leaving no room for the forerunners of cyclists. Technical data: - wooden frame - 27-inch wheels with iron tires - friction brake (so-called stamp brake) blocking the rear wheel - oiled slide bearings in brass bushings - steering system also with slide bearings - padded leather seat

1860: Velocipede ("Tretkurbelrad ")

The Frenchman Pierre Michaux is credited with creating the first powered bicycle. The vehicle, lacking a chain at the time, was powered by pedals placed on the front wheel, which left its maneuverability somewhat to be desired. Nevertheless, it was a significant step forward. Technical data: - first steel frame - crank on the front wheel - wooden wheels with iron tires - weight about 25 kg - steering system with slide bearings - simple leather seat

1870: Bicycle ("Hochrad")

Englishmen James Starley and William Hunter patented a wheel with wire spokes in 1869. Enlarging the diameter of the front wheel enabled significantly faster travel. Such designs were known in Poland as "bicykles." However, at the time, they were considered a sign of great extravagance in Poland, and were found primarily in wealthier European countries and the United States. Technical data: - wrought iron frame - initially with radial wooden spokes, later with tangential wire spokes braided to the hub - weight about 40 kg - friction brake (so-called stamp brake) blocking the rear wheel - crank on the front wheel - first ball bearings (hand-ground) - ball bearings also in the headset - the first solid rubber tires - first lighting (candle in the housing) - the first sound signal generator (bicycle bell), technically modeled on those used to summon service!

Around 1880: Rover, the true father of the modern bicycle ("Niederrad ")

In the mid-1880s, John Kemp Starley introduced a bicycle with equal-sized wheels, significantly improving riding safety (yes, it was easy to fall off that high-wheel one!). Handlebars connected directly to the fork were introduced for the first time, and the rear wheel was driven by a chain drive. In the history of the bicycle—looking through the lens of current market trends—these were the most important innovations, reducing its dimensions to a manageable size and making riding significantly more accessible. Technical data: - A welded steel frame made of tubes is slowly becoming the standard - rear wheel driven by chain for the first time - friction brake (so-called stamp brake), this time blocking the rear wheel - first bicycle dynamo (1886 Richard Weber) - first brakes locking the rim itself (1889) - carbide and kerosene lamps replace candle lighting

1890s: the frame with a main triangle and chainstays and the first typical women's bicycle (Diamantrahmen und Damenfahrrad)

The frame geometry of modern bicycles is similar to those first produced in the late nineteenth century. This was also the time when designs with a lowered or curved top tube appeared, making it easier for women to mount. Equal-height pneumatic tires ensure a stable and comfortable ride. Swallow-shaped handlebars are becoming common, and bicycles are often equipped with a rack, a pump, or a set of essential tools. In short, for the first time, the bicycle has the potential to become a mass means of transportation. Mechanization of production significantly lowers prices and increases the availability of bicycles. Cyclists are slowly losing the perception of oddballs, and more and more people are recognizing the practical benefits of two-wheeled bicycles. Technical data: - pneumatic tire invented by John Boyd Dunlop in 1888 (the idea itself was originally developed by Robert William in 1845, but the invention was forgotten) - first hub gears (1895) - freewheel hub with torpedo brake (1903) - bicycle dynamo (invention of Fritz Eichert from 1908) - in the 1930s, light bulbs and dynamos were already widely used - in 1946, the introduction of a derailleur using several gears - the first measuring devices appear in the form of mechanical distance counters - after 1900 the first speedometers appeared We've written a separate blog post about a very popular model in this category. We're talking about the Waffenrad , a bike that's dangerous in name only...

1960s: Folding bicycle ( "Klapprad")

Folding bicycles were already in use by the military in the 1890s. They allowed for rapid troop movement and easy transport of light weapons, but they remained the domain of the military. Only the widespread adoption of passenger cars and the rapid growth of urban populations led to an increase in demand for this type of bicycle. Smaller, non-folding bicycles are also gaining popularity. Technical data: - in 1963, chopper bikes appeared (extended banana-shaped saddle, smaller wheels, lowered geometry) - since 1972 the beginnings of BMX bikes - first digital speedometers in the 1980s - since the 1990s, bicycles have been equipped with front shock absorbers and/or rear suspension -plastics replace leather on bicycle saddles

Today: High-tech in popular solutions ("Hightech in gewohnten Grunddesign")

Since the 1980s, although fundamental breakthroughs in bicycle design are rare, individual components have been continually improved. At the same time, the concentration of production in the Far East has led to lower prices. More expensive models have featured disc brakes, suspension, and the use of new materials such as carbon fiber. Fitting is playing an increasingly important role, focusing on individual adaptation of the machine to the user. Electric-assisted bicycles are enjoying enormous popularity. Technical data: - 1995 the first bicycles with electric drive (assisted) appear - batteries combined with LED lamps are increasingly replacing dynamos and light bulbs - popularization of navigation systems - the first solutions allowing you to connect your bike to a smartphone app Technological development is accelerating exponentially, impacting all areas of life, so we can expect further cycling revolutions. For example, will carbon fiber become as common as aluminum in amateur bikes? Will e-bikes replace traditional designs based solely on muscle power?

Need more detailed knowledge about bicycle development?

The British Science Museum Group website features an impressive collection of photographs of bicycle models , documenting the various phases and directions of development of this means of transport.

Want to know more?

If you are interested in a more detailed history of the development of individual technical solutions used in bicycles, we recommend great material in English for download from our website: And finally, a curiosity, also from the USA: a copy of an original bicycle and parts catalog from the late 19th century (also available for download).