Early Bicycles

This book explains how the bicycle developed from its beginnings as the hobby-horse of 1817 to the pneumatic-tyred safety bicycle of 1892. By that date, apart from gearing systems, the modern bicycle may be considered to have emerged, a model of engineering economy. This book shows the direct influence upon bicycles of developments in the engineering trades, the state of the roads and the socialstatus of bicyclists. The author explains how and why the penny farthing came about and lists veteran clubs and museums with bicycle collections.