Early 1800s
The first reliable report of a bicycle-like vehicle is of the hobby horse (also called the Draisienne or velocipede). It had two in-line wheels, no gears or pedals and was made of wood. It was more of a fad than a racing machine, although there are reports of local races having taken place with these machines.
The Bone Shaker
The first bicycle with pedals came about in 1863 and was popularly called the "bone shaker" because of the rough ride it gave on wooden wheels. Indoor riding rinks were popular where gentlemanly races could take place.
Bikes get Faster
Large-wheeled, metal bicycles called "ordinaries" ushered in a new age of bicycle racing in 1870. Without modern gearing, the only way to make bicycles faster was to make the front wheel bigger. Races were fast, dangerous and very popular.
Safety Bikes
The dangers of the ordinary bicycles brought about changes in design in 1890. The new "safety" bicycle had two wheels of the same size. Air-filled pneumatic tires made the ride smooth and comfortable. Gearing made bikes faster. Track racing was all the rage.
The Modern Bicycle
The bicycle of 2010 has changed very little in shape from the safety bike. The major improvements that have been made since the 1890s are due to space-age materials like carbon fiber that make for lighter, stronger and faster frames and components. More efficient and advanced gearing mechanisms have also improved the racing bicycle.
