In their two centuries of existence, bicycles have evolved from two-wheel push toys to speedy race machines made out of space-age materials.
The Very Beginnings
In the beginning of the 19th century, the first bicycles--velocipedes--were invented. They didn't have pedals and were propelled by pushing with the feet and gliding.
The First True Bicycles
In the early 1860s, pedals were added and the high-wheel bicycle was born. The high wheel was inherently dangerous, and it wasn't until the "safety" bike was invented that the bicycle gained popularity with the general population.
The First Official Race
The bike race that is most commonly considered the very first official bike race was held in Paris on May 31, 1868. It was a 1,200-m event that was won by Englishman James Moore. He rode a wooden bike with iron tires.
Late 19th Century
The bicycles raced during this era looked quite similar to today's bikes. But they had more relaxed angles than modern racing bikes, making them more difficult to control. They also did not have derailleurs for easy and quick gear changes on the fly.
Early 20th Century
In 1903, the first Tour de France was held. Cyclists were still riding bikes without derailleurs and on wooden wheels. By 1937, aluminum rims for bicycle wheels became standard, and the Tour de France first allowed derailleurs to be used.
The Modern Era
In modern times, the most changes were made to the composition of the frame. Early bikes were made of wood, then steel. Lightweight aluminum came next in the 1980s. In the 1990s, the lightest and strongest material--carbon fibe--made its debut.
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