had one serious flaw. As a consequence to the idea, that the larger the wheel the more distance could be traveled with one rotation of the pedals. The design of the bike, though improved over it's predecessors was dangerous, if the cyclist hit a rock or was distracted the rider would often go over the front wheel as the High Wheel rotated on its access, "taking a header" became a standard expression for those who found how dangerous these bicycles could be. Initially the term bicycle was coined as the High Wheel gained in popularity. The term bi equates to two wheels, and so it was in this time period that bicycle was first heard and understood.
Also during this time frame, there was another innovation for the fairer sex if you will, it was called the "High Wheel Tricycle" an improvement on the initial design offering two rear high wheels and one smaller wheel in the front. It was this specific version, that also established many of the things readily associated with cars. Rack and Pinion Steering, The Differential and Band Brakes to name just some. This design benefited both the Clergy and Gentleman of the time besides the women being limited in dress as they were.
After so many improvements from the walking machine to the High Wheel Tricycle, engineers realized ways to enhance safety and functionality. The result, a High Wheel Safety. This version of the popular bike decreased the size of the front wheel lessening the chance of a header, still using the pedals on the back wheel as opposed to the front, the original high wheel fell into obscurity only being remembered as ordinaries while the new design became known as the bicycle.
The history of bicycles continues as the seed planted so long ago with the first walking machine began to grow and become a bountiful crop. The hard tired safety came about, metallurgy had overcome further challenges, now being able to craft a sprocket and chain. Also returning to the same size wheels as was within the original design of the walking machine. Still using the hard tires that go back to the High wheel safety as even in this juncture spokes had not been appropriated. The time had come for another breakthrough, a breakthrough that in itself would result in the death of the high wheel design completely.
The pneumatic tired safety, a result of an innovative veterinarian by the name of dunlop. Initially only to offer his child a more comfortable ride. Pneumatic being an air filled tire, in this innovation of the 1890's the
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