The Noblest Invention

1. The Noblest Invention History of the Bicycle (circa 1870) (circa 2010)

2. The Noblest Invention History of the Bicycle (circa 1880s) (circa 2010)

3. The Noblest Invention Get a bicycle.  You will not regret it if you live. ~Mark Twain, Taming the Bicycle

4. The Noblest Invention The Walking Machine - circa 1817 • Also known as the “Hobby Horse” in England • Weighed as much as 200 lbs, and had to be pushed up hills • Craze lasted about two years • Those who persisted were teased and laughed at

5. The Noblest Invention The Velocipede or Boneshaker – circa 1865 • Pedals attached to front wheel • Velocipede = “Fast Foot” • “Boneshaker” = Unbearably harsh • Made of wood & iron • Not more than a fad

6. The Noblest Invention The High Wheel Bicycle – circa 1870 • First all metal frame – some tubular • First to be called “bicycle” • Dangerously high center of gravity • Expensive!

7. The Noblest Invention The High Wheel Tricycle – 1880’s • Designed specifically for ladies who wore long skirt and corsets • Most mechanical inventions for tricycles, such as steering, brakes, and the rear differential were later used in automobile design • The regular High Wheel continued to be the best performing machine

8. The Noblest Invention The High Wheel Safety – 1880’s Manufacturer rode bike down the steps of the U.S. capitol building • “Taking a header”? • “Break-neck speed”?

9. The Noblest Invention The Hard-Tired Safety – 1880’s • Advances in metallurgy allowed development of the chain & sprocket • Lower center of gravity = strong and stable

10. The Noblest Invention The Pneumatic-Tired Safety – 1888 • Pneumatic = filled with compressed air • Applied to bicycle by a man named Dunlop • Comfort & safety • Popularity skyrocketed! • Mass production of bicycles in 1890

11. The Noblest Invention Post War – 1920 into the 1950’s • Focus on automobiles & infrastructure • Bikes were kids toys • Auto and motorcycle design elements to appeal to kids • Glamorous, ostentatious, and the heaviest yet of this modern design (2010 Schwinn Classic 7 Deluxe - $650)

12. The Noblest Invention Currently… (2010 Pinarello KOBH - $10,000)

13. The Noblest Invention Riding with The Devil!

14. The Noblest Invention Estes Park Ride - 2010

15. The Noblest Invention Estes Park Ride - 2010

16. The Noblest Invention Estes Park Ride - 2010

17. The Noblest Invention Bike to Work Day Wednesday, June 23 2010, 6:00am - 8:30am Bike to Work Day 2010 Sponsored by Greeley Trails and Open Space Foundation Breakfast Stops 6:00-8:30 a.m. • 59th Ave & 10th St - Wells Fargo • 59th Ave & 20th St  - The Buzz • 47th Ave & 28th St - Vitamin Cottage • 35th Ave & 16th St. - Bittersweet Park (stop by for a FREE bike safety check from Roubaix Bicycle Co.) • 28th Ave & 10th St - Greeley Police Dept. • 17th Ave & 16th St - NCMC • 16th Ave & Reservoir Rd - Judy Farr Bldg • 10th Ave & 8th St - Lincoln Park • 23rd Ave & 33rd St - Palomino, Evans • 83rd Ave & F St - Poudre Learning Center • 10th St (Bus Hwy 34) & Promontory Circle • 1600 Pelican Lakes Point - Windsor • 1399 Water Valley Parkway - Windsor • 421 Main St - Windsor • 250 11th St - Windsor Recreation Center Of NoteUNC will join Greeley’s celebration of Bike to Work Day on Wednesday, June 23, by offering a free breakfast to cyclists 6-8:30 a.m. at the Judy Farr Alumni Center parking lot. The Bike to Work Breakfast Station will include Starbucks coffee, Johnson’s Corner cinnamon rolls, breakfast burritos and fruit.