Bicycles: new, Old, Casual, Serious. Discuss

Lazaras Thu Feb 03, 2022 1:26 am

I have a bike (a department store lowest quality parts sort of affair.) I had a bike, like many, as a child in spite of my vision issues.

The history of thsi contraption is a rather facinating affair, and let it not be forgotten that two bike mechanics got the first working heavier than air craft off the ground.

Plus it endlessly amuses me that in hub gearing was a thing as far back as the dawn of the 20th century.

mwbaaailey Thu Feb 03, 2022 5:31 pm

I still intend, on some far-off day when my cashflow is something greater than nil, to acquire a full-size (i.e., so tall it engenders nosebleeds) pennyfarthing. Which I shall keep upright at stoplights and stopsigns with a tall bamboo pole. No, I'm not joking...

Lazaras Thu Feb 03, 2022 9:33 pm

They do still make pennyfarthings. I think it's rather mad, but it is the best kind of Mad.

Meanwhile i tore apart the rear wheel of my bike after replacing it. The rim on it has a fist sized bow to it with all the spokes removed so, probably for the best I got it replaced. Spokes I've saved because they look in decent condition so might serve me again later, and the hub... will give me something i can tear apart guilt free to learn off of.

John Zybourne Fri Feb 04, 2022 3:49 am

I have a simple safety bicycle, though it needs better tires. I live in a town with dreadful road maintenance and always end up with flats. I very much enjoy riding, particularly long distance traveling on two wheels. Keeping a bike running is much cheaper than pretty much any other form of mechanized land transport and I enjoy learning how to fix problems as they materialize. A good hobby for the aspiring mechanist I think.

Regards,
JZ

J. Wilhelm Fri Feb 04, 2022 4:15 am

Any thoughts on electric bikes, perhaps made to look like early motorcycles?

Bicycles: new, Old, Casual, Serious. Discuss FKtvmKGXwAccisf?format=jpg&name=small

Bicycles: new, Old, Casual, Serious. Discuss FKtvmKGXwAccisf?format=jpg&name=small

Lazaras Fri Feb 04, 2022 4:40 am

Rather fine machine there and while it does look like an early motorcycle? If it gets you out and moving? Awesome.

Besides it is rather easy to motorize a bicycle. It's gotten people out who wouldn't otherwise have given these vehicles a try, and I feel things are better for it.

John Zybourne Fri Feb 04, 2022 4:53 am

Apparently, electric bikes were patented and sold in the 1890's. Electric anything was all the rage at the time.

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Bicycles: new, Old, Casual, Serious. Discuss

Bicycles: new, Old, Casual, Serious. Discuss

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Re: Bicycles: new, Old, Casual, Serious. Discuss

Re: Bicycles: new, Old, Casual, Serious. Discuss

Re: Bicycles: new, Old, Casual, Serious. Discuss

Re: Bicycles: new, Old, Casual, Serious. Discuss

Re: Bicycles: new, Old, Casual, Serious. Discuss

Re: Bicycles: new, Old, Casual, Serious. Discuss