The Bicycle Inventor's Mystery: How Did They Know?

In summary, the conversation discusses the question of how the inventor of the bicycle knew that it was possible to maintain balance on two wheels. The participants speculate that the inventor may have figured it out through trial and error or by observing the balance of circular objects in motion. They also mention the existence of early two wheelers such as running bikes, which are easier to learn and are still popular for young children. It is also noted that Michael Faraday, a famous scientist, was one of the first cyclists and owned a running bicycle.
  • #1
cnh1995
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I'm wondering how the inventor of bicycle knew the fact that it would be possible to maintain balance on two wheels. Most kids fall off and bruise themselves in the beginning and there's no way of learning a bicycle other than trial and error. How did the inventor figure this out?
 
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  • #2
Why do you think he did know in advance? People like to tinker and experiment.
 
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  • #3
I mean a wheel or any circular object stays in balance when it is rotating or moving forward on a surface. A stationary wheel will tip over as it doesn't have the momentum to keep it steady. The inventor could have figured it out by simply rolling a coin on a flat surface.
 
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  • #4
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  • #5
A.T. said:
Early two wheelers were running bikes, which are much easier to learn, hence still popular for small kids:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_bicycle#19th_Century
As a matter of interest, MIchael Faraday was one of the first cyclists, having one of the running bicycles, which he used to ride down a nearby hill.
 

Related to The Bicycle Inventor's Mystery: How Did They Know?

1. How did the bicycle inventors know how to create a working bicycle?

The invention of the bicycle was a result of many years of experimentation and improvement by different inventors. The first known bicycle prototype was created by Baron Karl von Drais in 1817. Over the years, other inventors such as Pierre Michaux and John Kemp Starley made significant improvements to the design, making the bicycle more practical and efficient.

2. What materials were used to make the first bicycles?

The first bicycles were made primarily of wood and metal. The frame was usually made of wood, while the wheels and other moving parts were made of metal. As technology advanced, new materials such as rubber and steel were also incorporated into bicycle design.

3. How did the invention of the bicycle impact society?

The invention of the bicycle had a significant impact on society. It provided a more efficient mode of transportation, allowing people to travel longer distances in a shorter amount of time. It also gave women more independence and freedom to travel on their own. Bicycles also played a crucial role in the women's suffrage movement, as it gave women a way to participate in rallies and protests.

4. What challenges did the early bicycle inventors face?

One of the main challenges faced by early bicycle inventors was finding a way to power the bicycle without the use of animals. The first bicycle designs were propelled by the rider pushing their feet on the ground, but this was not very efficient. It wasn't until the invention of the pedal-driven bicycle in the 1860s that the bicycle became a practical form of transportation.

5. How has the bicycle evolved over time?

The bicycle has undergone many changes and improvements since its invention. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, bicycles became more popular and were used for leisure and sport. In the mid-20th century, new designs such as the mountain bike and the BMX were introduced. Today, bicycles continue to evolve with advancements in technology, such as electric bikes and carbon fiber frames.

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