WI bicycles in 1600s

[tom]

Given 17th century clocks and carts, did the technology exist for bicycles in the 1600s? How could that have changed history?

[Beck Reilly]

I don't think the technology to make the rubber tires existed. Did it?

[tom]

WK:
Not sure...maybe, maybe not. If not, could some other substance substitute?

[David S Poepoe]

The technology for a primitive bicycle exists from a very early age. One isn't going to see bicycle chains anytime soon and the first bicycles were direct drive - the pedals mounted directly to the front wheel. Early bikes won't have pneumatic tires, probably solid rubber tires if at that. Don't count on any springs or shock absorbers, so it will be pretty painful over any open ground.

Wood frames will be typical until superceded by steel. The introduction of aluminum will be heralded by such claims as "A metal so strong its used in steam ships." or something like that.

[NapoleonXIV]

http://www.pedalinghistory.com/PHbikbio.htmwww.pedalinghistory.cm/PHbikbio.htm

[Straha]

after small repeating rifles and maxim guns are invented things will be interesting.