BICYCLE HISTORY RESOURCES
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Bicycle Accessories Development, Brief History of the Development of Bicycles
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History of Road Cycling in Australia, |
"A brief history of the development of the bicycle"
Compiled by Annemarie Driver in 1989. There are many facts missing from this article, and the serious student of bicycle history needs to consult other, more recent, sources for complete accuracy.
Hobby Horse
The first practical two-wheeled muscle-powered machine appeared in 1817. Credit for its development goes to Baron Karl von Drais in Germany. He called it a velocipede in his patent application. He used this new device as an aid in getting around the grounds of the Grand Duke of Baden, where he was a landscape gardener.
It has also been called "draisine", "swiftwalker", "dandyhorse", and "pedestrian curricle".
The first man to fit pedals to a bicycle was Kirkpatrick McMillan, Scotland 1840. He drove the rear wheels by cranks and swinging levers, and steered his front wheel by direct sloping forks.
Boneshaker Tricycle
This machine shows clearly how the boneshaker bicycle was adapted and made into a tricycle. The same front wheel and handlebar arrangement was retained but the frame was differently shaped. It sloped down from the front and divided into two to support the rear axle and wheels. The saddle was situated on a separate piece of iron which split into two forks at the rear and connected with the rear wheels and axle. This type of machine was popular amongst the elder and more conservative followers of the sport as it was considered safer and more sedate to ride on.
Pennyfarthing also called "High Wheeler" or "Ordinary"
To enable the rider to travel further and thus faster with one revolution of the pedal, the front wheel size was increased. 60 inches was found to be the maximum practical diameter for the front wheel. Pedals could usually be adjusted in slots on the cranks thus altering the 'gear'.
The rear wheels were reduced to 18 inches, 17 inches and even 16 inches to enable the diameter of the front wheels to be increased without adding to the weight, and, of course, the lighter the machine the faster it would go for a given amount of effort.
It required only slight interference with the forward movement of machine and rider, (such as a stone) to send the latter flying over the handlebars-often with serious consequences. A spoon brake forward of the handlebars pressed a metal shoe onto the solid rubber tyre.
1890 saw the first development in tension wheels. The 'Boneshaker' wheel had been held together by the pressure of the shrunk-on iron tyre, whereas the 'highwheel' was held together by the tension of the spokes. Of the various designs tried, the two most popular were the
- Radial, or direct from hub to rim;
- Tangent, whereby the spokes cross each other and to give more strength are tied and soldered at these points.
Because of the danger to the rider the Pennyfarthing was popular for only a short time from about 1873 to 1885.
Coventry Lever Tricycle
James Starley's Coventry Lever Tricycle patented in 1876 was the first tricycle successfully put into large-scale production. The levers turned out to be rather awkward to use and were soon replaced by pedals that turned round and round, with a chain to drive the wheel. It was in use for many years in that form. It first sold for £15.
Note the 'garden' seat. Also the double steering wheel enabled the tricycle to be turned in a very small circle. It has a band brake, anticipating motor car practice of 30 years later.
Courting Cycle
Another experimental idea was this Courting Cycle. With the advent of the cycle people gained more independence and could therefore travel alone over longer distances. This cycle provided for a third person as chaperone for a young couple.
Solid Tyre Safety
By 1884 there was a need for a different type of bicycle, due to the safety aspect of the high wheelers. The Humber appeared in 1884 with a 30-inch front wheel and a 28-inch back wheel. John Kemp Starley designed the Rover in 1888. The arrival and development of the low, rear-wheel driven safety bicycle, between 1884 and 1891 sent the high wheel bicycles and tricycles into irreversible decline.
But although smaller wheels may have been safer, they tended to be uncomfortable. High Wheelers had ridden smoothly because the long spokes of the large wheel cushioned the bumps and vibrations. The short spokes in the new solid tyre safeties with low wheels averaging about 30 inches in diameter did not provide a cushion effect and manufacturers rushed to develop spring systems for the forks and frames.
In 1888 pneumatic tyres were developed by John Dunlop. This was a decisive event and soon pneumatic tyred safeties were being mass produced. Within a short time tricycles and Ordinaries were ridden only y racers and eccentrics.
By 1895 the bicycle as we know it had arrived and come to stay.
Wood frame Safety
Wood frame bicycles dated from 1888. Hickory wood was used for the chain stay and seat tube which arched over the rear wheel. Also made of wood were the front mudguard, the spokes and felloes of the rear drive wheel and the steering wheel.
It was claimed that the wood parts of the frame were elastic and provided adequate spring effects.
Massey Harris
Massey Harris racing cycle built in Canada about 1890 by the Massey Harris Co. which now is the same firm M. Ferguson which makes Massey Ferguson farm machinery. The wooden wheels, the block chain and the cut seat are a feature of this bicycle. Note the one-piece crank is similar to the style used in modern BMX bicycles. Many firms that made bicycles in the 1890s and early 1900s used their experience gained in bicycle manufacture to eventually go into motor car production.
Elswick Sports
Made by Elswick in England, this is a ladies sports cycle dating back to 1892.
Special features of this bike are the 26 inch wood wheel. free wheel, special style handlebars, special type front forks, three plate crown with back forks and stays to match, special saddle and saddle pillar, gas light.
Dursley Pedersen
Patented in 1893 by Mikael Pedersen, a Dane who had moved to Dursley, England, the Dursley Pedersen was one of the most innovative designs ever to be created for a safety bicycle. It used a triangulated frame of small diameter tubing rods which were soft soldered together and plated inside and out. Starting with the desire to make a more comfortable saddle, Pedersen developed an unusual hammock woven from 45 yards of silk cord supported at the front by an adjustable leather strap and at the back by seven springs. The saddle was adjustable and could be made tighter or slacker depending on the rider."
The frame imparted a great lateral stability to the machine, and offered excellent resistance to pedal pressure. It was based upon principles used in bridge construction where strength and lightness were desired.
Always very expensive, the Dursley Pedersen was luxuriously finished and practically custom built for the owner.
B.S.A. (British Small Arms)
From 1900 to 1925 the bicycle did not change at all in design. Some small arms manufacturers entered the market, thousands of bicycles were produced, as the demand for personal transport was high.
Sunbeam
Manufactured in Wolverhampton, England, 1911. Fitted with sharps divided axle in rear wheel, this permits the removal of rear tyre or tube without disturbing the chain in its chain case. The two speed gear is housed inside the chain wheel itself and special instructions are needed for the dismantling of the mechanism.
The bike was fitted with the little oil bath in the chain case which means that the chain was always running in oil for lubrication, but the rider had to be careful which way he turned the cycle upside down so as not to lose the oil.
Most Sunbeam cycles were the all black standard. When bought new the price was £26. The brakes worked by pulling up against the rim compared to on the side of the rim on modern models. To wheel this machine backward first pull up the knurled washer on the brake rod behind the seat tube.
The headlock is of the 'thief-proof' type. This model is fitted with the rifle supports for use by the Army for the mounted battalions in the early part of the Great War (1914-1918).
Sociable
This construction employed the rear parts of two safety machines, one for gentlemen and the other for ladies and fitted these together giving it a central front steering wheel. While both sides were fitted with handlebars and pedalling was done by both parties, the steering was in the hands of the gentleman.
German War Bike
Because of the shortage of rubber in World War I, some enterprising person thought to substitute this spring arrangement in the place of rubber tyres. An interesting example of ingenuity.
P.M.G. (Post Master General)
The safety began to be used for commercial purposes. The Post Office in Australia used such machines for letter and parcel delivery. Some had leather bags or wicker baskets.
Shearer's
Bicycling represented a significant personal transport revolution in Australia, e.g. in the adoption of the bicycle for goldfields communications; its widespread use by shearers; the development of road maps and touring guides; benefits to hoteliers resulting from increased tourism. The bicycle allowed travellers to cover a greater distance in less time than was ever before possible through most of the Australian countryside.
James Tandem
Typical of a 1930s tandem, this is of robust construction featuring an unusual convertible rear. By means of a moveable top tube it could be made to suit either a lady or gent. The double gent's frame design was considered to be stronger and less flexible than the ladyback design. There is a rear hub brake as well as two rim brakes.
Child's Tricycle Tandem
Children have not been overlooked. Many a child had a bicycle specially built by a doting parent, but Cyclops turned out thousands of bicycles and tricycles especially for children. This unique model was copied from the adult tandem which made cycling with a friend enjoyable, but with 3 wheels it was more stable and easier to control for a child.
Army Bike
The bicycle went to war. Built in Australia in 1939 with English and Australian parts. It features twin front forks, and was used by the Australian Army in World War II.
Delivery 1940s
Another application of the safety was for delivery purposes. This closed box type was used by ice cream vendors. Butchers and greengrocers preferred the two-wheeled machines with brackets on the front for baskets and boxes. Fish and chips and roast potatoes and chestnuts were also sold from these machines.
B.S.A. Free Flight (with engine)
B.S.A.'s first venture into the field of cyclemotor units favoured a powered wheel. The engine was a 48cc two-stroke, with cast-iron cylinder barrel and detachable, light alloy cylinder head. It had petrol lubrication.
A feature reflecting appreciation of the demands made by speeds higher than those normal for bicycles is the provision of a 9 1/2 inches diameter, internal-expanding brake in the hub casting.
The bicycle was capable of speeds up to 25 mph. Its fuel consumption averaged 135 mpg.
Moulton (Standard Mark I)
In 1959, British designer, Alex Moulton, developed his Moulton bicycle, the first major redesign in many years. The Moulton used a compact and simple suspension system that gave a smooth ride despite the small 16-inch wheels. The low centre of gravity created a lively response to the pedals and provided for carrying heavy loads with minimal effect on the handling. The F-shape frame and quickly adjustable seat and handlebar post made the Moulton equally suitable for men and women, youngsters and adults.
Frame tubes were flat sided, oval and tapering. A simple compression ring worked just above the front fork crown. The rear suspension enabled the rear wheel to react to bumps independent of the rest of the frame through a rubber compression spring, or pad as Moulton called it, which was located directly in front on the rear wheel. The chain stay was pivoted to the end of the down tube and was braced to the extended top tube.
Production discontinued in 1974.
Raleigh Grifter
This cycle was the result of modern design and research applied to the traditional safety bicycle in 1976 in the UK . The industry was trying to change the image of the bicycle and to modernise it. Production followed through until 1983 when it ceased. The Grifter was made for children but is a very heavy bicycle. Its different looking style was meant to capture the youth market. Note that the rear wheel is larger than the front wheel. The Grifter also came in various incarnations the most commonly known being the MK2 version with the longer rear mudguard.
Swing Bike
An unusual bike with a headset at each end of the bike which enables a skilful rider to ride with wheels parallel but not in line. The back wheel can be locked in position for normal riding.
Sling Shot
The most modern record breaking machines are recumbents. The rider sits in something like a chair and puts his feet out forward on the pedals. The pedal force reaction is taken not by the weight of the body but by the backrest.
1974 saw the beginning of the open-rule human-powered-vehicle (HPV) competitions. From then, the inventiveness of human-powered vehicle designers were given an incentive. All classes of races were being won by recumbent machines of a large variety of types, rewriting the technological history of this type of vehicle, and of bicycles in general.
May future histories record that new developments led to a new wave of popularity for human powered travel, one that will last longer than some of the crazes of the past.
Moulton
Moulton stopped manufacturing bicycles in 1972 and recommenced with this space-age frame in 1984.
This frame design gives it strength as well as lightweight production. The front suspension is adjusted to suit the rider's weight. The quickly adjusted seat and handlebar post makes the Moulton equally suitable for men and women, youngsters and adults.
This machine is designed for town use and incorporates an automatic two-speed gear hub. It changes on load. It can be demounted (not folded) and will fit into a bag of small enough dimensions to be accepted as hand luggage on both bus and train.
Disc Wheel
Around 1980 the East Germans introduced cycles having aerodynamic features and a stable construction.
During the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, the USA unveiled its '"Super Bike". The frame was designed to reduce frontal area and air drag, having thin narrow forks, narrow centre brackets, internal headsets, airflow features arid the paint was said to have 'slippery' aerodynamic qualities. The wheels were constructed differently, no protruding wheel nuts, spokes were flat and nipples were non-protruding. Fully covered disc wheels used Kevlar plastic for the sides. Some of these had two weights set diametrically opposite towards the centre of the wheel and as the speed increased the weights moved to the rims thereby providing an additional source of energy.
B.M.X. (Bicycle Moto Cross)
Another innovation is the sport of B.M.X. It consists of helmeted young riders speeding on light, strengthened, specialised bikes around purpose-built dirt tracks which include exhilarating jumps, swoops and banked turns. The frames and handlebars of the bikes are padded. Knobbly tyres give good grip and control. B.M.X. bikes are also popular for street and off road riding.
Bi Bici (Donkey Back)
This tandem has the rear seat over the back wheel, thus enabling the total length of the tandem to be the same as that of a single bike. This will be very convenient for transporting.
Semi-Recumbent Tandem
This provides for a very sociable way to travel. Both riders can see clearly and the front rider is free to use his or her hands to indicate directions, point to interesting sights (or cover the eyes) and take photographs.
Because the front cranks can slide on the tube, people of any size can use the front seat. It is a strong, ultraviolet resistant mesh hammock, with the tension adjustable over its entire length and is stretched over a high tensile tubular steel form.
The rear frame is deliberately short (15 1/2 inches) and has a long seat post with a quick release seat bolt so that nearly anybody can also use the rear seat.
Having the construction and equipment of a mountain bike, the tandem is very robust and solid. It is very suitable for touring. When travelling solo the large vacant seat is good for carrying parcels.
The 2002 Com Games symbolises England’s love of the game, if not always the result. In 1911 the Brits expected to trounce the colonies in the Festival of the Empire, the first recorded Games between Empire athletes (held to coincide with the coronation of King George V). To ensure success, only Australasia, Canada and South Africa were invited along, and British athletes far outnumbered all others. The Brits unequivocally stated what was at stake: the Games would “decide Empire supremacy”.
Canada won. And the standout performance came from an Australian, Harold Hardwick He won Australia’s first gold – in the 100yards swim – then backed up and delivered the knockout blow to take the heavyweight boxing title.
With the promise of free accommodation, food and travel grants, eleven nations competed in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
1938 Sydney hosted the third Games and Australia dominated the medal tally.
1950 Auckland, New Zealand
1954 Vancouver, Canada
1958 Cardiff, Wales. South Africa excluded all black athletes from its team. (South Africa left the Commonwealth in 1961)
1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982
1986. Half the nations pulled out of the Edinburgh Games, protesting New Zealand’s sporting contacts with South Africa.
1990. Gold medals were won by Bermuda, Nauru, Jersey and Guernsey.
1994, the last for Hong Kong
1998. Malaysia became the first Asian country to host the Games, and introduced team sports, hockey, netball, cricket and rugby.
2002, Manchester, England. More than 5000 athletes from 72 nations competed.
Competitors in Cycling from the ACT were
Road (female) Margaret Helmsley
Track (female) Alison Wright
Mountain Bike (female) Mary Grigson
Road (male) Michael Rogers
Bicycle Accessory Development
Compiled by Ken Ward of WA.
1860 First Brake:- A leather pad pressed onto the side of the Velocipede wheel by pulling a cord.
1868 In Paris Show a primitive Freewheel and Variable gears were shown.
1874 Starley introduced Tangential Spoking.
1887 First fitted Bell appeared on the Starley Rover.
1888 Dunlop produced the Pneumatic Tyre.
1891 Michelin produced detachable Tyres 1892 John Palmer presented the cotton cord tyre 1893 Tandem frame design perfected..
1895 Jean Loubeyre of Paris patented the first Derailleur gear.
1896 E. H. Hodgkinson invented the Gradient 3 Speed Gear. The
Sprocket cluster slid sideways with the smallest sprocket on the inside which
slid inside the hub when engaging the larger sprockets to keep the chain in
line. Plunger brakes fitted to suit solid tyres.
Thomas Johnson of America patented his 2 Speed Hub Gear, which influenced
William Reilly to patent his practical 2 Speed Hub. Gear. Reilly arranged with
James Archer to take out Patents on Hub Gears.
1897 Freewheels fitted to the Bicycle.
1899 Back Pedal Brakes presented.
1901 Henry Sturmey held similar hub gear patents to Reilly and Archer which resulted in Reilly, Archer and Sturmey combining to form the Sturmey Archer Hub Gears ,
1907 Due to the heavy demands Raleigh licensed B. S. A. to manufacture the Sturmey Archer 3 Speed Hub Gear.
1930s Revolutionary short wheel based frames presented
SAXON, BAINES, MANXMAN, HETCBR, ~S, BATES, PARIS.
1933 Quick release Hubs appeared.
1936 3/32 narrow chain and 5 Speed Clusters arrived.
1937 Derailleur Gears introduced in the Tour de France resulting in large bunch finishes which created faster and tougher stages.
1938 Derailleurs were in great demand, and Oscar Egg presented his “OSGEAR” 4 & 5 Speed gear with 3/32 drive claimed to be the lightest gear made It was a very popular gear but due to the 1939/1945 War production did not take place till late 1945.
1946 Front Derailleur first used for racing. This doubled up the number of gear ratios available but incompatible with the Osgear. This made the Osgear a 4 or 5 Speed gear with the opposition offering 8 and 10 speed gears.
1962 Alexander Moulton an English Engineer presented a soundly designed completely new Bicycle using Cross frame construction with 16 inch wheels. To reduce inertia he used 120 P.S.I. tyre pressure This started a flow of similar small wheel designs but Moulton patented suspension gave him the edge on his opposition.
1984 Francesco Moser broke the World 1 Hour record
The Low Profile Bike with closed disc wheels started an upsurge of Aerodynamics
designs which is still ongoing.
1987 Indexed Gearing, Clip in Pedals, to replace Toe clips.
1990 Cycling Computers and Cycling Heart rate Monitors
The history of the game is poorly documented, and nobody's really sure how it started.
One version has it that shortly after the invention of the pneumatic tire in the late 1800s, the English Foreign Office sent bikes as a gift to a local ruler somewhere in India. However, the recipient declared that pedalling was beneath his regal status, and gave the bikes to his stable hands. They could never afford horses to play the popular sport of equestrian polo, and started the first games of bike polo.
English enlisted men, similarly without means to support a string of polo ponies, took the game home with them. From there, the game spread throughout the UK, Europe and over to America. Later, as automobile sales took off, bike polo faded.
The other version is that the Irish bicycle champion Richard McReddy invented the game at his club in Dublin. The sport then emigrated to America through Irish sports clubs in the Boston, Massachusetts area, again to fade out as the car took over.
The game hung on in one form or another in the UK, Europe, America, India and South East Asia and was often used as' a training game for young equestrian players. Bicycle historian .Pryor Dodge has provided the US13PA with copies of old photographs from Ireland, France and America. The National Historical Bicycle Archive of American maintains similar evidence in its collection.
During the 1970s and very early 1980s, a group of equestrian players popularised bike polo in New York City's Central Park and along the East Coast. Unfortunately, its members went their separate ways just before mountain biking was born
The development of the mountain bike and the resurgence in bicycling of all kinds means that bike polo is on the rise again. The International Police Mountain Bike Association in Baltimore, Maryland uses bike polo as a training game. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Mark Gross, owner of Quick Messenger Service in Washington, DC, runs games nearly every weekend. Bike messengers to cops is a pretty wide spectrum of play for any game.
Bike Polo Part 2
Revival of bike polo as a sport
Bicycle polo is for anyone who can pedal a bike. Anticipation and a smooth swing count for more than pure speed and brute strength. As an inclusive sport, it's great, and I'm sure that’s part of the reason for the recent bike polo revival.
From almost nothing a few years ago, bicycle polo in the USA has blossomed to become a significant new sport in the public's awareness. Polo games are happening in at least fourteen states. Collegiate or club programs are running from Vermont to Hawaii, and even linking kip to Europe, where active groups are growing in number, particularly in France, Switzerland and Austria. Perhaps most important, schools are now beginning to adopt the game, and public parks and recreational districts are offering access to community playing fields.
The six Years that the UWA has been in existence have seen a growing media interest. Bike Polo has been featured on TV shows and documentaries, has been interviewed by radio stations across the country, and have been the subject of all
sorts of magazine and print articles, everything from respected newspapers like the LA Times to children’s' magazines. Nike, Sony and Rolling Stone Magazine have taken an interest in the sport's development. In February ' v 1995, the USI1PA toured college campuses with these heavy hitters, as part of' the Rolling Stones New Music Tour.
Exhibition matches have been played before serious crowds. They were playing during half‑time of' a Sacramento Goldminers football game before about 18,500 people. Also in front of 25,000 at a Major League soccer match in San Jose, California.
The most important promotional tool, though, is the US13PA web site at www.bikepolo.com, which has enjoyed hits from all 50 states in the US and over 90 other countries. It has been visited by over 760 educational institutions from around the world, including riders from twenty schools in England, four in Wales and three in Ireland.
All in all, bicycle polo looks to have a rosy future. It's bringing a lot of' young people together in a safe, fun team game, and it's a fun introduction to cycling for many who otherwise wouldn't think of' it.
The Basics
() The Parallel Rule.
The parallel rule helps provide safety for riders of all levels and is easy to explain to riders, parents and administrators, To hit the ball a rider must ride parallel to the side line for at least three bike lengths before making contact. Think of it as a right-angled triangle. The ball can travel the hypotenuse, but you need to ride the legs! This way, everyone approaches the ball from north and south, and the chance of a collision is dramatically reduced. In addition, riders must maintain 36 inches between bikes.
() High Sticking
No one wants a mouth full of mallet ‑ it gives your favourite malt and barley beverage a decidedly woody taste. For that reason, if two players are riding to the ball from opposite directions, and they are both within three bike lengths of the ball, they cannot raise their mallets above the wheels. In any case, the small inflated ball used by the USBPA will jump off the mallet with just a short back swing.
0 Field Size
An ideal field is 100 yards by 60 yards or whatever you can find. If the field is small, you can take a little air out of the ball. Do try for grass: when you fall it feels better than artificial turf or asphalt. Everyone goes over the handlebars at least once because they grab way too much left brake.
0 Teams
Usually four on four works best. If you really want a lot of riding, reduce the teams to three on three or two on two. Mixed teams are great, and rest assured, women can beat guys: it happens all the time. As one of our players said "It takes ovaries to play this game!"
() Length of Games
Four 10‑minute quarters (chukkas) are great, but do whatever you want.
0 Contact
None! You can hook a player's mallet and that is it. No mallets in the spokes or pulling riders off bikes. Play hard, play fair and nobody gets hurt!
0 Penalties
Free shots are awarded from the spot of the infraction. If it is close the goal, the defending team can line up all four players in the goal; bike frames parallel to the sideline, and turn their front wheels across the goalmouth. Use your mallet as a prop (see below) to hold your spot without touching a foot to the ground.
() Posting
Posting is the art of using your mallet to hold your balance. Put the head of the mallet on the ground and lean on the shaft. It is easy and a great way to play goal or look cool.
0 Do not let your feet touch the ground!
If your foot touches the ground, you must ride out of bounds at the nearest point to the infraction and then re‑enter the action. If you block a shot or a pass while your foot is on the ground, a free shot is awarded. If you do it while in your defensive goal or in stopping what appears to be a sure goal, the shooter gets credit for the goal.
0 Have fun
Go nuts, wear weird stuff (but always, always wear a helmet!), make a party out of it. This is not a mainstream sport, don't treat it like one!
Contact:
US Bicycle Polo Association, PO Box
19424, Sacramento, CA 95819‑0424,
USA. Tel +1 916 487 1670 Fax 916 487 1683 Email usbikepolo~Paol.com
Website www.bikepolo.com
More on Polo
from Peter Matthews, Ireland
Yes! I have played Bicycle Polo (for 27 years), in answer to your article in ‘Friends’ of July 2002. I started in 1966 after a match between Ireland and England, weekend 21/22 May to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Bicycle Polo. It was first started by R.J.Mecredy (Arjay), not Richard McReddy as in ‘Friends’ article. He was editor (and owner of “The Irish Cyclist” and the first game was played as “The Scalp” a beauty spot near his home on 4th October 1891. Then at Bray a seaside town up to at least 13th July 1905. [I spoke to an old lady who same it played there . P.M.]
The Irish Bicycle Polo Assoc opened their new ground at Sandymount Irish Cyclist 24.4.07
The constitution and rules of Assoc were adopted at a meeting held in Nov 1898 and revised April 1900, at that time there were many clubs playing the game in Ireland. The Silver Challenge Shield presented by “Centaur Cle Co. to the Irish Bicycle Polo Asso. Was won by the “Rathclaren Rovers” in 1898 & 1899.
Ohne Hast.C.C. introduced the game of Bicycel polo in 1891, and those who want to play should apply to Hon. Sec. Hamilton Oswald, Rathclaren Bray.
“Bicycle Polo was revived by “Corrance C.C. and a new Assoc. was formed. H.W.Bartleet wrote to Ireland for their rules. Hon.Sec.Mr C.Scott Bradwell, Holt, London. (Irsih Cyclist & Mtr Cyclist 27 Aug 1930). George Brake who first played in 1930 rewrote the rules as sec. British polo Assoc. in 1933.
It has been rehashed many times and many times re invented many times. In 1936 Australia claims to have invented it at Wonthaggi Victoria. USA at Long Beach CA 1937.
“Youths Companion” of 29/4/1926 says “bicycle Polo is the newest and fastest outgame for boys. A.G.Spalding makes Bicycle Polo mallets. It goes on and on. Paddy Gillespie of Strabane Northern Ireland told me he invented it in 1960’s. But Ireland was first, - in 1891.
[The game was revived in England 1904 and again in 1929, in 1937 over 60 teams in London against 10 in 1931. “Cycling”]
I have a lovely medal with crossed mallets and a ball, won by Rathclaren Rovers in the 1890’s.
There are five players in the game but six on the team and the sixth can be changed each chukka. The game lasts 90 mins @ 6 x 15 mins chukkas. The bike must have 26in wheels. (Usually with 12 guage spokes for strength). Must have fixed wheel, short bars, rubber pedals, and have no brakes. The pitch should be 110 yards x 80 yards max. or 90 x 60 yards min. Goals are 4 yards wide x 9 feet high. The pitch should be marked by two quarter lines @ 25 yards and half way line and a centre line. The ball is placed at the centre, a sprinter sprints from each right hand side of goals to get to the ball first, to start the game, and after each goal scored. All players MUST play right handed.
The first international was played at Crystal Palace London between Ireland and England in 1901. Ireland 10, England 5. In 1908 Ireland beat Germany 3 to 1 in an Olympic Games match at Shepherds Bush, London.
You can shoulder charge, you can’t hook a players mallet or play across his front wheel. If the ball hits a player, his mallet, or bike, while his foot is on the ground he is considered dismounted and a free is awarded against his team. We had a car sticker at one time which read, “Have you ever tried it on a bicycle?” “Bicycle Polo the game of to-day”
In 1968 a world body “The International Bicycle Polo Federation” was formed in Mexico City by reps from India, United Arab Rep., USA, Ceylon, Singapore, Belgium, and France. Great Britain applied for membership in 1970. Bicycle Polo was played in the Asian Games. The IBPF's website is at http://www.worldbicyclepolo.com
It was a tough game, but I loved it and would still like to be playing but it fell away in 1993. It fell away in 1948 in Dublin and came back for the 75th anniv in 1966. I played in England, Scotland & Northern Ireland in many international matches. Here is a suitable poem.
Poloitis
A disease that’s been contracted by a lot of cycling Blokes,
It’s really not a subject for cracking rotten jokes.
For polo makes for tough guys and I’ll say it very Plain,
It’s not a game for Pansies for it often gives you Pain.
It has fallen away in Scotland in the last few years. I don’t know if it’s still played in England, but I hope it will be revived yet again, or have you any idea if it’s still being played in America? If you have nay addresses please let me know. Herewith please find a few clippings. All the best. See you in Feb. Regards to Rod.
Star polo
This interesting game was first suggested by Mr.H.S.Owen of the Capitol Bi Club, Washington, D.C., and to whom the credit is mostly due for bringing it out. The small wheel is used as a mallet to drive the ball and when the players become skilled in the art the game is very interesting and exciting.
Rules of the Game
1st. The game shall consist of five points, the team winning the five points firt, being entitled to the game.
2nd. A point consists in propelling the Ball either intentionally or accidentally through either Goal. It must pass entirely through from the front.
3rd. A point shall always be scored for the side whose goal the ball passes through, without regard to which team puts the ball through.
4th. The goals hall be 20 inches in width.
5th. The goal markers shall be 20 inches in height.
6th. The ball must pass beneath the line drawn across the top of the goal markers.
7th. When the game is resumed after time has been called, the ball must be placed as in the beginning of the game.
Umpire
1st. There shall be three Umpires, one chosen by each team, and the third chosen by the other two.
2nd. The Umpire shall place the ball in the centre of the surface and station each team behind it’s respective goal; the players shall not be allowed to mount, untill the order to “PLAY” is given by the Umpires.
3rd. The Umpires may call time, in case of an accident to a player or his bicycle, upon request only.
4th. When a point is scored the Umpires shall call “goal” and the players must immediately dismount.
5th. The Umpires may allow such rests as they think proper, between points.
6th. The Umpires shall decided upon all points herein overlooked, according to their bet judgement in the matter.
Rules of Play
1st. The bicycle only must be used in propelling the Ball.
2nd. The player must be upon his machine when he strikes the ball, either in the Saddle or upon the step or frame.
3rd. A player shall not obstruct the entrance to a goal, while off his machine.
4th. A ball which is propelled before an accident to a player or his machine, is a fair ball, but if struck after such player is disabled and is unable to defend his goal, it is a foul ball.
5th. Any material departure from the above rules, shall e considered a foul, if so claimed by the opposite team, and upon the three “fouls”, the umpires shall declare the game in favor of the team claiming the fouls, by a score of 5-0.
by Rolf Lunsman
Before 1881 all bikes had fixed gears, no one had invented a way to make a bike freewheel. The development of the freewheeling mechanism played a large part of making bikes popular. Freewheels were quickly introduced into most popular bikes by the turn of the century, but road racing cyclists continued to use fixed wheels, firstly by choice and later by regulation, right up until the mid 1930s in Australia. Track racing bikes still use fixed wheels. If your bike has no sign of brakes ever having been fitted it could be a track racing bike, it could also be a road racing bike pre the mid 1930 or it could be from before 1900.
by Rolff Lunsmann. In reply to a letter regarding Bell saddles.
Leather saddles are the most comfortable type of saddle available for a bike. I have just returned from riding my bike from Brisbane to Sydney, 1300 km, with not a single moment of sore bottom due to my leather saddle. Your saddles sound like they might be Bells. If you have purchased them as NOS then you have a good buy whatever the price. For on-going care of them I suggest you have a look at:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bretonbikes/brooks.htm or
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/leather.html
making leather saddles http://www.sturmey-archer.com/index.htm
Bell were a large Australian manufacturer of leather saddles based, I think, in Sydney. I purchased a new Bell Series 70 saddle in the mid 1970s and it still serving me well on my 1948 Malvern Star. The series 70 saddle was a direct copy of the Brooks "Professional" a model that is still made by Brooks in England. My wife has a Bell saddle with an embossed kangaroo on it. This dates from 1960. Attached is an add for Bell from 1960. One person who is interested in Bell Saddles is Roger Roy who can be contacted at: ausroy@bigpond.com He would be very pleased to hear from you.
History of Road Cycling in Australia
from web site of “Cycling at the Australian Institute of Sport”
Cycling is broadly divided into track and road racing. Cycling has been a
competitive sport in Australia since the 1860s. The first organised cycle race
in Australia was held in Melbourne in 1869 and the Melbourne Cycle Club was
formed in 1878. After this there were regular bike races. The Australian Cycling
Federation was formed in 1900 and became part of the International cycling body
the UCI in 1903. (UCI stands for Union Cycliste Internationale). Cycling has enjoyed a resurgence in Australia due
largely to the success of Australian cyclists overseas. Technological advances are making
huge differences to the speeds of cyclists. At the 1992 Olympic Games,
Britain’s Chris
Boardman won the 4000m individual pursuit on his new “high tech” bike, using
superfast materials produced by Formula One racing car manufacturer, Lotus.
Cycling consists of many types of cycle racing but the two kinds conducted at
the Olympic and Commonwealth Games are road and track cycling.
DID YOU KNOW?
... Phil Anderson, Australia’s best known professional cyclist has finished in
the top ten in the Tour de France on five occasions. In 1981 he became the first
Australian to wear the yellow jersey as the winner of one stage of the famous
bicycle race the Tour de France.
... Edgar “Dunc” Gray won Australia a bronze medal in the 1000m Time Trial
at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics and then a gold medal at the 1932 Los Angeles
Olympics and the 1934 British Empire Games in the same event. He also won the
gold medal for the 1000m sprint at the 1938 British Empire Games. He was the flag- bearer for Australia in the
Opening Ceremony at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. ... From 1996 all events will be
open, that is including amateur and professional cyclists. Six Australian riders
are now riding as professionals in Europe.
Road Cycling
Road racing is a competition taking place on a road, usually a public road.
Distances vary from about 30km to 200km. In normal road races riders start in a
pack, and the winning of the race is often the result of “tactics”- as
groups or individuals attempt to “break away” from the pack so they can get
an advantage before the sprint finish.
Types of Races
There are several different forms of “bunch” road racing; handicap, stage
races, point- to- point racing, circuit racing and criterium racing. Criterium
racing is a popular form of road race where the roads in a town centre are
closed to traffic to form a course of 1- 2km and where the public can watch the race from the edge of the road.
Time Trials
Another form of road racing is the Time Trial, where individual riders or teams
of four start at intervals of 30 seconds or more in a race against the clock.
Individual time trials are generally raced over distances of up to 40km while
the road team trial at Olympic and Commonwealth Games is a 100km event. After 1996 the road team trial will no
longer be an Olympic event, as it will be replaced by the individual time trial.
Stage Races
Australia’s Commonwealth Bank Cycle Classic is a stage race made up of a range
of the different road events held over several days. It starts at Brisbane and
goes to Canberra via Sydney. In Australia the racing season is usually between
March and October
each year.
History of Track Cycling in Australia
from web site of “Cycling at the Australian Institute of Sport”
The Australian Cycling Federation was formed in 1900. Cycling has enjoyed a
resurgence in Australia due largely to the success of Australian cyclists
overseas. The 1993 Track Pursuit Team shattered the World Record on normal
racing cycles.
..........more to come........
Courtesy of Peter W Card - author of the book 'Early Vehicle Lighting'.
Bicycles in 1878
had lights. Have they improved?
By 1878 bicycle riding
had become very popular, with clubs springing up every week to further the needs
of this fairly new and exciting pastime. Great distances had already been
travelled so serious night riding was an obvious extension of a daytime pursuit.
The invention of the lamp probably evolved via the cyclists themselves , but
Joseph Lucas took a good idea at the right time and made it better by
understanding the problems. The construction of the lamp was excellent in its
simplicity. Each joint was soldered and in its upper parts where it got very
hot, riveted to prevent it breaking due to the heat from the lamp softening the
solder and the absence of shock resistance from bumps caused by the solid tyres.
This first bicycle lamp was designed to hang from the axle inside the spokes of
the large front wheel of the Ordinary or High Wheeler, access for lighting was through the
spokes. When the wheel is in motion the lamp would oscillate, taking the knocks
and major catastrophes in its stride. Joseph Lucas called his best quality lamps
"KING OF THE ROAD"
The introduction of
rear-driving safety bicycles in 1886 heralded the introduction of the safety
Head Lamp. This was the style of lamp that was stark and bold in appearance like
the hub lamp but had a parallel sprung bracket at the rear for fixing to the
spoon at the head of a safety bicycle, similar to the modern day arrangement.
Again Joseph Lucas named his best quality lamp in this range the KING OF THE
ROAD. The HOLOPHOTE lamp was designed by A. D. Davidson in 1889, it featured a
new style of oil reservoir and a good optical lens which proved popular.
In 1895 an entirely new design of bicycle lamp was patented, the legendary SILVER KING OF THE ROAD. This model was fitted with a Patent Lens Reflector, covered with a double convex lens in a Nickelled mount and this Lens improved the light and made it easy for cleaning. The Lamp itself was accessible for cleaning by opening the 'body' of the Lamp. It sold for 16 shillings. The SILVER KING OF THE ROAD was in continuous production albeit greatly modified until 1939.
Submitted
by Ken Ward
John
Boyd Dunlop revolutionised Transportation by his presentation of his pneumatic
tyre which he developed through experiments to make a more comfortable ride for
his son with his Boneshaker tricycle. He was born in Dreghorn Ayrshire Scotland
and was a Veterinary Surgeon in Belfast. In 1887.starting with water filled
hose-pipe he progressed till he made a canvas wrapped inflated rubber tube, with
canvas reinforcement, a one way valve to inflate and a tread for wear. The tyre
was covered with rubber solution to attach to the wheel rim. The tyre was
initially too bulky so a special bike had to be built with wide forks. It is
recorded that the tyres were fitted to an Edlin Quadrant Bicycle. on the 28
February 1888. The tyre was then presented after he had taken out a Patent. The
first reaction was of mockery. "Pudding" " Wind bag"
"Bladder Tyres". Then the Patents Office rejected his
Patent application as it was found that a Patent had been taken out by
R.W.Thompson in 1845 for a leather covered Pneumatic tube, for horse drawn
carriages wheels. Dunlop won the case arguing that his was only one application
of the Pneumatic principle. In the next few years the Trade went mad Tyre
manufacturers sprung up everywhere with unbelievable claims of their tyres
ability and superiority to their opposition. The speed and comfort of the safety
bicycle fitted with Pneumatic tyres made cycling available to everybody, In 1891
Edouard Michelin of France produced the Removable tubeless Tyre. ,And other
manufacturers followed. By 1895 all Bicycles sold were fitted with Pneumatic
Tyres.
The
1892 Trade Journal carried Advertising by some 10 Tyre manufacturers
Duplex
Rim & Tyres.
James
Pneumatic Tyres
Heales
Pneumatic Tyres.
Birts
Pneumatic Tyres Bates Pneumatic Tyres
Silvertown
Pneumatic Tyres Parkin & Wright Pneumatic Tyres.
Seddens
Pneumatic Tyres Olympic Pneumatic Tyres.
Preston
Davies Pneumatic Tyres.
The
long battle between the Penny Farthing and the Safety Bike ( Bone Shaker) was
resolved when the Safety Bike was fitted with Pneumatic Tyres and was converted
from a Bone Shaker to a comfort machine. The popularity of the Penny Farthing
waned due to the huge demand for these new comfort machines. Between 1892 and
1900 220,000 Bikes were sold in W.A. with 180 different Brands They were mainly
imported from England and Canada due to their advanced mass production
facilities. Massey Harris (today's Farming Machinery Manufacturer) were the
Canadian suppliers and Percy W.Armstrong (The originator of the Beverley to
Perth cycling Classic) was the first to import the English New Rapid Bicycle In
1895 advertising claims were made that the West Australian firm of Davis
Franklin had been manufacturing Bicycles exclusively for twenty years.