At The Adam Store, we believe the bicycle is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a symbol of freedom, simplicity, and timeless design. Our passion for classic Dutch-style bicycles naturally invites curiosity: how was the bicycle invented in the first place?
Let’s take a ride back in time and discover how this elegant machine evolved—from its earliest wooden frames to the modern bikes we know and love today.
Who Invented the First Bicycle?
The story of the bicycle begins in the early 19th century with a German inventor named Karl von Drais. In 1817, he introduced an invention called the Laufmaschine or “running machine,” later known as the dandy horse or draisine. It had two wooden wheels and a simple steering mechanism, but no pedals. Riders propelled themselves forward by pushing off the ground with their feet—more of a precursor to the modern bike, but revolutionary nonetheless.
Fast forward to 1860s Paris, where two inventors took Drais' idea further. Pierre Michaux and his son Ernest Michaux added pedals to the front wheel, creating the velocipede, also known as the bone shaker due to its uncomfortable iron-rimmed wheels.
Finally, in the 1860s, Pierre Lallement, a French mechanic, filed the first official patent for the pedal-powered bicycle, which closely resembled the velocipede but included important refinements in design.
What Is the History of the Bicycle?
Here’s a quick timeline of how bicycles developed over the centuries:
● 1817: Karl von Drais invents the dandy horse, a two-wheeled, human-propelled machine.
● 1860s: The Michaux family introduces pedals, creating the velocipede or bone shaker.
● 1870s: The iconic penny farthing appears, featuring a large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel—famous but difficult to ride.
● 1885: The introduction of the safety bicycle, designed by Englishman John Kemp Starley. It featured equal-sized wheels, chain drive, and pedals located between the wheels, resembling the modern bicycle.
● Late 19th century: Innovations like pneumatic tires, improved brakes, and better materials lead to widespread popularity and mass production.
● 20th century: The bicycle becomes a key part of transportation and recreation, influencing social movements and urban development, particularly in cycling-focused cultures like the Netherlands.
What Were Early Bicycle Designs Like?
Early bicycle designs were creative but often impractical:
● Dandy Horse: A wooden frame with no pedals; riders pushed with their feet.
● Velocipede (Bone Shaker): Added pedals to the front wheel but had stiff iron wheels.
● Penny Farthing: Featured a massive front wheel and tiny rear wheel, providing speed but making balance difficult.
These early machines laid the groundwork for the modern bicycle, with gradual improvements in safety, comfort, and efficiency.
How Did the Bicycle Evolve Into What We Ride Today?
The true breakthrough came with the safety bicycle, which introduced:
● Equal-sized front and rear wheels
● Chain-driven rear wheel
● Improved brakes and steering mechanisms
● Comfortable rubber tires
This design became the foundation for the bicycles we ride today, including those crafted at The Adam Store. Our models like the The Deluxe Adam 28” with gears reflect this evolution—combining classic style with practical modern features for daily use.
Mass production in the late 19th and early 20th centuries made bicycles more affordable and accessible. By the early 1900s, cycling had transformed cities, transportation, and even social structures, particularly empowering women and working-class riders.
What Is a Velocipede?
The term velocipede refers to the early pedal-driven bicycles invented in the 1860s, particularly the bone shaker. Developed by the Michaux family in Paris, it was the first machine to incorporate pedals attached directly to the front wheel.
While uncomfortable and difficult to steer, the velocipede paved the way for future advancements like the chain-driven safety bicycle. Without these early inventors, we wouldn’t have the efficient, rider-friendly bicycles we enjoy today.
What Impact Did the Bicycle Have on Society?
The bicycle’s invention changed the world in ways few could have imagined:
● Revolutionized transportation by offering an affordable, efficient human-powered vehicle
● Led to the birth of the bicycle industry, creating jobs, manufacturing innovations, and social mobility
● Encouraged recreation, sport, and healthy lifestyles
● Empowered independence, particularly for women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
● Shaped the design of modern cities, influencing dedicated bike lanes and cycling culture
In countries like the Netherlands, bicycles became an essential part of daily life—a legacy we proudly honor at The Adam Store. Curious how to choose the perfect ride today? Read our guide on how to choose the perfect bicycle for yourself.
What Are Notable Bicycle Inventions?
Some of the key inventions that shaped bicycle history include:
● Chain drive: Allowed for rear-wheel propulsion and safer riding positions.
● Pneumatic tires: Improved comfort and efficiency.
● Braking systems: Enhanced control and safety.
● Electric bicycles: Brought cycling into the modern age with pedal-assist technology.
At The Adam Store, we’ve preserved the charm of traditional bikes while incorporating key advancements. For example, our collection of adult bicycles includes modern models designed for both commuting and leisure, all reflecting our Dutch heritage of simplicity and functionality.
How the Bicycle Fits into Modern Dubai Life?
While the bicycle's origins trace back to Europe, its influence continues to shape cities worldwide—including Dubai. Today, Dubai is rapidly becoming one of the most cycling-friendly cities, with over 1,000 km of dedicated cycling tracks and ambitious plans to expand further. The city's flat terrain, safe infrastructure, and active lifestyle make it the perfect environment for cycling to thrive.
At The Adam Store, we’ve brought the best of Dutch bicycle design to Dubai, blending timeless craftsmanship with the city’s modern, dynamic spirit. Whether you’re commuting along Dubai’s scenic cycling paths or enjoying a relaxed ride through your neighborhood, our bikes are built to match the city’s pace—just as bicycles have evolved over time to fit the lifestyles of each era.
Want to experience it for yourself? Visit our showroom in Dubai and enjoy a free test ride—discover how a Dutch-style bicycle feels before choosing the perfect model for your ride.
Final Thoughts: A Timeless Invention, Perfected Over Time
From wooden frames and dandy horses to the elegant, practical bicycles we ride today, the bicycle’s history is a story of innovation, culture, and freedom. And it’s a story that continues—whether you're introducing your child to their first ride with the The Junior Adam or deciding between a new vs used bicycle for your daily commute.
At The Adam Store, we’re proud to carry on the tradition—offering Dutch-style bikes built for modern living, designed to fit seamlessly into Dubai’s cycling-friendly lifestyle.
FAQ Suggestions:
1. Who invented the first bicycle?
The first bicycle was invented by Karl von Drais in 1817. His design, known as the "dandy horse," featured two wheels and a steering mechanism but no pedals. Later, inventors like Pierre Michaux and Pierre Lallement added pedals, shaping the early evolution of the bicycle.
2. What was the velocipede?
The velocipede was one of the earliest pedal-powered bicycles, developed in the 1860s. Often called the bone shaker due to its iron wheels, it was a key step in the development of modern bicycles.
3. How did the bicycle evolve into modern designs?
The bicycle evolved significantly with innovations like the safety bicycle, chain drive, pneumatic tires, and mass production. These advancements made bikes more comfortable, efficient, and accessible—paving the way for models like the Dutch-style bicycles we offer at The Adam Store.
4. Why is cycling popular in Dubai today?
Dubai has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure, offering over 1,000 km of dedicated cycling tracks. The city’s flat terrain and active lifestyle make cycling both practical and enjoyable, perfect for commuting or leisure rides.
5. Can I test ride a bicycle before buying at The Adam Store?
Yes! Visit our Dubai showroom and enjoy a free test ride. Experience the comfort and elegance of a Dutch-style bicycle before choosing the perfect model for your lifestyle.