Collapsible Bikes
What Are Collapsible Bikes
What are collapsible bikes? They are the new and trendy bikes of the future! Although the specific design for collapsible bikes has been around since the 1890s, collapsible bikes are beginning to catch the attention of those always looking for the next cool gadget. As surprising as it may seem, given the constant use of cars as a method of transportation, bicycles outnumber cars on a one to two ratio worldwide. Even though collapsible bikes have been around for a long time, the uses of collapsible bikes have changed dramatically throughout their lifetime. The following sections delve into the history of collapsible bikes, their use nowadays and future trends with collapsible bikes that one may expect to see.
History
The first time collapsible bikes, or rather small bikes were used was in the 1890s, during the Second Boer War. The French Army was very interested in increasing the speed and movement ability of their artillery forces. However, the French Army knew that a regular bike would give them more transportation options, but it would also pose as an additional weight that a soldier would have to carry. This added weight would slow down their troops, not speed them up, especially in non-bicycle friendly terrains. Even though they were not able to completely relieve soldiers of an additional item to carry, the French Army eventually came up with a design that we know today as one of the first collapsible bikes. Collapsible bikes that the French Army used weighed approximately 15 pounds, and as for the measurement of their wheels, the approximate number was 24 inches. Since the first collapsible bikes were used under a war context, these bikes were designed with rifle racks.
Historical Usage Of Collapsible Bikes
Another historical usage of collapsible bikes was during the Second World War. Although these collapsible bikes were used in a similar context, the exact function of the collapsible bikes was very different. Collapsible bikes during WWII were used for the proper execution of British paratrooper duties. Collapsible bikes were designed in a small size to that they could facilitate the parachute’s jumps from various aircrafts. These collapsible bikes were used in the famous D-Day landings, as well as the Battle of Arnhem. What were some features of the collapsible bikes that the British used during the Second World War? Unlike the design used by the French Army, the collapsible bikes manufactured by the British were the size of a regular bike. The collapsible bikes used wingnuts to turn the handle-bars and the reversible pedals. In order to hold and support the frame of a bicycle, hinges were used.
Growing In Popularity
Looking into the present, why are collapsible bike growing in popularity? The reason is because a collapsible bike not only saves people time and money, but also because it encourages people to take part in daily physical activities. Although younger children have always found joy in riding their bicycles outside as a source of physical activity, it seems that teenagers and adults have switched their interests to more sedentary pastimes. As collapsible bikes are easy to transport, they encourage physical activity for all. Not only can the kids pack up their bikes to take to far away parks with the family, but now adults can carry their collapsible bikes with them to work, so that they can take a short ride down to their favorite diner during their lunch breaks. All around, collapsible bikes are helping people to get active.
Collapsible Bikes
The future of collapsible bikes is a promising one. As manufacturers strive to find more lightweight collapsible bikes that are even easier to transport, consumers have a lot to be excited for.
