Fixed-Gear: Two-Wheeled Transportation
One-hundred and ninety years ago this summer, the two-wheeled “Dandy Horse” became popular with several London and Paris townies who were looking for a little freedom from their idea of bipedalism: walking. These riders shuffled their feet along the ground, much like Fred Flintstone, to achieve mobility and forward progress. Unfortunately, the lack of a crank-shaft and custom-sizing prevented the two-wheeler from catching on.
However, in the 1860s, the French vélocipède bicycle was created by attaching rotary cranks and pedals to the front-wheel hub of a “Dandy Horse,” and the bicycle was born.
Nowadays, around the streets of Los Angeles, there’s a dramatic increase in the numbers of bicyclists, and the trend is led by myriad groups of spirited “Fixed-Gear” bicycle riders who like traveling without the luxury of brakes. See the LA Times article here.
Thanks to DoobyBrain.com and their assessment of current “Fixed-Gear” trends in the illustration here to the left. The image reflects the funny, quirky culture of fixed-gear enthusiasts.
The following link has some great Fixed-Gear bike images, because it is a Fixed Gear Bike Gallery.
July 2009 marks the 106th year and 95th racing of the Tour de France.
Get out and ride! Live Strong!
21st Century Culture, Athletes as Artists, Stylio, The Good Life, Uncategorized