CHAPTER 1 The Wheel Timeline CHAPTER 2 Why the Wheel CHAPTER 3 Creating the First Wheel CHAPTER 4 Early Wheeled Machines CHAPTER 5 Revolution on Wheels CHAPTER 6 Wheeled Vehicles Speed Up CHAPTER 7 Modern Wheels CHAPTER 8 The Wheel Rolls On 6 15 16 26 38 52 62 74 90 ESSENTIAL FACTS 100 GLOSSARY 102 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 104 SOURCE NOTES 106 INDEX 110 ABOUT THE AUTHOR 112 CONTENTS
THE wheel I n 1870s England bicycles were big literally big The front wheel of a high-wheel bicycle could top four feet 1 2 m in diameter With its much smaller rear wheel the metal and wood contraption looked awkward and it was heavy and difficult to ride Rigid metal tires made for a bumpy ride and dismounting from the tall seat was a challenge and a hazard even for skilled riders As noted by American humorist Mark Twain Get a bicycle You will not regret it if you live 1 Despite the shortcomings of these ungainly contraptions they were popular with the rich young men who enjoyed competing with them in bicycle races 6 chapter 1
High-wheeled bicycles provided both recreation and transportation for those who were brave enough to ride them
