As a 19-year-old maker of baby carraiges in France in 1862, Lallement saw someone ride by on a "dandy horse”, and would have been inspired to build one of his own, but with the addition of a transmission comprised of a rotary crank mechanism and pedals attached to the front-wheel hub, succeeding in creating the first true bicycle.
If you're like me, when you read that your first questions was..."What the heck is a dandy horse"??? So I did more research...
The dandy horse, German for "running machine", was invented by Baron Karl von Drais in Germany, patented in January 1818.
The dandy-horse was a two-wheeled vehicle, with both wheels in-line, propelled by the rider pushing along the ground with the feet as in regular walking or running. The front wheel and handlebar assembly was pivoted to allow steering.
Obviously I have too much free time at work, so I read about random stuff like this.......
5 comments:
yes! too much freetime!! ;)
a dandy horse looks aweful. how awkward and uncomfortable.
Thanks for the history lesson...do you think a dandy horse really helps you get anywhere faster?
I think it's like a scooter.
you learn something new everyday!
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