Incredible Facts
"To invent a bicycle" means to create something unusual. The history of the creation of an ordinary bicycle is familiar to many. But little is known about the most unusual models created by man. Below is a list and brief description of custom bikes.
In the middle of the last century in the post-war years, five craftsmen, in order to stand out from the crowd and surprise everyone with something unusual, developed amazing bicycle models. Many will say that they are even ridiculous, but it’s hard to argue that these modified bikes are original ideas and amaze with their unusual design.
Johe Steinlauf created 14 of the most unusual bike models of the 20th century. He was able to modify this popular form of transport so much that some of them can hardly be recognized as a bicycle familiar to many.
1. Vehicle with original frame - forged back from the bed. According to the inventor, such an unusual idea came to him in the morning at the moment of awakening.
2. Twin bike for two riders, designed mainly for those who are not ready to give up the main place.
3. Bicycle with the wheel up. Thus, in fact, one wheel performs the main function of the vehicle.
4. The next bike was built to ride on snow and ice. Protective gloves on the steering wheel protect hands from cold and frost, and special spikes on the wheels allow you to ride even in the most severe weather conditions. With all this equipment, the bike looks very "hedgehog".
5. Bike rack. A man sits on a hill and drives one wheel. It requires sheer skill and dexterity to get the hang of properly driving this vehicle.
6. Bike for crime fighters, equipped with revolvers, bayonets, a dozen shotguns, and a special flare gun. And although visually such a vehicle looks ridiculous and ridiculous, it really has everything you might need to fight the enemy.
7. After seeing a bike in an accident with a distorted body and dented tires, Joe Steinlauf decides to build a bike with square wheels. Looks very unusual. It is quite logical that the question immediately arises: how to ride it?
8. A bicycle with a large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel. It also looks interesting and funny.
9. Family bike for 5 people. Crew members sit on a long bench between the front and rear wheels.
10. Tricorne bike. Something like a bike rack. However, the angle at which the driver is placed is much sharper. It seems that a person is at the peak of a mountain.
11. Bicycle in the shape of a Ferris wheel. The person is inside a spherical space. If you brake very sharply on such a bicycle, you can spin inside for several minutes, just as things spin in the drums of modern washing machines. It is logical that it is difficult for the driver of such a vehicle to avoid dizziness.
12. A bike with a minimum of parts. The front and rear parts are connected by only two springs. This is quite enough for a normal trip.
13. Mini bike designed specifically for circus performances. Looks cute, funny and "toy".
14. And finally, a bicycle with five chains and four seats at different distances from the ground. While his inventor was learning to ride a bicycle, he broke three of his ribs and his collarbone.
Such unusual bicycles were invented, mainly not for operation, but as an experiment.
Since the first bicycle was made in 1817, these vehicles have come a long way in their development.
and so let's start))
the first two-wheeled test subject that I would like to talk about is a futuristic bike with a smartphone docking station called The Glide.
In an effort to break away from the monotonous approach to designing the shape and shape of a bike body, designer Michael Shrewsbury created The Glide cycling concept, characterized by the elimination of some traditional elements, as well as the addition of several innovations.
According to the designer's plans, the frame of the new bicycle will be made of a material based on carbon nanotubes, and instead of the usual central wheel mount, it will have a side mount, which allows you to get rid of the spokes and facilitate operation. In addition, it is assumed that such a solution will help reduce weight, and therefore make travel more comfortable.
To eliminate the problem of clothes getting between the sprocket and chain, common on most bikes, Shrewsbury removed the gear to the inside of the case. Another side of this design move was the ability to move both forward and backward.
Noting the importance of the social aspect of cycling and cycling, the creator of The Glide has also equipped his offspring with a smartphone dock that allows you to download applications for planning and tracking routes, as well as finding other bikes. Thus, the owner of such a bike will be able to find other cyclists in order to join their walks or simply send them messages using a more convenient interface.
The price of The Glide bike is unknown, and, most likely, it will not be sold, as it was made exclusively for itself. So we will ride a goat or our old bike :))
The next absurd great can be called the entire series of bicycles "Write a bike"
Swiss Yuri Zech is an art director by occupation, lives and works in Paris. He came up with a witty and original series of bicycles, the frames of which are made in the form of elegant inscriptions of the names of their owners.
It remains a mystery to me how these bikes can ride without pedals, separate pieces of metal are magically held together, the problems of stiffness probably do not bother the Swiss :)))
Well, a couple more of his masterpieces
By the way, Yuri Zech offers artistic processing not only for ordinary pleasure bikes, but also for "family" ones, with two seats and handlebars. Whether it will be possible to make these beauties, and how convenient it is to ride them, is a separate conversation. The main thing is to look good :)
Chrome Hearts x Cervelo Bike
American luxury brand Chrome Hearts has teamed up with Canadian bicycle company Cervelo to create and release a limited edition new bike called the Chrome Hearts x Cervelo Bike.
The bike is created using leather, precious metals and artificial diamonds.
The price of the bike is $60,000.
For me, it’s a very stylish device, and not because it costs $ 60k :))
Black bird
This unusual bike is the result of a meeting and collaboration between two Belgian creative personalities, Alex Janvier and Raphael Gilles.
Black Bird Custom Bikes is a bike for, probably, the most daring and extraordinary - just like their creators. As proof of this, the bike is decorated with a socialist symbol on the engine that the bike is equipped with. In general, a biker should also take care of his legs, Alex and Rafael believe.
What can I say, flicking photos))
And that's where it all started...
There was also such an experimental version of the bike
Let's continue..
City bike Lunartic
One of the most popular recent innovations in bicycle design has been a wheel that lacks a center mount and spokes. This new structural element has already been used in many projects, both conceptual and real. These include this original development of the British designer Luke Douglas.
The Lunartic is a compact city bike that uses a combination of different wheel sizes, a toothed belt drive, and a wheel without an axle or spokes. The small front wheel provides the greatest possible space savings available without the need for a foldable hull design. In turn, the larger rear wheel guarantees reliable contact with the road, a fast and stable ride.
This nimble and stylish project has already become one of the finalists of the Seoul Cycle Design Competition, in which more than 3,000 entries were submitted.
That's not all :)
wait for the second part...
Thank you for your attention))
It is behind the bicycle that the title of the most common vehicle on our planet is assigned. But even despite the wide variety of these "two-wheeled horses", some craftsmen literally do not give up trying to reinvent the wheel! What are the strangest, funny and unusual bikes in the world today - see below.
flying bike
British inventors John Foden and Yannick Reed also know how to make unusual bicycles: they became the creators of a real flying bicycle called the XploreAir Paravelo. The speed of such a great dream reaches 40 km/h in the air and 25 km/h on the ground. It can rise approximately to a height of 1220 meters.
This vehicle consists of a heavy-duty aluminum frame, two wheels and a lightweight trailer, which is equipped with a powerful propeller with a 249 cc biofuel engine, as well as a flexible parachute that can serve as a tent. The electric starter starts the engine and turns the propeller, creating air draft and lifting the Paravelo off the ground. At the same time, it can remain in the air for 3 hours.
Bicycles without a chain
Josh Bechtel's invention, dubbed Bicymple, dispenses with such an important component as a bicycle chain. Instead, it rests on a disengageable front wheel hub that connects the crank arm axle to the rear wheel axle. This shortens the wheel frame slightly and gives the bike a somewhat whimsical look, with the pedals on the rear wheel and the bike saddle right above it.
But despite its unusual appearance, the Bicymple is very similar to a single-speed bike, with the exception of an additional reverse mode that allows the rider to move sideways.
bicycle-car
It turns out that the most unusual bikes in the world can almost look like cars: one of these hybrids was created by the Austrian eccentric master Hannes Langeder. Together with a team of assistants, he assembled a miracle bike that looks like a copy of a Ferrari racing supercar, but does not have the same speed, because it has no engine, but only pedals, therefore, it works only on a human resource.
The frame of a bicycle-car is made of an aluminum frame, and such transport is designed for one or two "drivers". Another fun feature is the gull-wing folding doors with a butterfly mechanism that sway slightly while the pedals are working.
folding bike
Would you like to have a bike that can fit in a suitcase? This one was just created by the German Carsten Bettin and called it The Kwiggle. Outwardly, it looks like a mixture of a bicycle, a unicycle and a scooter. The Kwiggle weighs around 8.5kg, measures 55cm in height and 25cm when folded, so you can really take it on the go. The German designer claims that this two-wheeled friend can be laid out and assembled in just 10 seconds.
The Kwiggle is also very fast and nimble, which is a definite plus in traffic and an essential feature for any city bike. The small wheels that unusual folding bikes have allow them to accelerate much better and faster than standard bikes, giving cyclists the ability to maneuver on crowded roads.
tallest bike
Even earlier, cinematographer from Los Angeles Richie Trimble created a 4.5-meter bike, but it seemed to him that such a height was not enough. As a result, he became the inventor of the StoopidTaller bicycle, 6 meters high, which is now considered the tallest bicycle in the world. It is a 125kg structure made from an old Monster beach cruiser bike with 8 bike chains connected together and two 92cm wheels. Trimble claims that it took him only four days to create this tall structure.
Like all other unusual bikes, StoopidTaller has its own peculiarities in operation: for example, in order to get on it, Richie has to put it against the wall and climb up, while all this joke is additionally held by two or three people. According to Trimble, the experience of riding such a bike is simply unforgettable - and we willingly believe it!
longest bike
Holland is an unusual country, so it is not surprising that there are the most unusual bikes in the world here! In 2016, a local bike organization called Mijl Van Mares Werkploeg created the world's longest bike at almost 36 meters. It is made of aluminum pipes welded into a single frame that combines the front and rear of the bike. Two people can ride it - one controls it from the front, the other pedals from the back. By the way, such bicycles can easily ride in straight lines, but, unfortunately, they do not know how to fit into a turn.
This creation of the Dutch even got into the Guinness Book of Records! It is not well suited for life, but such a detail is not a hindrance to the record: in order to get into this honorary list, the vehicle must have only two wheels and be able to move.
And you will see unusual electric bikes in the following video:
You probably remember how strange and unusual the bikes of the past were, so today we decided to replenish your piggy bank with 25 more examples of the strangest bikes of all time:
25. Benjamin Bowden's bike. As you may have guessed, its creator is a British designer named Benjamin Bowden.
24. Amphibious bicycle.
23. A bicycle with a windshield. In addition to the extensive windshield, this bike allows its passenger to make a semi-recumbent ride.
22. Multi-seat bike. It will be quite difficult to keep up with this.
21. Bicycle rack in the shape of a bicycle.
20. Another variation of a multi-seat bike, only this time all participants in the trip are invited to sit opposite each other.
19. Antique bicycle. This is one of the first bicycles made entirely of wood.
18. Rowing bike.
17. "Frankenstein" of the cycling world.
16. Bicycle with square wheels.
15. Folding bike. If you have a roomy backpack, the question of where to leave the bike will disappear by itself.
14. Cargo bike.
13. Bicycle with a roof.
12. Volkswagen bike.
11. Lowrider bike. It is hard to even imagine a person who dares to ride on such a city.
10. Fire bike. In fact, few people would be happy if firefighters arrived at the scene on bicycles.
9. Just orange.
8. Another variation of the cargo bike.
7. Bicycle with a harness. Now you don't have to pedal all the time.
6. Bicycle for two. You can only ride this with a partner you trust.
5. A strange little bike, all hung with locks.
4. A bike with a rather oddly curved frame.
3. A bicycle whose rear wheel is much larger than the front. The purpose of this design remains unknown.
2. Bicycle with a huge front wheel. A strange fashion for wheels of different sizes, don't you think?
1. Rail bike. Yes, yes, it can ride on rails.
Task 1 of 15
1 .
Are the Rules violated in the situations depicted?
Right
f) tow bicycles;
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
d) hold on to another vehicle while driving;
f) tow bicycles;
Task 2 of 15
2 .
Which cyclist does not break the rules?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
b) move on motorways and roads for cars, as well as on the carriageway, if there is a bicycle path nearby;
Task 3 of 15
3 .
Who must give way?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.5. If the cycle path crosses the road outside the intersection, cyclists must give way to other vehicles moving on the road.
Task 4 of 15
4 .
What loads are allowed to be carried by a cyclist?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
22. Shipping
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.4. A cyclist may only carry loads that do not interfere with the cycling and do not obstruct other road users.
22. Shipping
22.3. Carriage of cargo is permitted provided that it:
b) does not violate the stability of the vehicle and does not complicate its management;
Task 5 of 15
5 .
Which cyclist violates the Rules when carrying passengers?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
e) carry passengers on a bicycle (with the exception of children under 7 years of age who are transported on an additional seat equipped with securely fastened footrests);
Task 6 of 15
6 .
In what order will the vehicles pass through the intersection?
Right
16. Passage of intersections
Wrong
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At the intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving along a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways along the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
16.12. At the intersection of equivalent roads, the driver of a non-rail vehicle must give way to vehicles approaching from the right.
This rule should be guided by each other and tram drivers. At any unregulated intersection, a tram, regardless of the direction of its further movement, has an advantage over non-rail vehicles approaching it along an equivalent road.16.14. If the main road changes direction at the intersection, the drivers of vehicles moving along it must be guided by the rules for passing the intersections of equivalent roads.
This rule should be guided by each other and drivers moving on secondary roads.Task 7 of 15
7 .
Cycling on sidewalks and footpaths:
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
c) move along sidewalks and footpaths (except for children under 7 years old on children's bicycles under adult supervision);
Task 8 of 15
8 .
Who has the right of way at the intersection with the bike lane?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.5. If the cycle path crosses the road outside the intersection, cyclists must give way to other vehicles moving on the road.
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.5. If the cycle path crosses the road outside the intersection, cyclists must give way to other vehicles moving on the road.
Task 9 of 15
9 .
What distance should be between groups of cyclists moving in a column?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.3. Cyclists, moving in groups, must ride one after another so as not to interfere with other road users. A column of cyclists moving along the carriageway should be divided into groups (up to 10 cyclists in a group) with a distance of 80-100 m between groups.
Task 10 of 15
10 .
Vehicles will pass the intersection in the following order
Right
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At the intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving along a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways along the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
Wrong
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At the intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving along a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways along the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
16.13. Before turning left and making a U-turn, the driver of a non-rail vehicle is obliged to give way to a tram in the opposite direction, as well as to vehicles moving on the same road in the opposite direction straight or to the right.
Task 11 of 15
11 .
The cyclist passes the intersection:
Right
16. Passage of intersections
Wrong
8. Traffic regulation
8.3. The signals of the traffic controller take precedence over traffic signals and traffic signs and are mandatory. Traffic lights, except for flashing yellow, take precedence over road signs of priority. Drivers and pedestrians must comply with the additional requirements of the traffic controller, even if they contradict traffic signals, traffic signs and markings.
16. Passage of intersections
16.6. When turning left or turning around at the green signal of the main traffic light, the driver of a non-rail vehicle is obliged to give way to a tram in the same direction, as well as vehicles moving in the opposite direction straight or turning right. This rule should be guided by each other and tram drivers.
Task 12 of 15
12 .
Flashing red signals of this traffic light:
Right
8. Traffic regulation
Wrong
8. Traffic regulation
8.7.6. To regulate traffic at railway crossings, traffic lights with two red signals or one white-moon and two red signals are used, having the following meanings:
a) flashing red signals prohibit the movement of vehicles through the crossing;
b) a flashing white-moon signal indicates that the alarm system is working and does not prohibit the movement of vehicles.
At railway crossings, simultaneously with a prohibitory signal of a traffic light, an audible signal may be turned on, additionally informing road users about the prohibition of movement through the crossing.
Task 13 of 15
13 .
Which vehicle driver will pass the intersection second?
Right
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At the intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving along a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways along the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
16.14. If the main road changes direction at the intersection, the drivers of vehicles moving along it must be guided by the rules for passing the intersections of equivalent roads.
This rule should be guided by each other and drivers moving on secondary roads.
Wrong
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At the intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving along a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways along the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
16.14. If the main road changes direction at the intersection, the drivers of vehicles moving along it must be guided by the rules for passing the intersections of equivalent roads.
This rule should be guided by each other and drivers moving on secondary roads.
16 Crossings
Wrong
8. Traffic regulation
8.7.3. Traffic lights have the following meanings:
A signal in the form of an arrow, allowing a left turn, also allows a U-turn, if it is not prohibited by traffic signs.
The signal in the form of a green arrow (arrows) in the additional (additional) section (sections), turned on together with a green traffic light, informs the driver that he has an advantage in the direction (directions) indicated by the arrow (arrows) over vehicles moving from other directions;
f) a red signal, including a flashing one, or two red flashing signals prohibit movement.
A signal in the form of a green arrow (arrows) in the additional (additional) section (s) together with a yellow or red traffic light signal informs the driver that movement is allowed in the indicated direction, provided that vehicles moving from other directions are allowed to pass unhindered.
The green arrow on the plate, installed at the level of the red signal of a traffic light with a vertical arrangement of signals, allows movement in the indicated direction when the red traffic light is on from the rightmost lane (or the leftmost lane on one-way roads), subject to the provision of an advantage in traffic to its other participants moving from other directions to a traffic light signal allowing movement;
16 Crossings
16.9. While driving in the direction of the arrow switched on in the additional section at the same time as the yellow or red traffic light, the driver must give way to vehicles moving from other directions.
While driving in the direction of the green arrow on the table set at the level of the red traffic light with a vertical arrangement of signals, the driver must take the extreme right (left) lane and give way to vehicles and pedestrians moving from other directions.
