The Safety bicycle shows the beginning of the design still in use for ordinary road bikes.

The photograph shows an 1892 Columbia Light Roadster with solid tires. The frame is not yet triangulated and the wheels use straight spokes. However the location of the rider with respect to the wheelbase makes the vehicle much more stable and easier to mount. Gearing is through the chain drive to the rear wheel. The rod actuated brake works on the rear wheel, a dynamic stability issue, and the front fork has a spring to improve the ride quality. A rear mud-guard protects the rider, and additional comfort comes from the sprung saddle.

From: Adams, "Antique Bicycles," TAB Books (1981)