A Brief History of Human Powered Transportation

The Safety Bike

The high wheeler was reaching the end of its development and a new idea was needed. The "Safety" (1885-1900) was the answer. The Safety shows the beginning of the design still in use for most ordinary road bikes. The photograph is of an 1892 Columbia Light Roadster with solid tires. The frame is not yet triangulated and the wheels use straight spokes.

The location of the rider with respect to the wheelbase makes the vehicle much more stable, and the smaller wheel size makes the bike easier to mount. Gearing is required to give the same top speed and is provided by 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)