Paintings of bicycles

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This is a collection of paintings featuring bicycles. In selecting them I avoided mobs of latex clad bicycle enthusiasts and racers. Instead, I focused on the more generic types of bikes that are so common. Also, for some reason a lot of paintings featured baskets of flowers to give them a more romantic look; I avoided those as well.

Intricacies of turning a bicycle

It turns out there is more to turning a bicycle than meets the eye. There is a lot that your body instinctively does that you don't realize when you make a turn. Also, the bike itself has design features built in that keep it upright if it is rolled along without a rider. A very interesting video that demonstrates the counter intuitive workings of bicycles.

 

Old bicycle ads

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Bicycles have been around since Baron Karl von Drais's "Running Machine" built in 1817. It was just the frame, seat and 2 wheels and, since it lacked pedals, was more of an aid to running than what we would consider a modern bicycle. Many technical innovations -- pedals, chains, reliable brakes, steering, rubber and pneumatic tires to name a few -- had to be developed as the bicycle evolved to its modern form (bicycle history timeline).

The image of the bicycle has also evolved. In its early days it was a technological marvel of transportation. Eventually the automobile knocked it from that perch and it slid down to being primarily a kid's toy. However. at the same time racing and mountain bikes continued to be developed and they have since found an avid, albeit slightly annoying, following.

These are old vintage ads for bicycles. There are more after the jump and even more at La boite verte's  49 belles publicités anciennes pour des vélos.