A Brief History Of The Bicycle

The evolution of the bicycle is fascinating from a social as well as technological point of view. In fact, most of the technical innovations were made before the start of the last century, when the basic form of the bicycle that we know today was created. In the modern era, advances in materials science have been the driving force behind developments.

In 1817 the 'Hobby Horse' was invented by Karl von Drais. Made of wood, this was basically like a bicycle with the pedals, gears and chain removed - you pushed it along with your feet, but was faster than walking. To read more..

Source: Bicycle Association of Great Britain

Le Mond vs Fignon 1989

One of the most interesting duel in the Tour is between the American Greg Le Mond and the homeboy favourite Laurent Fignon in the 1989 Tour de France. Le Mond managed to beat Fignon by 58 sec to take the Yellow Jersey in the last Time Trial stage before they went to Paris. He eventually won the Tour by 8 sec.

I guess it was the first time that we ever seen the aerobars, aero helmet and of course, oakley specs being used and worn in the Tour de France. Technology has actually helped Le Mond to win the stage and the Tour!! Same thing that Nike, Giro & Trek did for Lance in the last few years, . Ah....those Americans!!

I just love the 80's Tour with the 7-11, Super-U, PDM, Carrera, Cafe de Columbia, Fagor team etc. competing for the Tour. And these LeMond-Fignon & Roche-Delgado duel were the most memorable 'dog fights' that I ever seen on the Tour! Its the stuff of legends!

Source: YouTube