FRENCH BICYCLE HAS SMALL FRONT WHEEL (Feb, 1933)
Filed under: Bicycles, Sports — @ 7:37 am
Source: Popular Science ( More articles from this issue )
Issue: Feb, 1933
| Buy on Ebay
Source: Popular Science ( More articles from this issue )
Issue: Feb, 1933
| Buy on Ebay
FRENCH BICYCLE HAS SMALL FRONT WHEEL
Returning to the design of an old-fashioned bicycle, a French inventor is producing one with a small wheel in front and a large one behind. The small wheel steers, while the large one drives. Handlebars are at the rear of the cyclist. The inventor claims his machine embodies scientific principles of balance and structural design. Its rider sits in a comfortable erect position, instead of crouching, so obstructions are unlikely to throw him.
Wouldn’t longer handlebars have been a easier solution? Also with that arrangement it seems that you’d need help to get going. Because you’re leaning back you can’t put your weight onto the pedals.
Comment by Eamonnanchnuic — October 1, 2007 @ 12:36 pm
Well, apparently the idea never really caught hold, so your assessment of the inherent design flaws is probably correct.
Comment by Frank Schifano — October 1, 2007 @ 1:58 pm
Great for cobbled streets.
Comment by Skipweasel — October 18, 2007 @ 2:45 pm
Most people who are injured or killed on a bicycle are thrown over the handlebars. By sitting erect like this, we can save a lot of lives in accidents.
There are modern versions of this avalible, but since most people don’t get in bike accidents, the more expensive version is not very popular.
Comment by lol — October 27, 2007 @ 9:07 am
I built a fun, compact similar bike shown here. http://www.woodenbikes.com/Trianglebike1.html
Comment by Tom Kabat — July 27, 2008 @ 1:36 am
I have hybrid type bicycle with 29 inch wheels. I have a good mountain bike fork and wheel that are 26 inch which I am considering fitting along with more aggresive tires, rear 29 and front 26. Will this result in dangerous handling or is there any other structural issues I should be aware of by fitting a smaller wheel up front and a larger one on the rear. I intend road use and light off road and trails.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Comment by Peter Brough — February 2, 2009 @ 11:41 pm