The bicycle was invented in the mid 1800's the first bikes had pedals attached directy to the front wheel axle. To make these primitive bikes more efficient engineers made the radius of the front wheel larger which meant that they would travel a farther distance per each rotation of the pedal.
Big wheel bicycle
http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/92508479/
In the late 1800's the first bike with chain drives and gears were introduced. This advancement turned what was an extreme sport into an efficient and safe way of travel (even for women!). Th first models of these "safety bikes" are the first prototypes of our modern day bicycles.
Whippet Safety bike
                          made in 1885
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_bicycle









                                        
 











                                           

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