On ‘World Bicycle Day’ celebrate an initiative to appreciate the blend of sports with sustainable development.
Bicycles has been a mode of transport with innumerable benefits, both, for health & environment. To acknowledge this sustainability United Nation’s General Assembly decided to declare 3rd June as ‘World Bicycle Day’. Here are a few most iconic bikes that have been around since the 19th century.
VAN CLEVE
Van Cleve an adventure bicycle originally manufactured by Wilbur and Orville Wright popularly known as the Wright brothers in 1896. This iconic ride was mostly handmade. Velocity rims, Reynolds 725 heat treated double butted tubing, shimano alfine 11 internal hub gearing, 11 distinct gear ratios, rear track mounts and TRP spare brakes are some of the many features of Wright brother’s hand-crafted authentic bicycle. Later, Wright brothers started focusing on their aeronautics and sold all their remaining bicycles but Van Cleve bicycles continued till 1939.
BOWDEN SPACELANDER
Bowden Spacelander was one of the most popularly iconic bicycles manufactured by Benjamin Bowden. Steel frame was made up of two steel clam shells wielded together. The front for, shaft drive, suspension fork, battery powered lights, a horn, built in radio are some of the many features of Benjamin’s ride. This bicycle was considered to be a must have for any collector.
ARIEL PENNY FARTHING
Ariel Penny Farthing comes under the category of the most popular bicycles in the ancient times. Penny Farthing was a result of revolutionised designs, it consisted of a very large wheel that supported the seat, set of pedals, a smaller rear wheel, metal steel frames (later innovated), ball bearing and many more iconic features. Penny Farthing was a bicycle suitable for rougher spaces.
PINARELLO ESPADA
Pinarello Espada is considered to be one of the most popular retro bikes which still stands out from the ancient era. The bikes were designed in association with an F1 engineer. These rides initially were for only four in number: two for the road and two for the track. Miguel Indurain broke the world hour record at Tour de France, 1994, on the vintage Espada.
CORIMA COUGAR
Corima Cougar is an iconic bicycle made of carbon fibre to be raced at the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992. The entire bike was built keeping the needs of different athletes in mind. Nitto B123AA track bars, Shimano dura ace AX stem, strong-V grips, aluminium aero seat post, fixed gears and bottom brackets are some of the many commendable features that Corima cougar consists of. The bicycle was repainted from yellow to white and is till date considered to a perfect example of an iconic ride with vintage features. Corima Cougar is also exhibited in a few museums.
