Vintage Advertising: Bicycles from the 1800's

Before we all started zooming around in our cars, we rode bikes.  According to the Bicycle Museum, in 1817 Baron von Drais invented a walking machine that you propelled by straddling and then pushing your feet against the ground. Thus rolling yourself and the machine forward. This machine became known as the Draisenne.

The Draisenne was just a fad and it wasn't until 1865 when a two-wheeled riding machine appeared. The pedals were applied directly to the front wheel and it became known as the velocipede or bone shaker. It too didn't last. It was about the late 1800's that the bicycle we recognize was manufactured. Several of these bike manufacturers went on to develop automobiles.

Here are some bicycle ads from the late 1800's. Pretty cool:

An 1896 Monarch (always used the Lion logo):

Also from 1896, the Crescent, Erie and Phoenix:

An 1899 Rambler:

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