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About Us |
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We are company based in Southampton, with a passion to get people out and about on bikes, call 02380 332323 The benefits of cycling are so great that the government and Southampton council are determined to help you enjoy it, and we are here to make sure that you have the right equipment. Southampton is superbly based with miles of cycling paths along the Southampton Water to Hamble on one side and Lymington on the other. The New Forest has some of the best cycling in the country, one can ride for hours and see more wild ponies and deer than cars! Put the bike on the ferry to the Isle Of Wight or Hythe , there is no charge by the Train company— however space is limited.
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To contact us: |
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About Cycles HISTORY OF BICYCLES The basic elements of today's bicycle were developed in the 19th century, over a span of several decades. In 1817, Baron Karl Friedrich Drais von Sauerbronn patented a wood-framed, steerable vehicle with two wheels, which he called the draisine. Propelled by the rider's feet scooting along the ground, this vehicle spawned the development of many similar machines, known as dandy-horses. In 1839, a primitive bicycle, featuring treadles that propelled the rear wheel, was invented by Scotsman Kirkpatrick Macmillan, and in 1845, Englishman Robert William Thompson patented a "hollow, air-filled tube," the first attempt at creating a pneumatic tire. In 1861, French coachbuilder Pierre Michaux invented the velocipede, which was essentially a dandy-horse with cranks and pedals attached to its front wheel. Velocipedes became popular in Europe, and in 1866, former Michaux employee Pierre Lallemet patented the velocipede in America. In 1869, the first recorded velocipede race was held in Paris, and larger front wheel sizes were developed in order to achieve higher cycling speeds. This led to the development of the unstable, but fast penny-farthing bicycle, with its very large front wheel and very small rear wheel. The penny-farthing's top speed was limited, however, because its front wheel diameter was limited by the length of its rider's leg! In 1885, Englishman James Starley invented the Rover safety bicycle which featured a diamond-shaped frame as well as pedals and a chain drive that propelled the rear wheel. Two years later, Scotsman John Boyd Dunlop developed the first practical pneumatic bicycle tire.
Key elements of today's bicycle were now in place, the modern bicycle industry was born, and the bicycle's popularity exploded. Further refinements such as seat posts, coaster brakes, freewheels, and derailleur, quickly followed in the 1890s, the Golden Age of Bicycles. |
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The National Cycle Network comprises of 5000 miles of Safe, attractive, high quality networks.
The National Cycle Network Route 2—The route runs from Bournemouth and the New Forest through Southampton and onto Portsmouth. The route runs across Itchen Bridge along Weston Shore linking up Portsmouth via Hamble and to the New Forest via the Hythe Ferry.
NCN 23 River Itchen Cycle Route—this will run to Winchester via Eastleigh and on to Reading.
The Southampton Council are working on these projects and they will add to the practicality of using a bike in Southampton.
Training Courses are offereing training fro Children and confidence building sessions for Adults.
Cycling is being actively encouraged in Southampton and the environs .because it increases your fitness and strength, can assist in reducing your weight and protects the environment.
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About Cycling Southampton |
