Bicycles and Tricycles
An Elementary Treatise on Their Design and Construction
Archibald Sharp
Foreword by David Gordon Wilson
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Published in 1896, Bicycles and Tricycles was the first serious, scientifically
based study of the bicycle. It begins with a general exposition of mechanical
principles: dynamic, static, and straining forces. It then covers successive
experiments at bicycle and tricycle design, including several "mechanical
monstrosities."
With the aid of elegant, sometimes humorous drawings, the book examines various
designs for their relative stability, steering advantages, gearing and
resistance properties. The final selection discusses the design of individual
components in detail, including the frame (from the point of view of stress
analysis); wheels; bearings; chains and chain gearing; toothed-wheel gearing;
the lever-and-crank gear; tires; pedals, cranks and bottom brackets; springs and
saddles; and brakes.
A definitive work in its own time, Bicycles and Tricycles is a collector's item
for history-lovers as well as bicycle-enthusiasts—a treat for tinkerers and all
those interested in the history of invention.
Credit for this reprinted material "BICYCLES AND TRICYCLES: AN ELEMENTARY TREATISE ON THEIR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, goes to the author Archibald Sharp and MIT Press owners of the copyrights, and XtremeCanada has the rights to reprint For non-commercial purposes only!
