IN THE FRAME

From the first appearance of the pedal-driven bicycle, sometime in the 1860s, to the end of the 19th century, the bicycle underwent considerable changes in design, largely to accommodate the various inventions that improved the machine.

- David Rodd

The diamond-framed safety bicycle of the late 1890s set the standard for the next 70-odd years, until the advent of, first, the Moulton small-wheeled machine, the BMX, and then the mountain bike or ATB (all-terrain bike).

Developments have continued, mainly in the field of producing a lighter, more responsive machine, with special consideration to frame construction.

There are three ways to improve the frame to make a faster bicycle: shorten the wheelbase, stiffen the two basic triangles that form the frame so that more power is transmitted to the driving wheel, and make the frame and the whole machine lighter. Further considerations, such as shock absorption, can serve a dual purpose: transmit power while making a more comfortable ride.

The National Cycle Museum at Llandrindod Wells, Powys has several examples of designs which can be said to represent the epitome of efforts in those directions. These have the distinction of having, with one exception, no parallel in any other country. These are listed in order of their appearance.