The Bicycle: 200 Years on Two Wheels

The bicycle’s story starts in 1817, when German baron Karl von Drais unveiled his strange, two‑wheeled, wooden contraption — no pedals, no chain, just a brave rider scooting along with their feet. From there, the history gets a little hazy… until the velocipede boom of the 1860s, the rise of the Penny Farthing and, finally, the late‑nineteenth‑century cycling explosion that changed everything.
What began as a quirky invention quickly became a symbol of freedom. Touring took off, racing became a thrill, and ordinary people discovered the joy of travelling under their own power. Fast‑forward to today and cycling is a global phenomenon, from elite sport to everyday life.
This stunning photographic book captures 200 years of that evolution — from wobbly wooden beginnings to sleek modern machines. It’s a visual celebration of the bicycle’s journey, packed with beautiful images that chart how design, culture and human ambition shaped the bike we know and love.
Perfect for cycling fans, history buffs or anyone who appreciates a good set of wheels.