Starley Ariel

Cycling evolved rapidly in the early 1870s, when English manufacturers greatly improved the original Boneshaker.

This Ariel model designed by James Starley in 1871 is regarded as a landmark in the process. It represents the earliest attempt at making an all-metal bicycle, and it paved the way for the introduction of larger and larger front wheels.

The principle behind the Ariel’s 40-inch (102 cm) front wheel was simple. If one rotation of the hub equaled one rotation of the wheel, then a wheel with a larger circumference would take you further with each turn of the pedals. In short, the larger the wheel, the faster you could go.

The big wheel offered another advantage. Its metal rim, long wire spokes and solid rubber tire all helped to absorb road vibration, making your ride faster and more comfortable.

But you did have to master the peculiarities of steering, learning how to counter the big wheel’s tendency to turn back and forth with each push of a pedal. Turn too little and you’d crash. Turn too far or too fast and you’d crash. And if you suddenly pedalled hard, pushing down with all your weight, but forgot to turn the opposite way? Yes, you’d crash again.

More serious was the risk of “taking a header.” With your center of gravity located directly above the hub, any sudden jolt could send you flying head-first over the handlebars.

And since there were no brakes on the Ariel, being on the lookout for stones, potholes, animals and small children was essential.