The bicycle

The bicycle model shown here is taken from a drawing discovered in 1965 during the restoration of Leonardo’s Codex Atlanticus.

The drawing, which shows a two-wheeled vehicle with handlebars, pedals, and chain transmission, however, is not from the hand of Leonardo.Some scholars consider it to be the work of Salaì, one of Leonardo’s pupils, while others are convinced that it is a recent addition.

The model is made up of two wheels, connected by an axle onto which the pedals are inserted, which drive two toothed wheels connected by a leather chain. The bicycle seat is mounted on the rear wheel axle, while the handle bars are mounted on the front wheel. With no means of steering, though, the vehicle is nonfunctional.