What were the materials of first bicycle?

Early bicycles, also known as "velocipede", "hobby-horse," or "boneshaker," varied in design and materials during their evolution in the 19th century:

Wood:

-Early bicycles were primarily constructed from wood as it was readily available and relatively inexpensive.

-Wooden components included the frame, wheels, and handlebars, resulting in a heavy overall weight.

Metal:

-As bicycle technology advanced, metals such as iron and later steel were gradually incorporated.

- Metal components provided increased strength and rigidity to the frame and handlebars

Rubber:

-The introduction of rubber tires significantly improved the ride quality by providing cushioning and reducing vibration on rough roads.

-Solid rubber tires were initially used, followed by the development of pneumatic (air-filled) tires, which offered better shock absorption.

Wrought Iron:

- During the 1870s, James Starley, an English inventor introduced a bicycle with a tubular iron frame, making it significantly lighter and more rigid than previous models.

Steel:

-In the late 19th century, lightweight steel, such as chromium-molybdenum alloy (chromoly), became the preferred frame material due to its combination of strength, rigidity, and reduced weight.

Other Materials:

- Various materials were used for other bicycle components such as:

- Leather saddles for comfort and a better grip.

- Metal chains for power transmission.

- Brass bells and copper rivets as embellishments.

Evolution and Modern Materials:

- Over the years, as technology advanced, newer and lighter materials like carbon fiber, aluminium alloys, and titanium have been introduced for bicycles, particularly in high-performance and racing models.

Historical Significance:

- The progression of materials in early bicycle design not only improved their functionality but also paved the way for modern bicycle engineering, leading to the development of specialized models for different purposes such as road cycling, mountain biking, and more.