October 12, 2024 Login  


The "Without Which, Nothing". Thank you, thank you
Last Post 05/10/2020 08:31 PM by ed custer. 1 Replies.
Printer Friendly
Sort:
PrevPrev NextNext
You are not authorized to post a reply.
Author Messages
79pmooney

Posts:3189

--
05/10/2020 12:29 PM
My deep gratitude to "Kweklos", the man who was the ceator of the greatest invention ever.  (Yes, it was also invented independently halfway across the world, but thousands of years later.  And, funny, both inventions were inspired by kids' toys.  Toys made by potters.)

Without this man, we wouldn't be riding bicycles.

His invention went so viral that it was a working part of nearly every culture of Asia and Europe withing 300 years!  In a day when cultural barriers were like Atlantic oceans.  Once you saw just one of these, however briefly, you didn't stop until you had figured out your own.

The wheel.  Specifically, the full size wheel and wagon.  Very interesting article from "Wired". 

https://www.wired.com/story/who-invented-wheel-how-did-they-do-it/?utm_source=pocket-newtab

I like the idea that it all happened at once; inspired by a kid's toy but the full size end product required: metal tools that could accurately enough create a working wheel to axle fit, wheels had to be designed and made (built from planks pegged together; a simple cross-section of tree trunk would never be strong enough, be very heavy and prone to warp), wheels and axles would have to be sized to both roll easily and not break.

And maybe "Kweklos", the driver found buried on the oldest wagon ever found was that man, his burial starting a tradition that continued for millennia. 

The author also speculates that some ancient wagons being spindle and wheel instead of axle and wheel may well have been the result of a long distance sighting with no opportunity to see the details, not proof of independent invention.  Of course, we bike riders take advantage of both.  Wheels and bottom brackets.  So, thank you, thank you.

Ben
zootracer

Posts:835

--
05/10/2020 08:31 PM
Thanks Ben, I always enjoy reading your posts....
Zoot
You are not authorized to post a reply.

Active Forums 4.1
NOT LICENSED FOR PRODUCTION USE
www.activemodules.com

Latest Forum Posts
2024 Tour de France Femmes posted in Professional Racing

cruuuuuunch posted in Gear Advice

Zwift posted in Road Cycling

TDF 2024 posted in Professional Racing

Flanders (and Roubaix) posted in Professional Racing

Anyone have fun bike projects going? posted in The Coffee Shop

so quiet posted in The Coffee Shop

No articles match criteria.
  Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy  Copyright 2008-2013 by VeloNation LLC