Why do alt-history people never focus on infrastructure or innovation? What would have happened had bikes been invented centuries before cars instead of around the same time? How different would the built environment and our culture have looked?
Personally, I think centuries of more established bike use would have created an infrastructure that limits how well cars take off. Cities would have entrenched themselves in a cheap, dense manner of transit.
I could be wrong, lots of dense cities were wrecked by the car when it was commercialized. I’d love to hear any thoughts :)
In 10BC, it would likely be all wood - frame, wheels, crankset, everything - and be driven by a notched leather belt on toothed wooden sprockets.
I am thinking this:
@Nougat @Nyssa @bluGill even Roman roads would have been hell for cycles with solid wheels. Probably not practical until graded or paved streets or roads became common. Even today’s brick or cobblestone streets are a problem.
That would help, but I’m not sure you can make wood and leather belt drive train work well. And without rubber wheels you won’t be happy with the ride. Though I guess as a novelty for rich kids who have slaves it would work well enough.
Interesting concept. Not sure it’d last too long though.