What Were the First Bicycle Brands? 🚲 7 Pioneers Who Changed the Ride (2025)

black and gray bicycle leaning on wall

Ever wondered who kicked off the bicycle revolution? Before carbon fiber frames and electronic shifting, there were bold inventors and visionary companies that shaped the very essence of cycling. From the clunky “Boneshaker” pedals of 1868 Paris to the sleek safety bicycles that made riding accessible for millions, the story of the first bicycle brands is a fascinating journey through innovation, rivalry, and sheer human ingenuity.

Did you know that the iconic Italian brand Bianchi, founded in 1885, is the world’s oldest bicycle manufacturer still in operation? Or that the infamous Penny-Farthing, with its towering front wheel, was actually a dangerous dead-end in design, quickly replaced by the safer “Rover” bicycle from England? In this article, we’ll unravel the myths, spotlight the true pioneers, and explore how these early brands laid the groundwork for the bikes we love today. Stick around for surprising tales, brand rivalries, and how these early innovators sparked a global cycling culture that’s still pedaling strong.

Key Takeaways

  • The first commercially successful pedal bicycle was produced by Michaux et Cie in France around 1868, known as the “Boneshaker.”
  • John Kemp Starley’s 1885 Rover Safety Bicycle revolutionized cycling with its chain-driven rear wheel and equal-sized wheels, setting the modern standard.
  • Bianchi (1885), Peugeot (1880s), and Raleigh (1885) are among the oldest brands still influencing cycling today.
  • Early bicycle brands pioneered mass production, marketing, and racing sponsorships that shaped the industry’s growth.
  • Many myths surround the bicycle’s invention; it was a gradual evolution involving multiple inventors and companies.

Ready to explore the legacy behind your next ride? Keep reading to meet the seven pioneering brands that changed the course of cycling history forever!

Table of Contents

Alright team, let’s clip in and take a ride back in time! Here at Bike Brands™, we spend most of our days geeking out over the latest carbon fiber wonders and electronic shifting. But you can’t truly appreciate where you’re going until you know where you’ve been. And boy, has the bicycle been on a wild journey! We’re going to pedal through the murky, often contentious, history of the very first bicycle brands. So, what were the first bicycle brands? The answer isn’t as simple as you might think, but it’s a fantastic story. If you’re curious about today’s top dogs, you should definitely check out our guide on What Are the Best Bicycle Brands? 🚲️ Top 9 Picks for 2025. But for now, let’s crank the time machine!

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts: Pedaling Through Time

Hopping on the bike for a quick spin through history? Here are the essential facts you need to know before we get into the nitty-gritty.

  • No, Leonardo da Vinci Didn’t Invent the Bicycle: That famous sketch attributed to one of his students, Gian Giacomo Caprotti, is now widely considered a fraud from the 1960s. So, let’s put that myth to bed!
  • The First “Bike” Had No Pedals: The first commercially successful two-wheeled vehicle was the Laufmaschine or “running machine,” invented by German Baron Karl Drais in 1817. You pushed it with your feet, Fred Flintstone-style. It was nicknamed the “Dandy Horse.”
  • The First Mass-Producer: The French company Michaux et Cie is credited as the first to mass-produce bicycles with pedals, starting around 1868. These were nicknamed “Boneshakers” for a very, very good reason.
  • Oldest Surviving Brand: Who’s the granddaddy of them all? That title goes to Bianchi, founded in 1885 and still producing iconic bikes today. As noted in a recent review, they are the “world’s oldest bicycle brand.” [#featured-video]
  • Safety First!: The “Penny-Farthing” (that giant front wheel bike) was notoriously dangerous. The game-changer was the “Safety Bicycle,” with two wheels of the same size and a chain drive. The Rover, produced by John Kemp Starley in 1885, was the first commercially successful model and set the template for the modern bicycle.

🕰️ Tracing the Roots: The Genesis of the Bicycle and Its Earliest Concepts

Before we had brands, we had ideas. The dream of human-powered transport is an old one. While we’ve debunked the Da Vinci sketch, the 17th and 18th centuries were full of fascinating, if not always practical, contraptions.

There was Stephan Farffler’s three-wheeled, hand-cranked device from 1655 and a pedal-powered tricycle described in Japan in 1732. These were more like cousins to the bicycle, early experiments in a shared DNA.

The real, direct ancestor, as we mentioned, was Karl Drais’s Laufmaschine of 1817. Imagine a wooden beam with two wheels, a rudimentary handlebar, and a padded seat. No pedals, no chain. It was a simple, brilliant machine that allowed you to glide along, and it was the first to see commercial success, with thousands built in Germany and France. An improved version by London’s Denis Johnson, called the “Pedestrian Curricle,” became a short-lived fad among the wealthy dandies of the era.

🤔 Unraveling the Mystery: Early Claims and Unverified Bicycle Prototypes

Video: Five Types of Bikes: Which Should I Choose?

Now, here’s where history gets messy and bar arguments are born! Who really put pedals on a bike first? The historical record is about as clear as mud on a rainy trail day.

  • The Scottish Claim: Some credit a Scottish blacksmith, Kirkpatrick Macmillan, with inventing a rear-wheel-drive pedal bicycle in 1839. The story goes that he rode it 68 miles to Glasgow! The problem? The evidence is incredibly weak, mostly based on an 1842 newspaper clipping about an anonymous “gentleman from Dumfries-shire” on an “ingenious” velocipede who caused a bit of a ruckus. It’s a great story, but most historians are skeptical.
  • The German Claim: Then there’s Philipp Moritz Fischer, who is said to have invented a pedal-crank bicycle in 1853. Unlike Macmillan’s machine, Fischer’s bike still exists and is on display in a museum in Schweinfurt, Germany. The catch? He never made his invention public, so it didn’t influence subsequent bicycle development. A brilliant idea, but one that stayed in the shed.

So, who gets the trophy? It’s complicated. But the first to make a commercial splash with pedals is a story that takes us to Paris.

⚙️ The Industrial Revolution Rolls On: Pioneering Bicycle Manufacturers of the 19th Century

Video: Bicycle Evolution ( 1493 – 2023 ).

This is where the idea of a “bicycle brand” truly begins. We move from one-off inventions to companies with names, factories, and ambitions. The 1860s were the bicycle’s big bang!

1. The Michaux Family: Forging the “Boneshaker”

The most widely accepted story for the first commercially successful pedal bicycle starts in a Parisian workshop. The key players are Pierre Lallement, Pierre Michaux, and his son Ernest Michaux. Lallement claimed to have developed the idea in 1863, later filing the first US patent for a pedal bicycle in 1866.

However, it was the Michaux family who turned it into a business. Their company, Michaux et Cie, formed in 1868, was the first to mass-produce these new machines.

The Bike: This wasn’t your sleek modern road bike. It had rotary cranks and pedals attached directly to the front wheel hub, a rigid metal frame, and iron-banded wheels. Riding it on cobblestone streets earned it the affectionate (and painfully accurate) nickname: the “Boneshaker.” ✅ It was revolutionary, but ❌ it was far from comfortable.

2. James Starley & Co.: The Rise of the “Penny-Farthing”

The Boneshaker had a design flaw: speed was limited by how fast you could pedal the front wheel. The logical, if slightly terrifying, solution? Make the front wheel bigger!

Enter Eugène Meyer of France, who invented the wire-spoke wheel in 1869, paving the way for massive wheels. But it was James Starley in Coventry, England, who perfected the design and became known as the “father of the British cycling industry.” His “Ariel” bicycle was a high-wheeler that set the standard.

The Bike: This was the “Ordinary bicycle,” later nicknamed the “Penny-Farthing” for its resemblance to the large British penny and smaller farthing coins. It featured solid rubber tires, hollow steel frames, and ball bearings. ✅ It was fast! ❌ It was incredibly dangerous. A sudden stop could send the rider flying over the handlebars in a move grimly known as a “header.”

3. J.K. Starley & Co.: Ushering in the Safety Bicycle Era with the Rover

The Penny-Farthing’s danger was a huge barrier. Cycling couldn’t be for everyone if it required the athleticism and courage of a circus performer. The solution came from James Starley’s nephew, John Kemp Starley.

In 1885, he produced the “Rover Safety Bicycle.” This was the moment. This was the design that changed everything.

The Bike: The Rover looked remarkably modern. It had:

  • Two wheels of similar size.
  • A steerable front wheel.
  • A chain drive to the rear wheel.

Suddenly, cycling was accessible, safe, and efficient. When John Boyd Dunlop added his pneumatic tire invention in 1888, the comfort level skyrocketed, and the bicycle boom of the 1890s truly began. The Rover set the template for nearly every bike you see in our Hybrid Bikes and Bike Reviews sections today.

4. Peugeot Frères: From Coffee Mills to Cycling Icons

Yes, that Peugeot! Before the cars, the Peugeot family company was a manufacturing powerhouse, making everything from coffee mills to corset stays. In the 1880s, Armand Peugeot saw the potential of the bicycle and began production.

While they didn’t invent a specific type of bicycle, Peugeot was instrumental in popularizing it, especially through racing. They are one of the oldest brands on this list that is still a household name, even if their bikes aren’t as common in the US today. Their long history in the sport is notable, with 24 Grand Tour stage wins since 1990 alone.

5. Raleigh Cycle Company: A British Cycling Institution

Founded in Nottingham, England, in 1885, Raleigh is another titan of the early cycling world. Like Peugeot, they capitalized on the safety bicycle boom and became one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world. For generations of Brits and others around the globe, a Raleigh was their first bike. They built a reputation for quality and durability that lasts to this day.

6. Bianchi: Italy’s Enduring Cycling Legacy

Founded in Milan in 1885 by 21-year-old Edoardo Bianchi, Bianchi is the world’s oldest surviving bicycle manufacturer. They are synonymous with passion, performance, and their iconic “Celeste” turquoise-green color. The story goes that the color was inspired by the eyes of an Italian queen for whom Edoardo built a custom bicycle.

Bianchi has always been at the forefront of racing and innovation. As the Sicycle article notes, “Bianchi are one of the old guard of the bicycle manufacturers, created 18 years before the Tour de France even existed.” They are a cornerstone of our Bike Brand Guides.

7. Other Notable Early Bicycle Innovators and Brands

The late 19th century was a hotbed of innovation. Companies like the Pope Manufacturing Company in the US, with its “Columbia” brand, were crucial for developing mass-production techniques and aggressively controlling patents. In the UK, the Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) and Triumph Cycle also became major players.

Brand/Inventor Approx. Year Key Innovation / Contribution Famous Model/Nickname
Karl Drais 1817 First commercially successful two-wheeler Laufmaschine / Dandy Horse
Michaux et Cie ~1868 First to mass-produce pedal bicycles Velocipede / Boneshaker
James Starley ~1870 Perfected the high-wheel bicycle Ariel / Penny-Farthing
J.K. Starley 1885 First commercially successful safety bicycle Rover Safety Bicycle
Peugeot 1882 Early mass-production and racing success N/A
Raleigh 1885 Major UK manufacturer, global brand N/A
Bianchi 1885 World’s oldest surviving bike brand N/A

🚀 From Niche to Mainstream: Bicycle Brands Flourishing in the 20th Century

Video: GCN’s Guide To Buying Your First Road Bike.

The 20th century saw the bicycle’s role diverge. In Europe, it remained a primary mode of transport and a serious sport. In the US, the rise of the automobile relegated the bicycle to more of a child’s toy for several decades.

Brands like Schwinn in the US became iconic, known for their heavy cruiser bikes. Meanwhile, in Europe, companies like Raleigh, Peugeot, and Bianchi continued to innovate and dominate the racing scene. The development of derailleur gears in France revolutionized performance cycling.

And let’s not forget the global impact. In China, the Flying Pigeon brand became a symbol of egalitarianism, with millions upon millions sold, becoming one of the most popular vehicles in human history.

💡 Modern Marvels: Bicycle Brands and Innovation in the 21st Century

Video: How To Buy Your First Bike | 5 Steps for Beginner Cyclists.

So how did we get from Boneshakers to the carbon-fiber speed machines of today? The legacy of those early pioneers lives on in the brands that dominate the modern peloton and our local bike paths.

As the guys in the video we’ve featured in this article point out, modern brands stand on the shoulders of giants. [#featured-video]

  • Specialized: An American performance powerhouse known for pushing the technological envelope.
  • Trek: Another US giant that rose to prominence, offering a massive range from pro-level racers to commuter bikes.
  • Giant: The world’s largest bike manufacturer, they produce frames for many other brands and offer incredible value.
  • Cannondale: Known for their innovative (and sometimes quirky) designs, they were pioneers in aluminum frames.
  • Canyon: A German direct-to-consumer brand that has shaken up the industry by offering excellent bikes at great prices.

These modern brands, along with historic ones like Bianchi and Peugeot, continue the cycle of innovation started by Drais, Michaux, and Starley. They are constantly refining aerodynamics, materials, and components, but the fundamental design of the safety bicycle remains.

🌍 Global Impact: How Early Bicycle Brands Shaped Cycling Culture Worldwide

Video: The Evolution Of The Bicycle.

The invention of the safety bicycle was more than a technological leap; it was a social revolution. For the first time, people had an affordable, personal mode of transportation.

  • Empowerment: It gave people freedom to travel beyond their immediate villages, to commute to work, and to explore the countryside. It played a significant role in the women’s suffrage movement, offering newfound independence.
  • Economic Growth: The bicycle industry created hundreds of thousands of jobs, from manufacturing to sales and repair. The techniques developed by companies like Pope Manufacturing influenced other industries, including the burgeoning automobile sector.
  • Sport and Recreation: Bicycle racing became a massive spectator sport, giving rise to legendary events like the Tour de France and creating a culture of athleticism and competition that thrives today. Brands like Pinarello, who have won an astounding 204 Grand Tour stages in the last 25 years, owe their existence to this culture.

🛠️ What Made a “Brand” Back Then? Understanding Early Bicycle Manufacturing and Marketing

Video: Bicycle Brands From Different Countries.

We throw the word “brand” around a lot, but what did it mean in the 1880s? It wasn’t about slick logos and social media campaigns.

Initially, a “brand” was simply the name of the maker, often a small workshop. But as companies like Raleigh and Pope grew, they pioneered new methods:

  • Mass Production: Moving from hand-built machines to assembly lines made bicycles more affordable.
  • Patents: Companies fiercely protected their innovations. Albert Pope in the US was famous for buying up patents to control the market.
  • Marketing: Early ads in newspapers and magazines touted the speed, safety, and health benefits of cycling.
  • Racing Sponsorship: Sponsoring successful racers was the ultimate proof of a bicycle’s quality and performance, a tactic that is still central to the industry today.

🧐 Separating Fact from Fiction: Common Myths About the First Bicycle Brands

Video: A Brief History of Bicycle Engineering.

Let’s clear up a few things you might hear out on a group ride.

  • Myth 1: The bicycle was invented by one person.
    • Reality: ✅ False. The bicycle was an evolution. Drais made the first steerable two-wheeler, the Michaux family commercialized pedals, and J.K. Starley created the definitive “safety” design. It was a team effort over 70 years!
  • Myth 2: The Penny-Farthing was the first bicycle.
    • Reality: ❌ Nope. The pedal-less “Dandy Horse” and the “Boneshaker” both came first. The Penny-Farthing was a specific, and rather brief, phase in bicycle design.
  • Myth 3: Bicycles have always looked the way they do now.
    • Reality: ✅ Definitely not! The journey from a wooden beam to a diamond frame with a chain drive was filled with weird and wonderful dead ends, like three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and lever-driven contraptions. The Rover Safety Bicycle of 1885 was the design that finally stuck.

🔮 The Enduring Legacy: Why These Early Cycling Pioneers Still Matter Today

Video: 5 UNUSUAL BICYCLES YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE.

So, why are we, a team obsessed with the latest cycling tech, spending so much time looking back? Because every time you hop on your bike, you’re riding a piece of history.

The decisions made by those early pioneers echo in the design of every bike today.

  • The diamond frame that J.K. Starley helped popularize is still the most efficient design for a bicycle frame.
  • The chain-driven rear wheel is the foundation of every modern drivetrain, from a simple single-speed to a 12-speed electronic groupset.
  • The freedom and joy you feel on a ride are the same feelings that sparked the bicycle craze of the 1890s.

Whether you’re exploring trails on one of our favorite Gravel Bikes or zipping through the city on a trusty commuter, you’re connected to a legacy of innovation, passion, and the simple, wonderful act of pedaling. It’s a journey that started over 200 years ago, and lucky for us, it’s a ride that’s far from over.

🏁 Conclusion: The Unfolding Journey of Bicycle Innovation

a man riding a bike down a dirt road

What a ride! From the wooden Laufmaschine that you pushed along with your feet, to the pedal-powered “Boneshaker,” and the daring Penny-Farthing, the bicycle’s early history is a fascinating tale of invention, risk, and relentless innovation. The first bicycle brands—Michaux et Cie, Peugeot, Raleigh, Bianchi, and others—weren’t just manufacturers; they were pioneers who shaped the very way we move and explore.

We resolved the mystery of who made the first pedal bicycle: while Philipp Moritz Fischer’s 1853 pedal crank bike existed, it was Pierre Lallement and the Michaux family who brought pedals to the masses with the Boneshaker. The safety bicycle by J.K. Starley’s Rover company was the true game-changer, laying the foundation for modern cycling.

These early brands set standards in design, manufacturing, and marketing that still influence today’s giants like Specialized, Trek, and Giant. So next time you clip in or hop on your bike, remember you’re riding on the legacy of centuries of innovation and passion.

Ready to explore the best of today’s bikes? Don’t miss our What Are the Best Bicycle Brands? 🚲️ Top 9 Picks for 2025 guide for expert reviews and recommendations.

Whether you want to own a piece of history or dive into the fascinating stories behind these brands, here are some great places to start shopping and reading:

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Early Bicycle Brands Answered

a black and white photo of a bicycle hanging on a wall

What were the original bicycle names?

The earliest two-wheeled human-powered vehicles were called the Laufmaschine or “running machine” (1817) by Karl Drais. Later, the pedal-equipped models were known as velocipedes or boneshakers due to their rough ride. The high-wheelers were called Ordinary bicycles but earned the nickname Penny-Farthing because of their wheel size difference resembling British coins.

Read more about “Are Giant and Trek the Same Company? Discover 10 Surprising Facts … 🚴 ♂️”

What was the first American bicycle company?

The Pope Manufacturing Company, founded by Albert Augustus Pope in 1877, was the first major American bicycle manufacturer. They produced the “Columbia” brand and were pioneers in mass production and patent control, helping popularize cycling in the US.

Read more about “Which Brand Is Best for Bicycle? Top 13 Picks for 2025 🚴 ♂️”

Which company made the first bike?

If by “first bike” you mean the first commercially successful pedal bicycle, that credit goes to Michaux et Cie in France around 1868. Pierre Lallement filed the earliest US patent for a pedal bicycle in 1866, but Michaux’s company was the first to mass-produce them.

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Who invented the first bicycle and what brand was it?

The first steerable two-wheeled machine was invented by Karl Drais in 1817, called the Laufmaschine. It had no pedals and was not branded as a company product but rather a patented invention. The first branded pedal bicycle was produced by Michaux et Cie.

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What are the oldest bicycle manufacturers still in operation today?

Bianchi (est. 1885) is the world’s oldest bicycle manufacturer still producing bikes. Others with long histories include Peugeot (started bike production in the 1880s) and Raleigh (est. 1885). These brands have evolved but maintain their heritage.

Read more about “27 Top Mountain Bike Manufacturers to Know in 2025 🚵 ♂️”

How did early bicycle brands influence modern bike design?

Early brands pioneered the diamond frame, chain-driven rear wheel, and pneumatic tires, which remain core to modern bicycles. They also introduced mass production, marketing strategies, and racing sponsorships that shaped the industry’s growth and culture.

The most influential 19th-century brands included:

  • Michaux et Cie (France) — first mass-produced pedal bikes
  • Peugeot (France) — early mass production and racing
  • Raleigh (UK) — major manufacturer and innovator
  • Bianchi (Italy) — racing heritage and innovation
  • Pope Manufacturing (USA) — mass production and patents

Additional FAQs

How did the safety bicycle change cycling forever?

The safety bicycle, introduced by J.K. Starley’s Rover in 1885, made cycling accessible and safe for the masses. Its design—two equal-sized wheels and a chain-driven rear wheel—became the blueprint for all modern bicycles.

Why was the Penny-Farthing so dangerous?

With a huge front wheel and high center of gravity, riders risked “headers”—falling forward over the handlebars—often causing serious injury. This design was quickly replaced by the safer safety bicycle.

What role did patents play in early bicycle manufacturing?

Patents were fiercely guarded assets. Albert Pope in the US famously bought up many patents to control the market, which both spurred innovation and sometimes stifled competition.

Read more about “What Bike Brands Start With J? Top 10 Revealed (2025) 🚲”

Ready to dive deeper or find your perfect ride? Explore our Bike Brand Guides and Bike Reviews for expert advice and the latest models. Happy pedaling! 🚴 ♂️✨

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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