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A comment on Why did we wait so long for the bicycle?. Parent comment

Re:Why did we wait so long for the bicycle? by WalterBright on Monday July 15, 2019 @06:42PM (#20445982)
The article also didn't mention weight. The lighter a bike is, the more effective it is. One made out of wood and iron would be simply too heavy. Imagine a cast iron wheel.

Lots of people dismiss the Wright Bros as "bicycle mechanics". They kinda miss that lightweight bicycle technology, like chain drives and steel wire, were essential for their working airplane.

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Re:Why did we wait so long for the bicycle? by bookofjoe on Monday July 15, 2019 @10:22PM (#20447004)
If ever you're in Washington, D.C., visit the Air & Space Museum, which has a room containing the ORIGINAL Wright Flyer. It is absolutely spectacular. To give context, the room contains one of their bicycles along with much context and background. Worth the trip every time I visit D.C.
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Re:Why did we wait so long for the bicycle? by WalterBright on Tuesday July 16, 2019 @01:17AM (#20447651)
You're right, and I've been there. That room gives me the chills! To me, 1903 was the beginning of the modern era. To go from that to landing on the moon in less than a single lifetime!

Who could ever believe such a thing could happen?

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