Bicycles

In Pictures: Cycle Revolution at the Design Museum London

In Pictures: Cycle Revolution at the Design Museum London
Gizmag looks at the highlights from the Cycle Revolution exhibition at Design Museum in London
Gizmag looks at the highlights from the Cycle Revolution exhibition at Design Museum in London
View 90 Images
Gizmag looks at the highlights from the Cycle Revolution exhibition at Design Museum in London
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Gizmag looks at the highlights from the Cycle Revolution exhibition at Design Museum in London
Potential bikes on display in the Future Bikes section of the exhibition
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Potential bikes on display in the Future Bikes section of the exhibition
Even the seats at the Cycle Revolution exhibition are bike-themed
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Even the seats at the Cycle Revolution exhibition are bike-themed
A selection of the bikes on show at the Cycle Revolution exhibition
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A selection of the bikes on show at the Cycle Revolution exhibition
Shanaze Reade's BMX features carbon fiber forks and titanium spokes
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Shanaze Reade's BMX features carbon fiber forks and titanium spokes
The Cycle Revolution exhibition continues until June 30th 2016
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The Cycle Revolution exhibition continues until June 30th 2016
Sections of the show feature the interesting work from independent British bike builders
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Sections of the show feature the interesting work from independent British bike builders
Bike building tools on display at the Cycle Revolution exhibition
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Bike building tools on display at the Cycle Revolution exhibition
Tools of the trade on display at the Cycle Revolution exhibition
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Tools of the trade on display at the Cycle Revolution exhibition
The Boxer Rocket features an airstream-style side car design
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The Boxer Rocket features an airstream-style side car design
There are plenty of cargo bikes on show at the exhibition
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There are plenty of cargo bikes on show at the exhibition
The SplinterBike is an all-wooden bike which was the outcome of a £1 bet
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The SplinterBike is an all-wooden bike which was the outcome of a £1 bet
The SplinterBike is made with just wood and glue
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The SplinterBike is made with just wood and glue
Power from the pedals is connected to the rear wheel by two large gears
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Power from the pedals is connected to the rear wheel by two large gears
The Sawyer Bike is another wooden bike, this time created in 2001 by Dutch artist Jurgen Kuipers
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The Sawyer Bike is another wooden bike, this time created in 2001 by Dutch artist Jurgen Kuipers
The aptly-named Wooden Bike is built from solid ash fitted with 3D-printed aluminum parts
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The aptly-named Wooden Bike is built from solid ash fitted with 3D-printed aluminum parts
The Wooden Bike was designed by Paul Timmer and weighs 11 kg
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The Wooden Bike was designed by Paul Timmer and weighs 11 kg
The Wooden Bike uses a belt-drive system which is light and durable
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The Wooden Bike uses a belt-drive system which is light and durable
The bikes on show come in all shapes and sizes, like this Tall Bike and the Early Rider Belter 16
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The bikes on show come in all shapes and sizes, like this Tall Bike and the Early Rider Belter 16
The Sandwichbike from 2013 is a flatpack single-speed bike
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The Sandwichbike from 2013 is a flatpack single-speed bike
Makers say the Sandwichbike can be assembled in less than an hour
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Makers say the Sandwichbike can be assembled in less than an hour
The Sandwichbike is made from weatherproof beech plywood
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The Sandwichbike is made from weatherproof beech plywood
The Velocino from Abici is based on a commission from Mussolini for a bike that's easy to carry and store in the home
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The Velocino from Abici is based on a commission from Mussolini for a bike that's easy to carry and store in the home
Italian bike manufacturer Abici specialize in producing bikes inspired be designs of the 30s, 40s and 50s
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Italian bike manufacturer Abici specialize in producing bikes inspired be designs of the 30s, 40s and 50s
The Halfbike offers a complete redesign of the bike, and was launched on Kickstarter
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The Halfbike offers a complete redesign of the bike, and was launched on Kickstarter
Eddy Merckx set an hour world record on this bike in 1972
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Eddy Merckx set an hour world record on this bike in 1972
Eddy Merckx's tubular steel frame bike with drop handlebars and wire spoke wheels was designed and built by Colnago
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Eddy Merckx's tubular steel frame bike with drop handlebars and wire spoke wheels was designed and built by Colnago
The Lotus Type 108 was designed with the help of wind tunnels normally used to test racing cars
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The Lotus Type 108 was designed with the help of wind tunnels normally used to test racing cars
Chris Boardman won gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics on the sleek carbon fiber monocoque designed Lotus Type 108
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Chris Boardman won gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics on the sleek carbon fiber monocoque designed Lotus Type 108
After retiring from professional cycling Chris Boardman established Boardman Bikes
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After retiring from professional cycling Chris Boardman established Boardman Bikes
A Great Britain Cycling Team Track Bike as used in the 2012 Olympic Games
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A Great Britain Cycling Team Track Bike as used in the 2012 Olympic Games
The Pinnarello Bolide features an integrated handlebar to reduce resistance
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The Pinnarello Bolide features an integrated handlebar to reduce resistance
The Pinnarello Bolide was used by Bradley Wiggins to set the 2015 Hour Record, and is very aerodynamic
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The Pinnarello Bolide was used by Bradley Wiggins to set the 2015 Hour Record, and is very aerodynamic
The Pinnarello Bolide uses a concave back on the seat tube to improve air flow
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The Pinnarello Bolide uses a concave back on the seat tube to improve air flow
This Team Sky Pinarello Dogma K8-S was designed specifically for riding on cobbles
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This Team Sky Pinarello Dogma K8-S was designed specifically for riding on cobbles
This Team Sky Pinarello Dogma K8-S was ridded by Bradley Wiggins
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This Team Sky Pinarello Dogma K8-S was ridded by Bradley Wiggins
The Team Sky Pinarello Dogma K8-S features a lightweight suspension system, the DSS 1.0 Dogma Suspension System
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The Team Sky Pinarello Dogma K8-S features a lightweight suspension system, the DSS 1.0 Dogma Suspension System
No celebration of British cycling would be complete without a Raleigh Chopper
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No celebration of British cycling would be complete without a Raleigh Chopper
Even little kids who can't pedal yet can join the thrill seekers with bikes like the LIKEaBIKE Jumper
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Even little kids who can't pedal yet can join the thrill seekers with bikes like the LIKEaBIKE Jumper
This Specialized Stumpjumper was launched in 1983 when it was the first mass-produced mountain bike
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This Specialized Stumpjumper was launched in 1983 when it was the first mass-produced mountain bike
The Specialized Stumpjumper was designed to be fun to ride in the dirt, whether going up or downhill
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The Specialized Stumpjumper was designed to be fun to ride in the dirt, whether going up or downhill
A BMX used by Shanaze Reade stands in the center of the Thrill Seekers section of the exhibition
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A BMX used by Shanaze Reade stands in the center of the Thrill Seekers section of the exhibition
Tracy Moseley's Trek Remedy is customized to meet the demands of challenging trails with enhanced suspension, electronic gear shifting systems and carbon fiber materials
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Tracy Moseley's Trek Remedy is customized to meet the demands of challenging trails with enhanced suspension, electronic gear shifting systems and carbon fiber materials
Martyn Ashton was left paralyzed from the waist down after suffering an accident while performing in a bike show, but got back in the saddle thanks to this adapted trail bike
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Martyn Ashton was left paralyzed from the waist down after suffering an accident while performing in a bike show, but got back in the saddle thanks to this adapted trail bike
A sit-ski seat was used to enable Martyn Ashton ride again, as seen in the film Back on Track
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A sit-ski seat was used to enable Martyn Ashton ride again, as seen in the film Back on Track
Visitors to the Cycle Revolution exhibition can watch a video of Danny MacAskill doing the sort of tricks he’s famous for
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Visitors to the Cycle Revolution exhibition can watch a video of Danny MacAskill doing the sort of tricks he’s famous for
This Rover Safety Bicycle from 1888 made cycling a lot less risky
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This Rover Safety Bicycle from 1888 made cycling a lot less risky
The chain-driven Rover Safety Bicycle was safer than those with direct pedal-driven large front wheels
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The chain-driven Rover Safety Bicycle was safer than those with direct pedal-driven large front wheels
The Rover Safety Bicycle was designed by J K Starley and first exhibited in 1885
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The Rover Safety Bicycle was designed by J K Starley and first exhibited in 1885
Donhou Bicycles is an award-winning frame building workshop in London
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Donhou Bicycles is an award-winning frame building workshop in London
Bespoke bikes on display in the independent bike-builders section of the Cycle Revolution exhibition
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Bespoke bikes on display in the independent bike-builders section of the Cycle Revolution exhibition
Shand Cycles is a small independent bicycle maker based in Scotland
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Shand Cycles is a small independent bicycle maker based in Scotland
Original wooden prototype models for the Moulton Bicycle from 1958
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Original wooden prototype models for the Moulton Bicycle from 1958
The Moulton Deluxe F-Frame from 1962 revolutionized bike design
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The Moulton Deluxe F-Frame from 1962 revolutionized bike design
The AM-ATB Moulton Bicycle was the world's first full-suspension production mountain bike when it was created in 1988
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The AM-ATB Moulton Bicycle was the world's first full-suspension production mountain bike when it was created in 1988
An orignal (3rd) prototype for the Brompton folding bike
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An orignal (3rd) prototype for the Brompton folding bike
The prototype Brompton folding bike along with some newer models
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The prototype Brompton folding bike along with some newer models
A Bickerton Portable prototype of the folding bike from 1971
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A Bickerton Portable prototype of the folding bike from 1971
The Bickerton Portable was an aluminum folding bike manufactured from 1971 to 1989
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The Bickerton Portable was an aluminum folding bike manufactured from 1971 to 1989
The aluminum Strida SX is a folding bike from 1987, inspired by the Maclaren baby buggy
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The aluminum Strida SX is a folding bike from 1987, inspired by the Maclaren baby buggy
The Strida SX was dubbed the "wheeled umbrella" thanks to its tubular design
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The Strida SX was dubbed the "wheeled umbrella" thanks to its tubular design
An X-Bike working prototype from 1990
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An X-Bike working prototype from 1990
The X-Bike is made from machined aluminum
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The X-Bike is made from machined aluminum
A Santender Cycle like those used around London
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A Santender Cycle like those used around London
The Donky Bike uses a strong steel frame inspired by BMX components to give riders a good way of moving things around cities
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The Donky Bike uses a strong steel frame inspired by BMX components to give riders a good way of moving things around cities
The Bingley is designed as a cargo bike which could replace a car
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The Bingley is designed as a cargo bike which could replace a car
The Boxer Rocket can be used to carry shopping, dogs, children or adults
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The Boxer Rocket can be used to carry shopping, dogs, children or adults
Visitors check out some of the urban bikes on display
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Visitors check out some of the urban bikes on display
The Hovding air bag for cyclists is an inflating helmet
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The Hovding air bag for cyclists is an inflating helmet
Detail of the carbon fiber track bike ridden by Chris Hoy during the 2012 London Olympics
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Detail of the carbon fiber track bike ridden by Chris Hoy during the 2012 London Olympics
A close-up of the iconic carbon fiber track bike ridden by Chris Hoy during the 2012 London Olympics
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A close-up of the iconic carbon fiber track bike ridden by Chris Hoy during the 2012 London Olympics
Eddy Merckx's Faema team jersey from 1969
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Eddy Merckx's Faema team jersey from 1969
Bikes on display at the Cycle Revolution exhibition at the Design Museum in London
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Bikes on display at the Cycle Revolution exhibition at the Design Museum in London
The Cycle Revolution exhibition also looks at how cities are changing to encourage more cyclists
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The Cycle Revolution exhibition also looks at how cities are changing to encourage more cyclists
The GB3 is described as a leaning, folding 3-wheel trike
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The GB3 is described as a leaning, folding 3-wheel trike
The low ride position of the GB3 is said to make it safer to ride
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The low ride position of the GB3 is said to make it safer to ride
Visitors to Cycle Revolution check out some of the more unusual bikes on display
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Visitors to Cycle Revolution check out some of the more unusual bikes on display
Some of the commuter bikes on display at the Cycle Revolution exhibition
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Some of the commuter bikes on display at the Cycle Revolution exhibition
The Plixi folding helmet is made of carbon fiber
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The Plixi folding helmet is made of carbon fiber
The Plixi folding helmet can be folded to a third of its size when not in use
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The Plixi folding helmet can be folded to a third of its size when not in use
Bike fans check out some of the machines on show at Cycle Revolution at the Design Museum
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Bike fans check out some of the machines on show at Cycle Revolution at the Design Museum
A carbon fiber track bike used by Chris Hoy during the 2012 Olympic Games
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A carbon fiber track bike used by Chris Hoy during the 2012 Olympic Games
This BMX was used by world champion Shanaze Reade and has an aluminum frame
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This BMX was used by world champion Shanaze Reade and has an aluminum frame
While originally built as a one-off, there are now plans for commercial production
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While originally built as a one-off, there are now plans for commercial production
Chris Hoy won Olympic gold on this carbon fiber track bike
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Chris Hoy won Olympic gold on this carbon fiber track bike
Some of the jerseys on show at Cycle Revolution at the Design Museum
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Some of the jerseys on show at Cycle Revolution at the Design Museum
This sculpture by Ben Wilson is made from 90 bike frames
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This sculpture by Ben Wilson is made from 90 bike frames
Visitors to the Cycle Revolution exhibiiton at Design Museum in London are greeted by a sculpture made from 90 bike frames
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Visitors to the Cycle Revolution exhibiiton at Design Museum in London are greeted by a sculpture made from 90 bike frames
Given its location, the Cycle Revolution is forgiven for being somewhat Anglo-centric
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Given its location, the Cycle Revolution is forgiven for being somewhat Anglo-centric
The Cycle Revolution exhibition is currently on at the Design Museum in London
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The Cycle Revolution exhibition is currently on at the Design Museum in London
View gallery - 90 images

It seemed only fitting to arrive at an exhibition about all things cycling on two wheels. As such, we recently rolled up at the Design Museum in London on a rental bike, before venturing inside to look at the assembled bike porn which is the Cycle Revolution exhibition. Here's our pick of the most interesting items on show, including iconic machines ridden by sporting heroes, and some decidedly more out-there cycles.

The Cycle Revolution exhibition has been put together by the Design Museum to celebrate the diversity of contemporary cycling in Britain. Items on show include classic bikes including high-end performance machines ridden by the likes of Bradley Wiggins and Chris Boardman, along with the odd Raleigh Chopper and the earliest prototype folding Brompton in existence.

The exhibition sets out to examine the current cycling revolution by looking at four distinct subcultures – High Performer speed-freaks, Thrill Seekers who take on all terrains, Urban Riders who commute around cities, and Cargo Bikers who work on their two wheels. The exhibition also looks at independent bike-builders, future cycles, and how cities are becoming more cycle-friendly.

A carbon fiber track bike used by Chris Hoy during the 2012 Olympic Games
A carbon fiber track bike used by Chris Hoy during the 2012 Olympic Games

Entering into the High Performers section, cycling fans are confronted by an Anglo-centric array of instantly recognizable bikes which have been ridden by cycling luminaries like Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins and Chris Boardman. In fact, even those who don't know their forks from their seat posts will probably recognize a number of these famous cycles.

While Chris Hoy's Great Britain London 2012 Olympic Track Bike stands pride of place, other performance machines on show include Sir Bradley Wiggins's 2015 Hour Record bike, the Lotus Type 108 ridden by Chris Boardman at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, and Eddy Merckx's tubular steel Hour Record bike from 1972.

The Pinnarello Bolide features an integrated handlebar to reduce resistance
The Pinnarello Bolide features an integrated handlebar to reduce resistance

Moving into the Thrill Seekers area, the bikes on show have clearly been designed to thrive on all terrains rather than for out and out speed. Here highlights range from a Specialized Stumpjumper from 1983 (the first mass-produced mountain bike), to Tracy Moseley's carbon fiber Trek Remedy with 29-inch wheels, enhanced suspension and an electronic gear shifting system.

There's also a single-speed BMX with an aluminum frame, carbon fiber forks and titanium spokes which was used by world champion Shanaze Reade, and videos of Danny MacAskill doing the sort of tricks he's famous for.

Shanaze Reade's BMX features carbon fiber forks and titanium spokes
Shanaze Reade's BMX features carbon fiber forks and titanium spokes

However, not all bikes are designed to be pushed to their limits by professional athletes. Around the corner from the aforementioned performance machines is a history of much more mundane, urban commuter bikes. On show is a Rover Safety Bicycle from 1888, along with original prototype models of the Moulton Bicycle through to more modern versions of the famous suspension-totting bikes.

There's also the oldest known example of a folding Brompton bike, a prototype from 1976, and more quirky commuter bikes like a folding Strida SX, an X-Bike. There's even one of the Santander Cycles (more commonly known as a Boris bike) you see all around London, and which we'd arrived on.

Visitors check out some of the urban bikes on display
Visitors check out some of the urban bikes on display

Cargo bikes also get an outing with the Boxer Rocket seeming to get a lot of attention thanks to its airstream-style side car, which can be used as an adult seat or a child's bed. A bright green Donky Bike, which uses a strong steel frame inspired by BMX components, to give riders a good way of moving things around cities, was also getting a fair few glances from visitors.

Other sections of the show feature interesting work from independent British bike builders, and a look at how cities around the world are attempting to redesign their streets to get more people pedaling. A future bike section includes plenty of wooden cycles, 3D-printed frames, along with weird and wonderful bikes of all shapes and sizes.

The bikes on show come in all shapes and sizes, like this Tall Bike and the Early Rider Belter 16
The bikes on show come in all shapes and sizes, like this Tall Bike and the Early Rider Belter 16

Cycle Revolution is a fascinating insight into the culture of British cycling. There's plenty here to keep bike fans enthralled, and maybe even to inspire the pedal-adverse to hop on two wheels.

Given its location and the rise of British cycling, the exhibition can be forgiven for being somewhat Anglo-centric, though we'd ideally have also liked to see a bit more detail about the history of cycle design.

Potential bikes on display in the Future Bikes section of the exhibition
Potential bikes on display in the Future Bikes section of the exhibition

The Cycle Revolution exhibition continues until June 30th. If you can't make it there in person, you can check out all of the aforementioned bikes, along with plenty of others, in our photo gallery.

Show website: Cycle Revolution at Design Museum

View gallery - 90 images
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