Good morning, class. Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. The first two-wheeled vehicle, called a draisine, was invented in Germany in 1817. It had no pedals; riders pushed their feet against the ground to move. Later, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel in France. However, these early bicycles were uncomfortable because of their solid rubber tires. It wasn't until 1888 that John Boyd Dunlop invented the pneumatic tire, which made riding much smoother. This innovation greatly increased the popularity of cycling.
❓ What was the main problem with bicycles before 1888?
A. A. They were too heavy to ride.
B. B. They had solid tires that made rides uncomfortable.
C. C. They were only available in France and Germany.
D. D. They had no pedals until 1888.
✅ 正确答案
B. They had solid tires that made rides uncomfortable.