From the early days of bikes to the ebike revolution, Po Campo follows bicycle trends.
As we celebrate our 15th anniversary, we’re taking a look at how bikes have evolved - and how Po Campo has been there every pedal stroke of the way. We design bags to fit all kinds of bikes!
A brief history of the bicycle
The evolution of bicycles, particularly with the advent of electric bikes, represents a remarkable blend of technological innovation and changing transportation needs. While it's essential to acknowledge the early history of bicycles to fully appreciate the impact of bikes, recent advancements have significantly transformed how we enjoy this timeless mode of transport.
The early history of bicycles dates back to the early 19th century with Karl von Drais's invention of the dandy horse, or laufmaschine, in 1817. This primitive device, devoid of pedals, laid the foundation for future bicycle designs. The 1860s saw the emergence of the velocipede, or boneshaker, which introduced pedals attached to the front wheel. By the 1870s, the penny-farthing, with its large front wheel and smaller rear wheel, became a popular yet precarious mode of transport. The pivotal moment came in the 1880s with John Kemp Starley's safety bicycle, which featured equal-sized wheels and a chain-driven rear wheel, offering unprecedented stability and safety. This design, combined with John Boyd Dunlop's pneumatic tires in 1888, established the basic blueprint for modern bicycles.
Today's bike market includes many options, including electric bikes!
Fast forward to the early 21st century and the bicycle landscape has transformed dramatically. For a long time, limited bike style options existed. People rode hunched over on skinny-tire road bikes or race bikes, even if they had no intention of ever putting their tires on a race course. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that we started to truly see an array of bike options, including upright, euro style city comfort bikes, step-through frames, cargo bikes and later long-tail bikes.
Nowadays, bikes are designed with specific riding disciplines in mind, whether it’s commuting, hauling, gravel, mixed surface, downhill mt. biking, track racing, cyclocross… you name it!
We’re particularly excited by the surge in the popularity of ebikes. Driven by advancements in battery technology, electric motors and lightweight materials, ebikes have caught on like crazy. Ebikes, also called electric assist oreElectric bikes, combine the traditional pedal-powered mechanism with an electric motor, providing varying levels of assistance to the rider. This innovation has made cycling more accessible to a broader audience, including older adults, commuters and people with physical limitations.
One of the significant factors contributing to the rise of ebikes is the improvement in battery technology. Lithium-ion batteries, known for their high energy density and long lifespan, have become the standard for ebikes. These batteries are lightweight, quickly rechargeable, and capable of powering an ebike for distances ranging from 20 to 100 miles on a single charge, depending on the level of assistance and terrain. This advancement has alleviated the range anxiety and steep price that previously hindered the adoption of electric bicycles.
The integration of sophisticated electric motors has also played a crucial role. Modern ebikes are equipped with either motor options with various advantages. These motors provide varying levels of pedal assistance, making it easier for riders to tackle challenging routes and longer distances without excessive physical exertion.
The proliferation of ebikes has also been fueled by growing urbanization and the need for sustainable transportation solutions. Cities worldwide are grappling with traffic congestion, pollution, and the demand for eco-friendly alternatives to cars. ebikes have emerged as a viable solution, offering a convenient, efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of transport. Many urban areas have embraced cycling infrastructure, including dedicated bike lanes and bike-sharing programs, further promoting the adoption of ebikes.
It’s hard to ignore the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the popularity of bicycles, especially ebikes. With gyms closed and indoor spaces deemed unhealthy, people flocked to the outdoors. When crowded public transportation was seen as a potential risk for virus transmission, many individuals turned to cycling as a safer and healthier alternative. Ebike sales surged as people sought reliable, socially distant modes of commuting and recreation. And the momentum just hasn’t stopped!
Are you lazy if you ride an ebike?
A common myth is that people who ride ebikes are lazy. On the contrary, many people ride ebikes to maintain an active lifestyle. The extra motor assist (which doesn’t necessarily do all the work) allows bicycle riders to take longer and more frequent trips. They can carry kids to school on the back or with cargo or long-tail ebikes and they can use ebikes for daily commutes, even if they have to navigate large hills. For some people with physical limitations, the ebike provides the extra assistance they need to make bike riding a reality.
Designing bags that evolved alongside the bike market
The evolution of bicycles, from the early dandy horse to the modern ebike, reflects broader societal trends and technological advancements. The variety of bicycle styles on the market has revolutionized personal transportation and contributed to a more sustainable and health-conscious world.
Ensuring there are bags to fit all these bike styles - especially for commuters and everyday cyclists - is paramount to what we do at Po Campo. We are thrilled to see bicycles evolving to fit the needs and wants of riders. That’s why all of our bags are ebike friendly, and we’re always adapting our styles to evolve alongside the ever changing world of bicycles.
Join us in celebrating 15 years! Outfit your bike with a fresh set of Po Campo bags, set off on the trail and revel in the joy of a day spent on two wheels.
