Ever since the bicycle was invented in the early 1800s, this two-wheeled transporter has had a huge impact on society. Today it’s estimated there are around one billion bicycles in the world and, according to singer Katie Melua, nine million of those are in Beijing! It’s not in question that cycling remains the principal means of transport for much of the world’s population.

It was in 1817 that Karl von Drais invented his “hobby horse”, a wooden bicycle with wheels but no pedals or chain. You pushed along with your feet, but it was still faster than walking.

Around 1840 Kirkpatrick Macmillan from Scotland took the next step by adding pedals. The “Safety Bicycle”, with gears and a chain to drive the rear wheel, became popular around 1885 while the introduction of the pneumatic tyre, not long after, made a big difference to rider comfort, helping public acceptance of the new design.

But it was only in the 1930s that cycles became a popular form of transport as a result of reduced production costs coupled with higher wages.

Having played such a pivotal role in society during the last century, it’s natural that the bicycle has been – and still is – a popular subject for artists and photographers.

This has resulted in a wonderfully diverse selection of cycling posters and vintage bicycle posters, in the form of art reproductions, becoming  accessible to those for whom originals or limited-edition prints are simply too costly.

Because of innovative technology and advances in digital printing, it’s now possible to print small quantities of art reproductions at affordable prices. And, while prices have come down for small print runs, the caliber of fine art prints has gotten better. Sophisticated inkjet printers using a broad array of inks can produce vivid, saturated colors, outstanding detail and subtle hues previously only manageable with highly expensive machinery.

This means the normal person now has access to modern cycling posters and vintage bicycle prints reproduced from original artwork. Reproductions are made on archival quality materials and often include canvas prints, giving an even more authentic appearance.

Giclée bicycle prints (pronounced “zhee-clay”), a type of inkjet print that comes from the French term meaning to spray or squirt, offer additional options. Giclée prints can be produced on a variety of substrates, including various finishes such as watercolor paper, stretched canvas, or textured vinyl.

When selecting cycling posters or vintage bicycle prints, one has various framing options available that allow one to stamp the artwork with personal taste, ensuring a degree of originality. Selecting a frame that complements not only the print but also the interior design space will add immensely to one’s enjoyment of the artwork.

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