Bicycle technology
Bicycle technology is the extension of the basic components of bicycle construction to a larger field of usefulness. The basic concept of power delivered to pedals (by arms, legs, or other source of motion), transmitted to useful motion by bicycle chains, drive cables, and/or bicycle gears is preserved. The supplied motion however may be used for transportation (people and cargo), water pumping, vacuum pumping, seed winnowing, and so on. Thus, without the infrastructure for electricity or internal combustion, the motive power of human beings can be multiplied and extended to alleviate tedious tasks related to agriculture,
The set of components utilized in bicycle technology is the simplest set that will enable a human to power a broad range of mechanized devices. This set of components is defined (by me) as:
- Simple gears
- chain links
- crank arms (from pedal to gear)
- bearings
- braided wire (for lever based controls)
- levers (for lever based control)
- pulleys/wheel frames
- drive belts
- metal tubes (welded to make frames)
All of these (except drive belts) are castable or extrudable if a group has metal working technology. However, due to the fact that these parts rarely physically fail and are widely interchangeable, a small casting/extruding operation would likely supply a large population. The commonness of certain larger units, such as forks for holding wheels/pulleys, increases the reusability of parts. Individual devices would require additional components, such as for pumps, blowers, or threshers, which could be manufactured with similar infrastructure.
Mayapedal is a group in Guatemala employing bicycle technology for a large variety of uses amongst agrarian and city folks.
Itech at UC davis offers plans for many useful devices which could be bicycle powered.