Did they keep enough inner tubes and tires in storage? That could be a nightmare if you were trying to find tires for 40 something year old bikes! The occupied countries in Europe had to ride bikes without tires once stocks were gone.
Pruitt
__________________
Ted Nugent quote to the Troops: "It may be a week until deer hunting season, but its open season on a**holes all year long!"
Pruitt, you are truly an expert! Kelt06
Have you been struck by the jawbone of an ASS lately?
I've heard family stories about people filling up bicycle tires with straw or pieces of cloth to keep them going during the war.
Whatever spares there where would have been reserved for the military.
__________________
High Admiral Snowy, Commander In Chief of the Naval Forces of The Phoenix Confederation.
Grand Vizier Hafiz Ismail Pasha - The Napoleonic Wars Campaign.
Ayanda - Fires of the lost.
So would a Bike unit be considered infantry, or cavalry?
Bike units, which were common prior to and during WWII, were classed as Infantry. Cavalry was specific to horse mounted infantry.
They bicycles were used as rapid transport for the light infantry to move them near to their objective, after which they fought dismounted. This type of infantry was especially popular and effective in smaller countries such as Belgium, Holland and the Low Countries, with small defense forces, good roads and small stockpiles of fuel, but the Japanese Army also used bicycle troops, as did the Americans, the British, the Germans and the Italians at various times.
Despite all of the humor displayed here at the concept of bicycles going to war, the North Vietnamese used them to great effect moving supplies down the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
Incidentally, the major combatants were still suing horse cavalry during WWII, so bicycle infantry is a step forward.
__________________ Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who is watching the watchers?
Bike units, which were common prior to and during WWII, were classed as Infantry. Cavalry was specific to horse mounted infantry.
They bicycles were used as rapid transport for the light infantry to move them near to their objective, after which they fought dismounted. This type of infantry was especially popular and effective in smaller countries such as Belgium, Holland and the Low Countries, with small defense forces, good roads and small stockpiles of fuel, but the Japanese Army also used bicycle troops, as did the Americans, the British, the Germans and the Italians at various times.
Despite all of the humor displayed here at the concept of bicycles going to war, the North Vietnamese used them to great effect moving supplies down the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
Incidentally, the major combatants were still suing horse cavalry during WWII, so bicycle infantry is a step forward.
Must say the only time I saw a bike in use was back home in the UK, where the company 'Dogsbody' used one to take messages etc: the titles for some mobs in WW2 did not always apply some old cavalry Regs: were equiped with armour!! lcm1
Mountain bike tires have come a long way since the fat tired cruisers of yesterday. Kevlar is now used in the bead in place of steel so that the tire can be folded, and makes the tire lighter. Important for storage and carrying. Also the casings and sidewalls of the tire can have a kevlar layer to help against puncture and increase the life of the tire. Some companies have been adding not just kevlar but also threaded nylon layers into their tires for added puncture resistance.
Durometer is the hardness of cured tire rubber. Higher durometer ratings equal how soft the rubber is which eqauls how "grippy" they will be on slick surfaces like wet roots or rocks. A high durometer tire will absorb less vibration and provide less traction but will have less rolling resistance, therefore last longer. Some tire companies have dual compound tires with lower durometer rubber on the edges and higher durometer rubber on the middle of the tire.
Number of ply's. One ply tires were standard and still standard on many cheaper bikes. 2-6 ply tires can now be found. 2 on cross country tires, 3 on quality commuter bikes, and up to four or six plys on downhill tires.
Also the size of the wheel also plays a role. 29" bikes are now common and are replacing 26" wheel bikes because a larger wheel has less rolling resistance.
Tire tread shape is also important. If you know what kind of conditions your bike will be in you should adjust accordingly. Mud requires large spaces between knobs to increase grip. Hardpack only needs a short and tight knob pattern. You can also ramp knobs which can decrease rolling resistance but still have grip for corning and braking.
Tubeless wheels and tires are now common. They require a special tire, rim and valve but they allow you to run lower air pressures which increases traction and decreases or eliminates tube related flats. You can retrofit a non-tubeless wheel to accept tubeless tires with some sealant and a valve. If you do puncture the tire you can always put a tube in it.
Tubes have also come a long way. Tubes are made which concentrate more rubber on the outside than on the inside.
Also sealants and patch kits make it easy to continue riding on a punctured tire or tube. You can also train to learn how to change or repair a tube on a bike. In world mountain bike racing, if a rider gets a flat, repairing it expediently could mean the difference between finishing in the top half or the bottom half of the pack. They cannot be helped by their team, teamates, other competitors or spectators and must have the tools required to complete the task in minutes. Plastic tire pullers, two tubes, a Co2 filler and two cartridges of Co2 are all that are needed in a 2+ hour race.
But some day, airless tires will be available to the masses
Similar to the airless Humvee tire.
__________________
I love the smell of napalm in the morning... The smell, you know that gasoline smell, the whole hill. Smelled like victory. Someday this war's gonna end...
Mountain bike tires have come a long way since the fat tired cruisers of yesterday. Kevlar is now used in the bead in place of steel so that the tire can be folded, and makes the tire lighter. Important for storage and carrying. Also the casings and sidewalls of the tire can have a kevlar layer to help against puncture and increase the life of the tire. Some companies have been adding not just kevlar but also threaded nylon layers into their tires for added puncture resistance.
Durometer is the hardness of cured tire rubber. Higher durometer ratings equal how soft the rubber is which eqauls how "grippy" they will be on slick surfaces like wet roots or rocks. A high durometer tire will absorb less vibration and provide less traction but will have less rolling resistance, therefore last longer. Some tire companies have dual compound tires with lower durometer rubber on the edges and higher durometer rubber on the middle of the tire.
Number of ply's. One ply tires were standard and still standard on many cheaper bikes. 2-6 ply tires can now be found. 2 on cross country tires, 3 on quality commuter bikes, and up to four or six plys on downhill tires.
Also the size of the wheel also plays a role. 29" bikes are now common and are replacing 26" wheel bikes because a larger wheel has less rolling resistance.
Tire tread shape is also important. If you know what kind of conditions your bike will be in you should adjust accordingly. Mud requires large spaces between knobs to increase grip. Hardpack only needs a short and tight knob pattern. You can also ramp knobs which can decrease rolling resistance but still have grip for corning and braking.
Tubeless wheels and tires are now common. They require a special tire, rim and valve but they allow you to run lower air pressures which increases traction and decreases or eliminates tube related flats. You can retrofit a non-tubeless wheel to accept tubeless tires with some sealant and a valve. If you do puncture the tire you can always put a tube in it.
Tubes have also come a long way. Tubes are made which concentrate more rubber on the outside than on the inside.
Also sealants and patch kits make it easy to continue riding on a punctured tire or tube. You can also train to learn how to change or repair a tube on a bike. In world mountain bike racing, if a rider gets a flat, repairing it expediently could mean the difference between finishing in the top half or the bottom half of the pack. They cannot be helped by their team, teamates, other competitors or spectators and must have the tools required to complete the task in minutes. Plastic tire pullers, two tubes, a Co2 filler and two cartridges of Co2 are all that are needed in a 2+ hour race.
But some day, airless tires will be available to the masses
Similar to the airless Humvee tire.
Didn't know the Uni's did a masters degree on push bike tyres!! ( only ribbing! )
Must say the only time I saw a bike in use was back home in the UK, where the company 'Dogsbody' used one to take messages etc: the titles for some mobs in WW2 did not always apply some old cavalry Regs: were equiped with armour!! lcm1
Various time frames apply to when nations used bicycles. Bicycle troops were quite common during WWI, but persisted through WWII for many nations as a cheap and effective way to move troops, and of course, through the entire Viet Nam war.
They were extensively used by US forces in England during WWII. My father told great stories about the "bicycle pool" at his base, and the horrors of discovering that everyone before him had taken all the 'cycles and left him to walk.
He also told of his experience as commander of a POW camp for German wounded, when the inmates rebuilt his bicycle for him with a sheepskin-covered motorcycle seat to ease his journey. He said that particular bicycle was not part of the general use pool and he made sure the rest of the staff knew it!
__________________ Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who is watching the watchers?
Various time frames apply to when nations used bicycles. Bicycle troops were quite common during WWI, but persisted through WWII for many nations as a cheap and effective way to move troops, and of course, through the entire Viet Nam war.
They were extensively used by US forces in England during WWII. My father told great stories about the "bicycle pool" at his base, and the horrors of discovering that everyone before him had taken all the 'cycles and left him to walk.
He also told of his experience as commander of a POW camp for German wounded, when the inmates rebuilt his bicycle for him with a sheepskin-covered motorcycle seat to ease his journey. He said that particular bicycle was not part of the general use pool and he made sure the rest of the staff knew it!
Hi MM interesting stories mate, I expect our C.O. thought to himself "let the buggers walk!" lcm1
Amphibious bicycle infantry! Well, sort of... What I'd like to see is a special forces unit that is able to infiltrate by water then move by bicycle on land disguised as locals and then carry out their mission.
This bike is amphibious and you could easily detach the floaty parts once on land for use later if you need to pedal out to water again.
The NOOR bicycle made by Mohammad Saidullah. The sky blue is probably not the most manly color for a GI bike.
__________________
I love the smell of napalm in the morning... The smell, you know that gasoline smell, the whole hill. Smelled like victory. Someday this war's gonna end...
Amphibious bicycle infantry! Well, sort of... What I'd like to see is a special forces unit that is able to infiltrate by water then move by bicycle on land disguised as locals and then carry out their mission.
This bike is amphibious and you could easily detach the floaty parts once on land for use later if you need to pedal out to water again.
The NOOR bicycle made by Mohammad Saidullah. The sky blue is probably not the most manly color for a GI bike.
I wonder if they would do the same as they did in the Normandy landings? Dump them as soon as possible! lcm1
C. The infantry can walk faster than that tank can move.
D. There is zero cover. Imagine riding a bicycle in that situation to deliver a message. It is about as useful as an accordian or mime would be....
Don't you know laddie that it was common practice to move behind the cover of a supporting tank (if you were lucky enough to have a supporting tank) and if it was open land anything as bulky and solid as a tank DID give cover. You know it was an exercise,what differance does that make? and your comment about the bike only bears me out on my comments regarding bikes when in action. lcm1 P.S. Have just fallen in as to why you pointed out that the tank had a radio! Do you think I was serious about the guy with the bike delivering messages?? Is it one of your bad days? lcm1
![Pruitt has achieved enlightenment [1200+]](images/reputation/reputation_goldstar.gif)
![Pruitt has achieved enlightenment [1200+]](images/reputation/reputation_green.gif)
![Pruitt has achieved enlightenment [1200+]](images/reputation/reputation_greenh.gif)
![Snowygerry is on a distinguished road [300]](images/reputation/reputation_gold.gif)
)
lcm1
lcm1 P.S. Have just fallen in as to why you pointed out that the tank had a radio! Do you think I was serious about the guy with the bike delivering messages?? Is it one of your bad days?
lcm1
Linear Mode
