Edu biography of james starley

James Starley is today remembered as one of the most important figures in the early history of bicycle. His exploits, ingenuity and business sense enabled him to become the “father of the bicycle industry” and one of the most successful bicycle inventors and builders of his 19th century.

In addition of revolutionizing the bicycle industry with the perfection of chain-driven systems, he also developed first model of differential gear that became cornerstone of the automobile drive system.

Starley was born on April 21st in Albourne, West Sussex, United Kingdom, as a son of the farmer.

In his youth he ran away from home, became apprentice and gardener, and managed to distinguish himself from the young age by repairing watches, machines and creating new interesting devices. This attracted attention of his employer John Penn who introduced James Starley to one of the partners of Newton, Wilson and Company whose typing machi