What capability was essential for manufacturers to survive the transition after the safety bicycle invention?
Answer
Sufficient capital and production capacity
The proliferation of the safety bicycle caused massive market shifts that proved fatal for thousands of smaller, less adaptable bicycle makers during the late 1800s. Surviving this tumultuous period required more than just having a good idea for a machine; it demanded substantial industrial backing. Manufacturers needed sufficient capital reserves to absorb losses during transition periods and robust production capacity to scale up output quickly to meet demand for the superior safety design, thereby allowing them to outlast competitors who lacked this necessary financial and operational foundation.
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