What practical invention did John Boyd Dunlop develop in 1888 for his son's tricycle?
Answer
Pneumatic tires
While John Kemp Starley's Rover solved the major structural instability issues of early bicycles through its low geometry and chain drive, the ride quality remained rough because many early models still used solid rubber tires. The final essential component to guarantee widespread success was provided by John Boyd Dunlop in 1888. He developed practical pneumatic tires, which were air-filled cushions designed to absorb road vibration. When these air-filled tires were fitted onto the already stable safety bicycle chassis, the resulting combination offered both stability and comfort, turning cycling from a jarring necessity into a pleasurable activity.
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