What was the direct ancestor machine referred to as the *bone-shaker*?
Answer
Velocipede
The velocipede, which directly preceded the motorized versions and was powered solely by human effort, earned the nickname the *bone-shaker*. This moniker arose specifically because of its construction, characterized by a rigid frame and wheels made entirely of wood, which provided an extremely uncomfortable and jarring ride over uneven surfaces. This rigid design lacked the suspension or pneumatic tires that would later improve comfort in subsequent bicycle generations. While the *Laufmaschine* (Draisine) was a precursor, it predated the addition of pedals and cranks that defined the velocipede era.
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