ABSTRACT
The first brand producer of bicycles, the European Sewing Machine Company, was documented in 1869 in Britain. The bicycle and the retailing and servicing of bicycles also spread to the rest of the world as this human-powered invention was introduced by traders and merchants to Asia, South America and by Britain to what are now the Commonwealth countries in Africa, India, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand. After World War II, from 1947 until the early 1980s most bicycles were manufactured in the countries where they were marketed and sold to local consumers. Prior to World War II bicycle advertising in Europe and the British Commonwealth was aimed at the adult market. In America, advertising was aimed mainly at children and their adult parents. In Europe, the bicycle grew in popularity as an adult activity and both amateur and professional racing became very popular. Aftermarket sales complete the picture of the primary bicycle industry channels of trade.
