Page "André Michelin" Paragraph 5

In 1889 a cyclist familiar with the Michelin Company approached Edouard with his flat tyre seeking assistance.

Getting a flat tyre frequently meant cyclists were left stranded for hours.

In the late 1880s, cycling was becoming a popular form of transportation and hobby due in large part to John Dunlop's 1888 patent for the inflatable bicycle tyre.

Before Dunlop ’ s invention, bicycle tyres were made out of solid rubber.

The solid rubber tyres tended to provide little traction and made for a difficult and uncomfortable ride.

After the hapless cyclist approached the Michelin Company for assistance, Edouard took great interests in the new pneumatic tyres.

The Michelins recognized that there would be a great demand for pneumatic tyres if only there was a way to more quickly make repairs.

They reasoned that first the wheel must become detachable.

Edouard conducted a series of experiments and developed a number of prototypes.

In 1891, he was granted a patent for a detachable tire.