# 3D-Printed Dandy Horses German Researchers Have Developed a Modern 19th Century Conveyance By Joey Haar | Published 2017-06-09 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dandy-horse References: [digitaltrends](https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/wooden-dandy-horse/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds) & [uni-saarland.de](http://www.uni-saarland.de/nc/en/news/article/nr/17435.html) Though fundamentally simple, the bicycle is a relatively new invention, and researchers from Germany's Saarland University have developed a dandy horse using modern methods to show just how far the bicycle has come in a short amount of time. Bicycles were first invented in the early 19th century, but they weren't without predecessors. One of the first proto-bicycles was called a dandy horse. Though dandy horses look like bicycles at first glance, one key feature is missing: the [pedals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vemoo-recumbent-tricycle). Rather than pedaling the conveyance, dandy horse riders push their feet along the ground (think of how Fred Flintstone drove his rock car.) The method is less efficient than pedaling, which is why is the [bicycles ridden today](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-bicycle-designs) ultimately won out. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.3/10 - Popularity: 89% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **3d-printed Bicycles:** Using modern methods like 3D printing, researchers can develop innovative and customizable bicycles. - **Retro-inspired Bicycles:** There is a growing trend in creating bicycles that pay homage to the vintage dandy horse design, combining nostalgia with modern functionality. - **Efficiency-enhancing Bicycles:** Innovations in bicycle design and technology aim to improve overall efficiency, making transportation more sustainable and eco-friendly. ### Sectors Adopting This - **3D Printing:** The 3D printing industry has an opportunity to collaborate with bicycle manufacturers to develop new and innovative bicycles. - **Bicycle Manufacturing:** Bicycle manufacturers can explore producing retro-inspired bicycles or incorporating efficiency-enhancing features to cater to changing consumer preferences. - **Sustainable Transportation:** The sustainable transportation industry can benefit from advancements in bicycle design and technology, providing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cars and motorcycles. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [STEM-Inspired Balance Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balance-bike1.md) - [Futuristic Single-Wheel Bicycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-infinity-bike.md) - [3D-Printed Lattice Bike Saddles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vaen-bike-saddle.md) - [Slipper Wheel-Less Bicycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slipper-bicycle.md) - [Advanced Electric Bicycle Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bicycle-technology.md) - [3d-Printed Mountain Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rodeo-bike.md) - [Square-Wheeled Bicycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squarewheeled-bicycle.md) - [Tread-Wheel Geometric Bicycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-q.md) - [Custom-Fit 3D-Printed Bike Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/personomic-saddle.md)