Read this excerpt from Chapter 1 of Wheels of Change by Sue Macy. At any rate, the new velocipede was propelled by pedals and cranks attached directly to the axel of the front wheel, which was slightly larger than the wheel behind it. Forward progress could be stopped or slowed by pedaling backward. However, with iron tires and only an ineffective steel spring under the seat to absorb bumps in the road, this velocipede was a challenge to ride. It quickly earned the nickname "boneshaker." In 1865, Lallement brought his boneshaker to Connecticut, where he filed a description of it with the federal government and received a patent. What problem is described in the excerpt?
Answer
A
the discomfort of riding the velocipede
B
the obstacles to filing for a US patent
C
the awkward look of the enlarged front tire
D
the challenges of stopping the velocipede
Explanation
The excerpt says the velocipede had iron tires and only an ineffective spring to absorb bumps, making it “a challenge to ride” and earning it the nickname “boneshaker.” These details describe the discomfort of riding it. The passage says it could be slowed or stopped by pedaling backward, so stopping was not the problem described.
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