Alfred Jarry (1873-1907) is considered by many to be the forerunner of any writing that could be considered "avant-garde".  Aside from being a writer and raging alcoholic, Jarry was a passionate cycling enthusiast:
"Jarry's magnificent Clement Luxe, being a racetrack model, was stripped of nonessentials.  No luxuries such as mud or chain guards, and no brakes either... Instead it had a fixed wheel, and braking was accomplished either by standing on the pedals or holding one's foot against one of the tires." 
Ahead of his time indeed!