Technology and innovation were part of the Wright brothers’ lives before they began their study of aeronautics. Orville in particular was intrigued by mechanical things as a youngster, always building, fixing, and tinkering. His first serious technical interest and pursuit was printing. He began a printing business as a teenager, in which Wilbur later joined him.
 
The Wright brothers’ major technical activity before flight was bicycle repair and manufacture. The business not only provided their livelihood, but also funded their aeronautical experiments.