A bicycle is a human-powered, two-wheeled vehicle that can be used for recreation or as a means of transportation. Its basic form has changed little since German inventor Karl Drais’ velocipede in 1817, but specialized designs have been created for many purposes. Today, millions of people around the world use bikes to get to work, school, shopping, sports events, and other destinations. Some cyclists also participate in bicycle racing and other competitive activities.
A bike’s frame is a critical component of its ride quality and functionality. It provides a base for the attachment of other parts and sets the stage for how well those parts work together to produce a comfortable, safe, and efficient ride. It’s important to pay close attention to a bike’s frame construction, geometry, and material when choosing a model for specific uses.
Bicycles come with a variety of accessories, including lights, reflectors, tires, and racks. Some also have a handlebar or steering system that helps riders control their bike’s direction and speed. A bike’s handlebars may also be equipped with pegs that can help the rider perform certain tricks, or provide a place to stand while riding. Parents often add rear-mounted child seats or an auxiliary saddle fitted to the crossbar, so their children can ride along with them.
Most modern bicycles have a drivetrain that transfers power from the pedals to the wheel axles. The most common type of drive is a chain, but some have belt drives or shaft drives. A small number of bicycles use hydraulics to transmit power, but these are generally considered less efficient than mechanical systems.
Every bicycle must have a way to stop, and most do so by using brakes. Hand brakes, which are controlled by levers on the handlebars, operate by converting the rider’s energy into friction that slows down the wheels. Coaster brakes, which use the rider’s pedaling to slow the bike down, are generally considered less effective than hand brakes.
Some bicycles have gears, which allow the rider to vary the intensity of pedaling and the speed at which the bike travels. Higher gears make it easier to pedal while allowing the bike to go faster, and lower ones make it harder to pedal but allow for slower speeds.
Many people use bicycles as their primary mode of transportation, especially in urban areas. The bicycle can navigate streets and other urban environments more quickly than most motorized vehicles, and can carry more cargo than many trucks or vans. In addition, cycling can be a healthy and economical way to get around, with the potential to offset some of the costs of automobile ownership and maintenance. In some countries, bicycles are even used to deliver goods and mail. In addition, some organizations use bicycle-mounted paramedics to respond to emergency calls. In large auto and other manufacturing plants, employees frequently use bicycles to transport materials from one area of the plant to another. This is known as utility cycling.