Millions of people worldwide ride bicycles for fun, exercise, transportation and to get from one place to another. The bicycle is considered the most efficient human-powered means of transport because it allows people to travel farther for a given amount of energy. However, riding a bicycle is more complex than it appears and requires a significant amount of technical knowledge and skill. The engineering behind the working of a bicycle is more science than art, and it involves both the cyclist and bicycle.
The Bicycle: History and Development
The first bicycles were invented in the 1800s and were called velocipedes or cyclones. They were made of wood or metal, and had a front wheel that turned the cranks, which powered the rear wheel. The earliest bicycles were quite heavy, weighing upwards of 100 pounds.
Over time, engineers improved the design of the bicycle, making it lighter and more durable. The modern bike has a frame of steel, aluminium, carbon fibre or titanium, with suspension forks and wheel brakes. Most modern bikes have a drive system with a chain and cassette of sprockets that allow the cyclist to change gears to increase or decrease the amount of power they are using. The cassette is usually held in a derailleur, a mechanism that moves the chain between sprockets when the shifters are activated. Most riders use electronic derailleurs instead of mechanical ones.
Many modern bicycles have drop handlebars, which can be positioned in a number of ways depending on the rider’s preference and the type of cycling being done. Some riders like to ride in the drops, placing their hands on either side of the stem for a more aerodynamic position, while others prefer to ride in the hoods, with their fingers pointed back towards the saddle. Whether in the drops or on the hoods, most riders will also use the bars to control the brake levers and turn the front wheels of their bicycles for steering and stability.
Most modern bikes also have a front and rear derailleur, with the chain being moved between the cassette sprockets by the derailleurs when the shifters are activated. This is used to allow the cyclist to use a range of gears that best suit the terrain and their fitness level.
Some bicycles are designed for specific purposes, such as racing, touring, commuting or carrying cargo. Some are equipped with suspension, which makes the ride more comfortable for long distances or steep climbs. Other bikes are designed with disc brakes, which have more stopping power than traditional rim brakes. Some are built with a short-wheelbase, allowing the rider to generate enough force at the front wheel during braking to flip the bicycle longitudinally, an act known as a stoppie, endo or front wheelie.
Most important, the bicycle is a safe mode of transportation when operated properly. Bicyclists must obey traffic laws, and wear helmets, lights and reflective clothing. They should always use the shoulder of the road, and not ride against traffic. Motorists often do not see bicycles, and it is important for bicyclists to be as visible as possible to other road users.