The bicycle is a human-powered vehicle with two wheels, a frame, and pedals. Its name is derived from the French words for two-wheeled and pedal-driven, and its rider is called a bicyclist. The bicycle is one of the most popular human-powered vehicles in history, and it has been used for transport, recreation, exercise, and competition.

The first modern bicycles were invented in the 1860s. These early all-metal bicycles, which were also called velocipedes or boneshakers, had solid iron wheels that made for a rough ride, especially on country roads. Later, a pneumatic tire was added, and the bicycle became the smooth-riding machine we know today.

In climbing, the bicycle is a stabilizing technique that relies on opposing forces between your feet to keep you locked into place. Executed correctly, it frees your arms from much of your body weight and increases your stability on the wall. The bicycle is also useful for gaining access to difficult footholds and for matching and moving between poor holds.

To practice the bicycle, set up a few big handholds about a body-length away from each other and stand with your legs in the air. Try to feel equal and opposite forces between your feet, and remember to keep your core engaged. There are two main types of bicycles: The “clamp” bicycle, in which your top foot is pushing down and your bottom foot is pulling up (see the photo of Jason Kehl above). This is an easier way to get the hang of the move. The other type of bicycle, which is more challenging to learn, involves shifting your pressure and force to create a void between your feet.

As you become more comfortable with the bicycle, you can begin to experiment with different foot positions. For example, some climbers like to bicycle with their left foot on top and their right foot on bottom. It’s important to find the position that feels most natural and gives you the best results.

When you’re ready to buy a bike, make sure to select the correct frame size for your height. If the frame is too small, you will feel uncomfortable riding it and may develop back pain. If the frame is too large, you will have difficulty maneuvering it and might feel unstable when riding.

The easiest way to determine the perfect bike frame size for you is to have a friend or someone at a bike shop measure your inside leg length while you’re standing up straight. Then subtract 2 centimeters from that number to get the size of the bike’s frame you need. If you’re buying a bike online, look for a sizing chart that matches the brand and type of bicycle you’re interested in. This information will help you select a bike that is a good fit for you and will allow you to perform your best when you’re cycling. You can always fine-tune the fit of your bike with various adjustments, such as the seat height or the fore-aft adjustment of the saddle.