A Look at Two-Wheeler bicycles

In the early years, bike frames were not constructed to support the heavy steel frames which we know them to be made of today. These frames were made of wood, with large flat wheels which allowed the rider to coast rather than ride fast. Many bike owners preferred riding in the woods or on trails where speed was not an issue. In other words, they did not like to race their bicycles.

Bicycles with big tires were not popular since the bicycle technology at that time did not give much consideration to traction. Bikes with large diameter tires would ride over uneven surfaces easily. Hence, a bicycle was considered not a sporty item, but simply an uncomplicated transportation tool. A racing bicycle with standard parts all marked on the frame is an example of this.

The first modern bicycle which has been built with safety and comfort in mind was the velocipede. These bicycles have the front and back wheels of similar size. A small fork, attached to a pegs on the top of the rear wheel, allows the rider to shift gears. A rider can coast smoothly as the pedals are eased into a circular motion by shifting the gear lever into the up position.

The two-wheeled bicycle is another example of a revolutionary bicycle which emerged in the late nineteenth century. These bicycles had a single wheel and featured a single chain link, much like a bicycle with two wheels. The advantage of these bicycles was that the rider was able to climb hills much faster than in previous years. These bicycles also had small clutches at the pedals which allowed them to lock into place. A modern velocipede is a cross between the velocipede and the one-wheeler. Unlike the velocipede, however, these bicycles feature a freewheel or handlebar which allows the rider to accelerate and reduce the overall distance that is covered.

Pneumatic tires were used on velocipeds in order to make them more aerodynamic. This made it easier for the cyclists to complete a cycle while using only power from their legs. Originally a bicycle’s pedals had a sealed steel tube filled with air. Today this tube is replaced by a plastic tube filled with air. This type of bicycle has a higher riding volume and uses less energy than standard bicycles.

Although pneumatic tires give a smoother ride, they may not withstand very strong winds. Because of this, the use of air brakes was introduced in the late twentieth century. These brakes let off a little pressure when pedaling hard so that they can absorb the shock of a hard fall if the rider loses control. Although a majority of today’s bicycles offer air brakes, a few of the older types still contain the sealed steel tube-filled with air.