The bicycle is a human-powered, two-wheeled vehicle with a frame and one or more wheels. It is also known as a pedal cycle, bicycle, or push bike. A person riding a bicycle is called a cyclist.
Bicycles are manufactured in a wide range of styles and prices, with some more expensive models used for racing or other competitive events. A bicycle’s most basic components include a seat, pedals, gearing, and handlebar. The frame is the central element to which all other parts are attached, and it can be made from various materials such as metal or carbon fiber. Regardless of material, the most important attribute is its strength to support the rider and to allow attachment of the other components.
Pedal efficiency is key to riding a bike quickly and with ease. Using proper form while pedaling will help you get more speed out of your legs and back. Basically, you want to push down hard on the pedals during the downstroke and pull up on the upstroke. This will make it easier to reach top speeds.
Early bicycles were often made of wood or iron, with wooden wheels and cranks. Karl von Drais invented a device in 1817 that he called a draisine, which was similar to the modern bicycle except that it did not require a human to power it. Later inventions included the velocipede and a number of other variations on the basic design. The bicycle became a popular mode of transportation in the nineteenth century.
During the first few decades of the twentieth century, manufacturing techniques improved to the point that aluminum was used for frames and other components in higher quality bikes. The bicycle industry developed into a major source of employment for skilled metalworkers. The bicycle also provided a test bed for advanced mechanical designs that were later employed in other forms of transport, such as automobiles and airplanes.
The modern bicycle has a chain connecting the frame-mounted cranks to the rear wheel. This drive system is more efficient than previous systems such as shaft drives. Most modern bicycles also have a mechanism to shift gears, which allows the rider to change the amount of force applied to the pedals.
Other uses of the bicycle include utility cycling for transporting goods. For example, in cities and towns, some people use bicycles to deliver newspapers, mail, small packages, and hot food to their customers. The bicycle can also be used by law enforcement officers, who are mounted on specially designed bicycles, to maneuver in crowded city streets where it would be difficult for a motorized vehicle to operate. Finally, some automobile and other industrial plants use bicycles to provide transportation for employees between different parts of the facility.