Bicycle

A bicycle, also called a pedal cycle, bike, push-bike or cycle, is a human-powered or motor-assisted, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, with two wheels attached to a frame. It has been a popular way for people to get around for many years. The bicycle was invented in Europe in the 19th century.

Bicycles are the principal means of transport in many places. They are also used for recreation, as children's toys, for commuting, shopping, staying healthy fitness, and even by the military and police. People enjoy riding bicycles for fun in activities like bicycle racing and artistic cycling.

The basic design of a bicycle has stayed mostly the same since the chain-driven model was created around 1885. But with new modern materials and computer-aided design, many improvements have been made. Today, electric bicycles are very popular. The invention of the bicycle has changed society, influencing culture and helping develop modern industrial methods. Many car parts, like ball bearings, pneumatic tires, chain-driven sprockets, and tension-spoked wheels, were first created for bicycles.

Etymology

The word bicycle started being used in English in 1868. It came from The Daily News, which wrote about fun vehicles called "bysicles and trysicles" on the Champs Elysées and Bois de Boulogne. In French, the word was used in 1828 for a two-wheeled carriage pulled by a horse, called a chaise. Early bicycles were better than the velocipede, but people sometimes used the words for both in the wrong way.

Today, people also call bicycles a "bike", "pushbike", "pedal cycle", or just "cycle". In Unicode, there is a special symbol for a bicycle. Using HTML code 🚲 shows the symbol 🚲.

History

The bicycle is a vehicle with two wheels that you pedal to move forward. People often call it a bike, a push-bike, or a cycle. The person who rides a bicycle is known as a cyclist or bicyclist.

Bicycles were invented in Europe during the 19th century. Since then, they have become a popular way to travel short distances, exercise, and even race.

Uses

Main article: Cycling

Bicycles are used in many ways, such as getting around, going to work or school, and doing errands. They are also used by police, messengers, and delivery services to move quickly.

People enjoy riding bicycles for fun, too. They use them for tours, mountain biking, staying fit, and even playing. There are many sports and activities that involve bicycles, such as racing, BMX, and other cycling events. Bicycles can also be used for art and creative stunts.

Technical aspects

The bicycle has changed a lot since it was first made. New materials and computer designs have helped create many different kinds of bikes. This makes them safer and more comfortable to ride.

Bicycles come in many types, such as utility bicycles, mountain bicycles, racing bicycles, and BMX bikes. There are also special bikes like tandems for two people and electric bicycles that can help with pedaling. A bicycle stays upright when moving forward by keeping its center of mass over the wheels. Riders can steer by turning the handlebars or leaning the bike.

Parts

Frame

Most modern bicycles have a frame that lets you sit upright. These bikes often have a diamond frame, a strong shape made of two triangles. The front triangle holds the handlebars, and the rear triangle holds the seat and pedals.

Historically, some women's bicycles had a lower frame to make it easier to get on and off when wearing a skirt. There are also recumbent bicycles, where the rider leans back on a comfortable seat. These can be faster but were not allowed in races a long time ago.

Drivetrain and gearing

The drivetrain starts with the pedals, which turn the cranks. Most bicycles use a chain to send power to the rear wheel. Some bikes use a shaft instead of a chain.

Because legs work best at certain speeds, bicycles have gears to help. Some bikes use gears inside the rear wheel, while most use a derailleur to change which gears are used. This helps riders choose the right gear for hills, flat roads, or fast riding.

Steering

The handlebars connect to the fork holding the front wheel. There are different handlebar styles: upright, dropped forward for speed, and straight for mountain bikes.

Seating

Saddles look different depending on how you ride. Comfort bikes have wider, cushioned saddles, while racing bikes use narrower ones. Recumbent bikes have a chair-like seat that some people find more comfortable.

Brakes

Brakes can be rim brakes, which pinch the wheel rim, or disc brakes, which pinch a metal disc on the wheel. Disc brakes are common on mountain bikes because they work better when it’s wet.

Suspension

Suspension helps keep the wheels touching the ground and makes riding smoother. It is mostly used on mountain bikes and some hybrid bikes. Road bikes usually do not have suspension.

Wheels and tires

Bicycles have two wheels, called a wheelset. Tires change based on use: thin tires for smooth roads and wider ones for off-road riding.

Accessories

Extra parts like fenders, chainguards, kick stands, and bike locks add usefulness and safety. Baskets and luggage carriers help carry things. Some bikes have child seats for transporting kids.

Lights, reflectors, and helmets are important for safety. Training wheels help beginners learn, but a balance bike teaches riding without them.

Maintenance and repair

Bicycles need regular care to stay in good shape, just like any vehicle with moving parts. Many bike riders enjoy doing some of their own maintenance, which can be simple with basic tools. Some parts might need a visit to a bike shop or a special tool.

Keeping your bike’s tires properly inflated makes a big difference in how it rides. Tires wear out over time, and it’s important to watch for signs of wear. Many bike shops and community groups offer free or low-cost checks for brakes and other parts. Chains should be cleaned and lubricated regularly, and some parts might need a little oil to keep things moving smoothly.

When a problem happens, it’s often easier to replace the part than to fix it. A common issue is a flat tire, which can sometimes be fixed with a patch kit or by replacing the inner tube. Some tires are made to be more resistant to punctures, though they might be a bit heavier. Cyclists often carry special tools like pumps, tire levers, and wrenches to help with repairs on the go.

Social and historical aspects

The bicycle has changed society in many ways. In the past, bicycles helped people travel without crowded streets or horses. They made it easier for people to go places for fun or get around cities. Today, many cities have special paths for bicycles to help reduce traffic and pollution.

Bicycles have also helped women feel more free. In the past, bicycles gave women more ways to move around and feel independent. Some famous women, like Susan B. Anthony, talked about how bicycles helped women. Bicycles also led to new styles of clothing for women that were more comfortable.

Bicycles have helped create new jobs and inventions. They inspired things like the jock strap and influenced the making of cars and airplanes. Even famous airplane inventors, the Wright brothers, started by making bicycles. Today, many bicycles are made in places like China, but people are buying more cars.