What Is Bicycle
2025-04-14
What Is Bicycle?
A bicycle, also known as a bike, bicycle, bicycle, or iron horse, is a small non-motorized vehicle that is powered by human power. The Chinese word "bicycle" usually refers to a two-wheeled vehicle with two wheels arranged in a row, but there are also three-wheeled or single-wheeled ones. The average person's daily riding speed is about 15-25 kilometers (9.3-15.5 miles) per hour. Trained athletes ride special bicycles and use air streamlines by lowering their upper body to reach a speed of 45 kilometers (28 miles) per hour. In addition, bicycles have also been used in wars.
History
Bicycle styles in different eras
Dreys's design in 1817
Bicycle in Leonardo da Vinci's manuscript
Penny Farthing, a bicycle style from 1870 to 1880
In 1766, a group of monks found the earliest prototype of bicycle while repairing Leonardo da Vinci's manuscript in 1490, but it was not actually manufactured and remained in the imagination stage.
On a rainy day, the Frenchman Sivrac was splashed with mud by a four-wheeled carriage passing by on the street. This splashing gave him a sudden idea: the four-wheeled carriage is so wide, the carriage should be cut in half, and the four wheels will become two wheels in front and back... So in 1791, the first "Trojan" cart for transportation was born. This cart has two wooden wheels at the front and back, connected by a crossbeam in the middle, with a bench installed on top, like a toy. Although this "Trojan" has neither a transmission chain nor a steering device, it is generally considered to be the earliest bicycle of mankind.
In 1817, Karl Drais of Germany also made a two-wheeled vehicle. He added a handlebar to control the direction of travel on the front wheel, which can change the direction of travel. However, when riding a bicycle, you still need to use both feet to push the ground to push the car forward. In 1840, Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a Scottish blacksmith, improved the wooden wheel cart invented by Drais. He installed a crank on the axle of the rear wheel, and then connected the crank to the front pedal with a connecting rod. The front and rear wheels were made of iron, with the front wheel larger and the rear wheel smaller. In this way, the person's feet finally left the ground, and the wheels were driven by the alternating pedaling of the feet to roll the vehicle forward. In 1842, Macmillan rode this vehicle and traveled 20 kilometers a day.
In 1861, Pierre Michaux and Pierre Lallement, father and son of Michaux in France, installed a rotating pedal board on the front wheel, and the saddle of the vehicle was placed on the front wheel. They named the bicycle "bicycle" and exhibited it at the Paris Exposition in 1867.
From Sivrac to Michaud and his son, the bicycles they made were quite different from modern bicycles. In order to increase the speed of this bicycle without a chain transmission system, the diameter of the front wheel could only be increased, which made the vehicle extremely high. The diameter of the front wheel even exceeded the height of an average person. Riding a bicycle became a very dangerous sport. When riders fell to the ground, they would often get injured. The truly modern bicycle was born in 1874. The British Rosson ingeniously installed chains and sprockets on the bicycle, using the rotation of the rear wheel to push the vehicle forward.
In 1886, John Starley, a British mechanical engineer, designed a new bicycle style from the perspective of mechanics and kinematics. It was equipped with a front fork and brakes, and the front and rear wheels were the same size to maintain balance. The diamond frame was made of steel pipes, and rubber wheels were used for the first time. Starley not only improved the structure of the bicycle, but also modified many machine tools used to produce bicycle parts, paving a broad way for the mass production and promotion of bicycles. Therefore, he was called the "Father of Bicycles" by later generations. The bicycle model he designed is basically the same as the appearance of today's bicycles.
In 1888, John Dunlop, an Irish veterinarian, got inspiration from treating bloat in cattle. He glued the rubber tube used for watering his garden into a circle and inflated it to fit on a bicycle. This marked the beginning of pneumatic tires. Pneumatic tires are a groundbreaking innovation in the history of bicycle development, which fundamentally improved the riding comfort of bicycles. [2]
In 1970, bicycles for mountaineering appeared, and another groundbreaking invention of bicycles, the gearbox, was created.
Classification
Mountain bike (mountain bike) BMC TF01 2012
Mountain bike
Three-wheeled vehicle with cargo in front
Road bike
Main article: Road bike
Road bike is a type of vehicle used on smooth road surfaces, like a racing bicycle. Since smooth roads have less resistance, the design of road bikes is more concerned with high speeds. They often use drop handlebars that can reduce wind resistance, narrow high-pressure low-resistance tires, higher clearance, and larger wheels than ordinary mountain bikes. The rims are usually 622mm in diameter. Since road bikes emphasize speed, the parts on the bike are lighter than mountain bikes, and they are very efficient when riding on the road. Since the frame does not need to be strengthened and often adopts a simple and efficient diamond design, road bikes are the most beautiful bicycles.
Track bike
Track bikes are used on elliptical tracks in indoor or outdoor cycling stadiums (Velodromes). The structure of this type of bicycle is very simple: single speed, no brakes, and no reversible flywheel. When you need to slow down, you must pedal in the opposite direction.
Track bikes are used on elliptical tracks in indoor or outdoor cycling stadiums (Velodromes). The structure of this type of bicycle is very simple: single speed, no brakes, and no reversible flywheel. When you need to slow down, you must pedal in the opposite direction.
Triathlon/Time Trial Bike
Road bikes (Triathlon/Time Trial bikes) used in triathlons and time trial sports. The biggest feature of triathlons and time trial sports is that it is not allowed to ride closely behind other athletes by drafting. Athletes must completely overcome air resistance through their own strength. Therefore, when designing triathlon/time trial bikes, great attention is paid to allowing athletes to maintain a riding posture that reduces air resistance, while also paying attention to reducing the air resistance of the bicycle itself. Triathlon bikes also allow athletes to use similar muscle groups when riding as when running, which makes the transition from riding to running easier.
Road bikes (Triathlon/Time Trial bikes) used in triathlons and time trial sports. The biggest feature of triathlons and time trial sports is that it is not allowed to ride closely behind other athletes by drafting. Athletes must completely overcome air resistance through their own strength. Therefore, when designing triathlon/time trial bikes, great attention is paid to allowing athletes to maintain a riding posture that reduces air resistance, while also paying attention to reducing the air resistance of the bicycle itself. Triathlon bikes also allow athletes to use similar muscle groups when riding as when running, which makes the transition from riding to running easier.
Mountain bike
Main article: Mountain bike
Mountain bikes originated in San Francisco, United States in 1977. [6] Designed for riding on non-paved roads in mountainous areas, they usually have a gearbox that can change gears to save effort or quickly, some have shock absorbers installed on the frame, and some have chocolate treads on the tires to facilitate riding on unpaved roads. The size of mountain bike tires is generally in imperial units. The rim diameter is 24/26/27.5/29 inches (Note: Some of these are promotional terms and there is a slight difference with the actual diameter), and the tire width is generally between 1.0 and 2.5 inches. Frame sizes are also measured in English, such as 14", 17", 19".
Main article: Mountain bike
Mountain bikes originated in San Francisco, United States in 1977. [6] Designed for riding on non-paved roads in mountainous areas, they usually have a gearbox that can change gears to save effort or quickly, some have shock absorbers installed on the frame, and some have chocolate treads on the tires to facilitate riding on unpaved roads. The size of mountain bike tires is generally in imperial units. The rim diameter is 24/26/27.5/29 inches (Note: Some of these are promotional terms and there is a slight difference with the actual diameter), and the tire width is generally between 1.0 and 2.5 inches. Frame sizes are also measured in English, such as 14", 17", 19".
Gravel Bike
Gravel bikes are designed to adapt to various terrains, between road bikes and mountain bikes. They are characterized by wider tires, more stable geometric design, and compatibility with a variety of accessories, suitable for riding on unpaved roads such as gravel, dirt, and gravel. Compared with traditional road bikes, gravel bikes have stronger frames and higher handlebars, providing a more comfortable riding experience while maintaining a certain speed and efficiency. Therefore, it is suitable for long-distance riding, adventure and travel.
Gravel bikes are designed to adapt to various terrains, between road bikes and mountain bikes. They are characterized by wider tires, more stable geometric design, and compatibility with a variety of accessories, suitable for riding on unpaved roads such as gravel, dirt, and gravel. Compared with traditional road bikes, gravel bikes have stronger frames and higher handlebars, providing a more comfortable riding experience while maintaining a certain speed and efficiency. Therefore, it is suitable for long-distance riding, adventure and travel.
Downhill Bike
Downhill bikes, also known as downhill bikes (DownHill DH is a very challenging activity. Riders use specially made DH bikes to glide on hillsides or even fall off mountains to seek excitement. The activity is mostly carried out on mountain ridges, mines, snowfields and other areas. Austrians used DH to create a world record of 210.4 km/h. The frame angles of downhill bikes are different from those of mountain bikes, and the parts are in imperial units like those of mountain bikes. Helmets, armor and other equipment must be worn when engaging in this activity. The front fork shock absorber travel is longer than that of mountain bikes and XC bikes. The tire width is generally more than 2 inches.
Downhill bikes, also known as downhill bikes (DownHill DH is a very challenging activity. Riders use specially made DH bikes to glide on hillsides or even fall off mountains to seek excitement. The activity is mostly carried out on mountain ridges, mines, snowfields and other areas. Austrians used DH to create a world record of 210.4 km/h. The frame angles of downhill bikes are different from those of mountain bikes, and the parts are in imperial units like those of mountain bikes. Helmets, armor and other equipment must be worn when engaging in this activity. The front fork shock absorber travel is longer than that of mountain bikes and XC bikes. The tire width is generally more than 2 inches.
Recumbent bicycle
Recumbent bicycles are bicycles that are different from traditional designs. They usually have a larger and more comfortable seat and two or three wheels. The advantages are comfort and low wind resistance.
Recumbent bicycles are bicycles that are different from traditional designs. They usually have a larger and more comfortable seat and two or three wheels. The advantages are comfort and low wind resistance.
Touring bicycle
Main article: Touring bicycle
Touring bicycle (Touring Cross-country cycling is developed from road bicycles [original research?], suitable for ultra-long-distance self-sufficient travel, with a more comfortable and relaxed frame geometry, capable of carrying weight, with a very low minimum gear, and accessories that pursue reliability and durability.
Main article: Touring bicycle
Touring bicycle (Touring Cross-country cycling is developed from road bicycles [original research?], suitable for ultra-long-distance self-sufficient travel, with a more comfortable and relaxed frame geometry, capable of carrying weight, with a very low minimum gear, and accessories that pursue reliability and durability.
Cross-country cycling
Cross-country cycling is developed from road bicycles. It originated from the fact that riders wanted to conquer both roads and mountains with one bicycle, so riders chose stronger road frames and wheels, and then installed stronger brakes and very wide tires, and used mountain bike pedals. Cross-country cycling can achieve higher speeds on the road and has certain off-road capabilities. Unlike general road bicycles, cross-country cycling usually uses disc brakes to control braking.
Cross-country cycling is developed from road bicycles. It originated from the fact that riders wanted to conquer both roads and mountains with one bicycle, so riders chose stronger road frames and wheels, and then installed stronger brakes and very wide tires, and used mountain bike pedals. Cross-country cycling can achieve higher speeds on the road and has certain off-road capabilities. Unlike general road bicycles, cross-country cycling usually uses disc brakes to control braking.
Advertising bicycles
Advertising bicycles (Advertising bicycles) Bike is a bicycle specially used for advertising. In order to maximize the advertising area, the triangular simplified frame support form of the original bicycle is changed to an inverted V-shaped or inverted U-shaped thin shell frame support form. The surface area of the vehicle body is maximized without affecting the riding.
Advertising bicycles (Advertising bicycles) Bike is a bicycle specially used for advertising. In order to maximize the advertising area, the triangular simplified frame support form of the original bicycle is changed to an inverted V-shaped or inverted U-shaped thin shell frame support form. The surface area of the vehicle body is maximized without affecting the riding.
Bicycle for two or more people
Also known as cooperative bicycle. Toe bike
Also known as cooperative bicycle. Toe bike
Folding bike
Main article: Folding bike
Main article: Folding bike
Three folding bicycles, brands are: Birdy, DAHON
Gear
Folding bike (Folding Electric bicycles are commonly known as xiaozhe in some places in mainland China (since the word "zhe" is simplified in mainland China, it should be read as "zhe" instead of "zhe" in Cantonese). They are designed to be easy to carry and put into vehicles. In some places, public transportation such as railways and airlines allow passengers to carry foldable and bagged bicycles.
Folding bike (Folding Electric bicycles are commonly known as xiaozhe in some places in mainland China (since the word "zhe" is simplified in mainland China, it should be read as "zhe" instead of "zhe" in Cantonese). They are designed to be easy to carry and put into vehicles. In some places, public transportation such as railways and airlines allow passengers to carry foldable and bagged bicycles.
Electric bicycles
Main article: Electric bicycles
Electric bicycles are an environmentally friendly electric vehicle powered by electricity and manpower. Some electric bicycles can automatically detect the force applied by the feet and automatically adjust the power when necessary with appropriate power to assist pedaling.[10] According to the laws of the Republic of China, electric bicycles are mainly powered by electricity, while electric assist bicycles are mainly powered by human power.
Main article: Electric bicycles
Electric bicycles are an environmentally friendly electric vehicle powered by electricity and manpower. Some electric bicycles can automatically detect the force applied by the feet and automatically adjust the power when necessary with appropriate power to assist pedaling.[10] According to the laws of the Republic of China, electric bicycles are mainly powered by electricity, while electric assist bicycles are mainly powered by human power.
Children's bicycles
Children's bicycles are used by children to learn how to ride bicycles. Although adult bicycles are generally prohibited in parks, children's bicycles are generally not prohibited. Unlike adult bicycles, children's bicycles often have cartoon pictures on them. They also have assist wheels.
Children's bicycles are used by children to learn how to ride bicycles. Although adult bicycles are generally prohibited in parks, children's bicycles are generally not prohibited. Unlike adult bicycles, children's bicycles often have cartoon pictures on them. They also have assist wheels.
Cycling BMX
Cycling BMX is a type of bicycle designed for extreme sports. This type of bicycle has undergone many modifications to make it more suitable for stunts, such as a lighter but extremely strong body, no gearbox, no rack, and even the removal of the brake mechanism.
Cycling BMX is a type of bicycle designed for extreme sports. This type of bicycle has undergone many modifications to make it more suitable for stunts, such as a lighter but extremely strong body, no gearbox, no rack, and even the removal of the brake mechanism.
Unicycle
Main article: unicycle
A bicycle with only one wheel is called a unicycle, or a one-wheeled bicycle. In the past, it was used for stunts, but now it is also used for personal sports or youth sports activities. Unicycles can be used as a means of transportation, exercise, or entertainment, but they are more difficult to ride than ordinary bicycles.
Main article: unicycle
A bicycle with only one wheel is called a unicycle, or a one-wheeled bicycle. In the past, it was used for stunts, but now it is also used for personal sports or youth sports activities. Unicycles can be used as a means of transportation, exercise, or entertainment, but they are more difficult to ride than ordinary bicycles.
Tricycle
A tricycle is a bicycle with three wheels. It is not easy to tip over due to the operation of the three wheels, and it can be ridden without practice. There are tricycles for adults and for children aged 1 to 4. Because it can save manpower, tricycles for adults can be used as a means of transportation for transporting people or goods. They are currently widely used in many countries.
A tricycle is a bicycle with three wheels. It is not easy to tip over due to the operation of the three wheels, and it can be ridden without practice. There are tricycles for adults and for children aged 1 to 4. Because it can save manpower, tricycles for adults can be used as a means of transportation for transporting people or goods. They are currently widely used in many countries.
Fixed gear bicycle
Main article: Fixed gear bicycle
Fixed gear bicycles (commonly known as fixed gear in mainland China) have the same frame as ordinary bicycles, but no gearshift system, and the drive gear and rear wheel are fixedly linked by a chain or belt (unlike ordinary bicycles, the rear wheel does not have a ratchet). The main appeal is simple structure, some do not even have brakes installed, and parking is achieved by pedaling backwards and forwards. Safety-conscious riders can install a front brake, while some prefer not to install brakes and rely entirely on skills to complete emergency parking actions.
Main article: Fixed gear bicycle
Fixed gear bicycles (commonly known as fixed gear in mainland China) have the same frame as ordinary bicycles, but no gearshift system, and the drive gear and rear wheel are fixedly linked by a chain or belt (unlike ordinary bicycles, the rear wheel does not have a ratchet). The main appeal is simple structure, some do not even have brakes installed, and parking is achieved by pedaling backwards and forwards. Safety-conscious riders can install a front brake, while some prefer not to install brakes and rely entirely on skills to complete emergency parking actions.
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