Introduction
Cycles have been in use among people for centuries, providing efficient and cost-effective transportation. The invention of bicycles in the early 19th century revolutionized personal transportation and the recreational industry. Bicycles are a great way to save money, stay fit, and get around town. To understand how to properly maintain and use your bike, it is important to understand how your frame, wheel, and drivetrain work together to move you from point A to point B.
Design History of the Bicycle
The bicycle has come a long way since its invention in 1800s. The first bicycle was the Draisiene, patented by the German Baron Karl Drais in 1817. The Draisiene was primarily a wooden frame with two rectangular wooden platforms attached to two in-line wheels, both of which were turned by a rider propelled by his feet. These primitive devices lacked pedals and required riders to simply run or walk alongside them to make them move.
By the mid-1800s, the British had developed a major improvement in the form of the original “safety” bicycles. These safety bicycles used a chain to drive the rear wheel, and pedals to turn the crank arm the chain was attached to. However, it was not until the advent of the “penny-farthing” in the late 19th century that cycling really started to become popular. The penny-farthing featured a much larger front wheel and a smaller rear wheel, as well as improved braking and gearing systems.
While the penny-farthing was a vast improvement over earlier designs, it was not until 1891 that the modern style of bicycle was developed. The original “safety bicycle” design then went through a period of refinement throughout the 1950s and 60s until the modern-day multi-geared mountain and road bikes were developed.
Modern Bicycle Construction
Modern bicycles can be broadly divided into two categories: mountain bikes and road bikes. Each type of bike is finely tuned for its intended purpose. Mountain bikes typically feature a heavier frame, wider tires, and are designed specifically to tackle off-road terrain. Road bikes, on the other hand, feature a lightweight frame, thinner tires, and feature an aerodynamic shape in order to help riders achieve maximum speed and efficiency when riding on paved roads.
Regardless of the type of bike, the construction of modern bicycles features the same basic components. The frame of the bicycle consists of the main part of the bike that supports the rider’s weight. It is usually made up of metal (titanium, aluminum, or steel) tubing and contains the head tube, top tube, down tube, bottom bracket, rear dropouts, and seat tube.
The frame is connected to the wheels by the forks. The forks are typically made from aluminum or chromoly steel and allow for the front wheel to turn and for the rider to steer the bike. The wheels consist of a hub, spokes, and a rim. The hub is the center of the wheel and contains the bearings and axle. The spokes are metal rods that attach to the rim and hub, providing support and strength.
The drivetrain is what powers the bike and is typically composed of the gears, brakes, crankset, and pedals. The gears control the speed and torque of the bike and are usually contained in the rear cassette and front derailleur. The crankset is a set of 2 or 3 crank arms that attach to the pedals and drive the chain. The brakes are what allow the rider to slow down or stop the bike. The pedals are attached to the crankset and are what the rider uses to push the bike forward.
Conclusion
Understanding how a bicycle works is fundamental to being comfortable, safe and knowledgeable when you ride. Knowing the basic components of a bike and how they interact with each other will make you a better, more aware rider and allow you to better maintain and enjoy your bike for years to come.
