Learn More About Cycling and Types of Bicycles

Cycling is a recreation, sport and way of moving on land using a bicycle, a human-powered means of transport. Cycling and the bicycle as a road vehicle with 2 wheels that driver is powering, and it is a technical achievement of the not so distant past.

Its simple construction and very wide application have ensured its use in everyday life.

History of cycling development

Cycling originated in Europe in the 19th century. The discovery of the bicycle is not linked to a specific date, nor to the name of a specific inventor. Throughout history, there have been several examples of human-powered vehicles, but they were often significantly different from today’s bicycle concept. The person mentioned as the first cyclist was the German Baron Karl von Drais, who in 1817 rode a push bike called “draisine”.

Between 1850 and 1860, the Frenchman Ernest Michau developed a bicycle with pedals on the front large wheel. Bikes like this were difficult to steer because crashes were very frequent. Steering problems are somewhat reduced by introducing the steering wheel and moving the seat to a better position. However, the real progress was the introduction of the chain drive in 1885, which is considered to be the first modern bicycle. Further improvement came with the introduction of pneumatic tires in 1888. These pneumatic tires introduced Scotsman John Dunlop.

Basic types of bicycles by purpose

1. City or dedicated bicycle

There are male and female variants, and the difference is usually in the corner of the transverse tube on the frame. On the female version of the bike, the cross tube is lowered to allow easier climbing and descending. These bikes often have accessories for a more comfortable ride, such as fenders, lights, chain guard, larger wheels, basket, etc. Older versions of this bike have only one speed, while newer ones can have over 20.

2. Road or racing bicycle cycling

This type of bike have a bent handlebar and very thin tires. It is unloaded with additional equipment in order to reduce the weight as much as possible. Their frame is usually made of light aluminum. We use these bikes in all road races, and have 18 or 20 speeds. This is due to the fact that they have only 2 gears in front – 1 bigger and 1 smaller for climbs.

3. Mountain bicycle cycling

Better known as a mountain bike, it has a flat steering wheel, a slightly smaller diameter of racing tires and thicker tires. It is more comfortable to drive, and it can also have suspensions on the front fork, as well as on the frame under the seat, thus absorbing shocks. Newer models also have built-in disc brakes, so they brake perfectly in all occasions. They usually have 24 or 27 speeds, ie. 3 gears at the front and 8 or 9 at the rear.

4. Cycling with BMX bicycle

A specific type of bike with smaller wheels. It is very strong and simple in construction, modified for various tricks on concrete, as well as for jumps on ramps.

Racing, mountain and BMX bikes we use in cycling sports. About thirty years ago, a triathlon bicycle (swimming, cycling, running) was also used, which is used in road races due to its extreme ease. This type of bicycle we also use when riding on the “chronometer”, when each rider starts individually with a minute distance and rides a certain distance.

Conclusion

Due to the very positive effect on the health of people who ride bicycles, and the increased number of cyclists, many cities provide adequate infrastructure for the use of bicycles (bicycle paths, bicycle storage places, etc.).

Also, a very important fact is that, from the aspect of preserving the environment and clean air, cycling meets the ecological requirements of modern life. In this text we have listed the types of bicycles for riding in nature. Given the new situation (pandemic), we suggest that you do cycling at home.