The word “bicycle” derives from the Latin word “bacula”, which means wheel. A bicycle, also known as a cycle or pedal cycle, is a motor-driven or pedal-powered, two-wheeled, wheel-attached cycle, with two pedals attached to a rigid frame. A bicycle rider is known as a cyclist, or biker. Bicyclists commonly cruise on two or three wheels at once, rather than using two. One wheel provides stability and leverage for the upper body while the other provides control. Riders use pedals for propulsion, which are attached to the handlebars.
Bicycles have been around for hundreds of years and were introduced into the United States in the late 1890s when European bicycle makers made small two-wheeled bicycles for traveling on trails. The bicycle today has become a convenient way for people to get around, as well as an exercise machine. Many cities in the United States have bike lanes and parking facilities to increase bike use. The National Highway Administration considers the bicycle to be a healthy mode of transportation. It is important to understand how the bicycle works.
A typical bike today consists of a seat, a windshield, a chain handlebar, and pedals. Unlike previous versions of the bicycle, most modern bikes include both a freewheel and a cassette. A freewheel bicycle, sometimes called a velocipede, resembles a bicycle with two pedals, with the pedals being operated by hand. A velocipede bicycle is considered to be the perfect bike for cross-country riding.
A triathlete uses a type of bicycle that has a single gear and multiple gears. A triathlete can switch gears on the fly when a change in direction is necessary. Other athletes, such as mountain bikers and road cyclists, prefer to use a bicycle with only one gear. Riders of the peloton, which is also known as the group of riders following a pedal stroke of a single person, typically use a single-speed bicycle.
A famous bicycle designed by French cyclist Louis Nicolles-Rouffe is the new bvre velocipede. The lef bvre, or three-wheeled cycle, was named after the French town of Le Foudon. The name of bvre comes from the French word “le feu” or milk. The design of the bicycle was inspired by the road cycle of the same name. The bicycle was used by French cyclists during World War I as part of their training.
There are many types of bicycles designed for different types of riding. Bicycles that are suited to cross country tracks are often made of aluminum. Cross country racing is a very fast moving sport, and many cyclists like to ride these types of bikes for the speed they give. One type of bicycle specially made for mountain climbing is the velobahge, which has a saddle much higher than the handlebars on most bicycles.
There are a number of manufacturers that make specialized bicycles for track cycling. Specialized bicycle companies such as Specialized, sponsored by Giant, were originally formed to produce specialized bicycles for track cycling events such as the Tour de France. These bicycles have very specialized features such as carbon fiber wheels, stiff suspension, and special handlebars and saddles. These bicycles are also equipped with electronics to help riders maintain a perfect rhythm as they pedal. Other specialized bicycles may be designed for sprinting and other Olympic-distance events.
The track bicycle is very popular among amateur cyclists, and many racing teams will use a modified version of this bike to train for the big event. One interesting type of track bicycle is called the hybrid bike. It is a combination of the luxury touring bike and the mountain bike and may be used for racing or training.