Bicycles have many uses and can be classified as either pedal cycles or bikes. They are pedal-driven vehicles with two wheels attached to a frame. Bicycles are used to travel long distances and are popular with recreational and transportation users. The person riding a bicycle is called a bicyclist or cyclist. Bicycles are used by both men and women. Despite their many names, the bicycle is a fundamental part of everyday life.
The bicycle was first produced in Britain in the 1870s. In 1876, British manufacturers showed off their bicycles at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Boston industrialist Albert E. Pope exhibited a Michaux bicycle, which quickly spread across the country. A year later, he began making Columbia bicycles, which were a copy of the British Duplex Excelsior. During the early days of bicycle production, speeds were limited by wheel diameter and pedaling cadence. Larger front wheels, especially those for longer distances, sped up the speed and handled better on bad roads. The development of tension spoking enabled wheels of forty to sixty inches and 152 cm diameters.
Bikes are designed with different gears for different cycling styles. For example, a mountain bike with lower gears will require less effort per turn than a cruiser. However, a mountain bike with a high gear ratio will require more effort per turn. Ultimately, you should pick the bike that best suits your riding style and budget. A multi-speed bike will let you customize the experience and ride to your heart’s content. If you don’t know what to look for in a bicycle, take a look at some of these tips.