Presentación Esencial

BIKES

Echo por Cristina y León 1ºB

información

The bicycle, colloquially called bici2​ (also called cicla or cycle in Colombia and Cuba,3​4​ chiva or rila, in Mexico and cleta in Chile),5​6​7​ is a human-powered personal transportation vehicle. . It is driven by the traveler himself, who operates the vehicle with the muscular effort of his legs, particularly through pedals or cranks.3 Its basic components are two wheels,3 generally of equal diameter and arranged in line, a transmission system of pedals, a frame that gives it the structure and integrates the components, a handlebar to control the direction and a saddle to sit on. The movement is obtained by turning the symmetrically arranged pedals with the legs. Each one with a lever known as a crank is assembled in the frame, and in general the right pedal is the one with the largest star or plate where the chain is mounted. which in turn rotates the pinion, which finally rotates the rear wheel on the ground, then causing movement. The basic design and configuration of the bicycle has changed little since the first chain drive developed around 1885.8​

The history of the bike

The bicycle has become one of the most important and high-end means of two-wheeled transportation worldwide. It is characterized by being personal, ecological and human-powered. Basically, it is an object that has two in-line wheels that support a frame made of aluminum, two pedals that help the cyclist to emit the propulsion force, a handlebar to control the direction and a saddle to sit and be. comfortable while driving. Although it is true that new technological advances have allowed the creation of more sophisticated vehicles that operate through the use of motors, bikes, as bicycles have been popularly called, still retain a place of honor among the preferences of the public. public. And of course there are more and more of them that we can see walking on the streets of any city, especially in Europe. But it is impossible to talk about them and their qualities without knowing their origin. And yes, the bicycles that have evolved over the years have a lot of history ahead of them. If you want to know every detail related to this important and valued object, but also how it became what it is today

More information

bicycle, two-wheeled steerable machine that is pedaled by the rider's feet. On a standard bicycle the wheels are mounted in-line in a metal frame, with the front wheel held in a rotatable fork. The rider sits on a saddle and steers by leaning and turning handlebars that are attached to the fork.

The bicycle, colloquially called bici (also called cicla or cycle in Colombia and Cuba,3​4​ chiva or rila, in Mexico and cleta in Chile),5​6​7​ is a human-powered personal transportation vehicle. . It is driven by the traveler himself, who operates the vehicle with the muscular effort of his legs, particularly through pedals or cranks.3 Its basic components are two wheels,3 generally of equal diameter and arranged in line, a transmission system of pedals, a frame that gives it the structure and integrates the components, a handlebar to control the direction and a saddle to sit on. The movement is obtained by turning the symmetrically arranged pedals with the legs. Each one with a lever known as a crank is assembled in the frame, and in general the right pedal is the one with the largest star or plate where the chain is mounted. which in turn rotates the pinion, which finally rotates the rear wheel on the ground, then causing movement. The basic design and configuration of the bicycle has changed little since the first chain drive developed around 1885.8​

¿what was the first bicycle and who invented it?

Karl Freiherr von Drais is credited with creating the bicycle. And it was in 1817 when the world saw a bicycle for the first time thanks to the invention of this German citizen. But this first copy was made of wood and, according to historical records, it was nothing like what it is today. This machine, which was also called the Draisiana, did not have pedals. Whoever wanted to walk on it had to push off with their feet from the ground.

But of course, this wouldn't stop there. And seeing the usefulness for the citizen, its first important change began in 1839. It is thanks to the blacksmith Kirkpatrick Macmillan that wheels and pedals were incorporated. Despite the progress the Scotsman made, this time there were no chains to help with propulsion.

Years later, specifically in 1861, the Frenchman Pierre Michaux made history. In order to perfect the machine invented by Kard Drais and improved by Kirkpatrick Macmillan, he incorporated the pedals right on the front wheel. However, it was not as successful as I expected because it was difficult to maintain balance that way. By 1879 the Englishman James Starley decided that the front wheel would be a little larger than the rear. In this way, he believed he had solved the problem of lack of balance and, in part, he succeeded.

The boom of the modern bicycle The modern bicycle appeared on the market in 1885. The model is similar to what we know today. Includes brakes, tires with air chamber and a chain with connection to the rear wheel. But its design guaranteed much more comfort for the cyclist, since it allowed him to adopt a less rigid and more natural posture. The size also turned out to be a big advantage. It was much smaller, so if you fell to the ground, the hit was softer and less painful. The inventor? John Kemp Starley. Masterfully made, this new update was suitable for the countryside as well as the city, although it also brought many benefits to its owner.

countries where bicycles are used the most :

Europe is the continent where bicycles are used the most. Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium are just some of the countries on the Old Continent where this simple but sophisticated device is given great value. Spain has also registered high levels of preference and cities like Madrid see many cyclists every year. Asia has also gained a lot from the use of bicycles, with China and India enjoying them the most as a means of transportation.

The draisiana

In 1817, the German baron Karl Christian Ludwig Drais von Sauerbronn invented the first two-wheeled vehicle, which he called a walking machine (in German, laufmaschine), the precursor of the bicycle and motorcycle. This "walking machine" consisted of a kind of cart with two wheels, placed one behind the other, and a handlebar. The person sat on a small mount, placed in the center of a small wooden frame. To move, he alternately pushed forward with his left and right foot, similar to the movement of a skater. With this impulse, the vehicle acquired a speed almost identical to that of a carriage. His arms rested on an iron armrest, and with his hands he held a wooden rod, attached to the front wheel, which turned in the direction in which the driver wanted to go.

Culture

The bicycle has been the protagonist in films such as Bicycle Thief (1948), Death of a Cyclist (1955), E.T., the Extraterrestrial (1982), Los bicivoladores (1983), Bicycles Are for Summer (1984), Cinema Paradiso ( 1988), The Postman (and Pablo Neruda) (1994), Ghislain Lambert's Bike (2001), The Bicycle (2006) and The Green Bicycle (2012)37​38​ and in books such as The Forced on the Road: Tour de Francia 1924 (2009), Sky's The Limit (2013), Ladies on a Bicycle (2014), My Dear Bicycle (2014) and Madrid Cyclists and Runners (2015).39​

Bicycles for disabled people

The handcycle can also be used for all those who have some type of disability in the lower extremities or trunk: spinal cord injuries (paraplegics and some quadriplegics), amputees, polio, etc. That is, for those who, due to some type of disability in the legs or trunk, cannot carry a bicycle propelled by their legs. Tandem for people with visual disabilities: The tandem is indicated for people who need a companion to guide them. Tricycle (or quadricycles): The tricycle is a three-wheeled bicycle especially suitable for those people who have coordination or balance problems. Just like the generic bicycle, it is propelled with the feet and directed with the arms. Depending on the models, there are many accessories that adapt to the specific needs of the user: trunk control systems, special handlebars, additional handlebars so that, if necessary, the companion can help direct the tricycle, etc.

The mountain bike

The mountain bike or all-terrain bike (MTB) is a bicycle intended for sports in rugged terrain, so the resistance of its parts is a main point, as is the protection of its parts from mud and dirt, It also has several transmission ratios to adapt pedaling to the terrain conditions. Sports practiced are Cross country, Freeride, Four cross, Dirt jump and Downhill.

Today's bicycles

As you have seen, the bicycles of the past have absolutely nothing to do with those of today. Currently, bicycles are very varied and are classified by type. In this sense, it should be noted that the concept of versatility has been lost. As is logical and obvious, a track bicycle, that is, with a fixed gear, is not suitable for road riding, much less MTB. The bikes were improving and new details were added each time. First there were the pedals and then the brakes. Then came gears, clipless pedals, suspensions and finally disc brakes.

The touring bicycle

Touring bikes for long distances and heavy loads are designed for comfort. Stability is increased by its long wheelbase, which keeps the weight balanced, as well as having space for front and rear saddlebags for touring, although some prefer to keep them light and carry only a small set of tools and a credit card. Just a few years ago, the touring bicycle would have been considered a racing bicycle in its entirety.

other tipe of bicicle

BMX: is a bicycle with a frame and small diameter wheels. The most common size of its wheels is 20" and is mainly intended for stunts and speed competitions with jumps; it normally does not have a gear change, but rather a fixed ratio.

protective equipment

The cycling helmet is a passive safety element that supposedly contributes to reducing the incidence and intensity of head injuries. While some case-control studies23​24​ have shown a reduction in trauma between 39 and 85%, numerous other statistical studies have exposed a lack of relationship between helmet use and the incidence of trauma and some even suggest that the Wearing a helmet makes it more likely that other vehicles will hit cyclists.25 According to a 2006 University of Bath study of 2,500 drivers, when drivers overtake cyclists, they leave less space—an average of 8.5 cm less—between your vehicle and a cyclist wearing a helmet. That is, the space is affected by the appearance of the cyclist, since it is thought that a cyclist who wears a helmet is more experienced, therefore more predictable in his behavior on the road.25​

driving

The common element for every cyclist in terms of driving safety is having learned to ride correctly and not get distracted. Let's divide driving safety according to the type of cycling in question. Although riding a bicycle is common to all types, there are particular technical aspects in each type of bicycle as well as in each medium in which it is ridden.29​ Driving on highways, in fields and roads as well as in urban environments stands out. Each of the above aspects implies different care. It is common for interurban roads to have to drive on their shoulder (or shoulder), if one exists. The same rule also usually exists on highways, in addition to the fact that in Spain only drivers over 14 years of age may travel on them.

cycling health

muscles

Joint protection

stress

obesity

cáncer

heart

physical training

skeletal system

beauty

oxygenation

blood pressure

endurance

cholestelor

quality of life

the secondary benefits

Muscles: During pedaling, the leg muscles are involved; in abdominal, lumbar and back balance; and when holding the handlebars, shoulders and arms. These muscle trains are exercised with cycling activity.

Skeletal system: Bicycle use has a positive effect on bone density and strength due to the tension that the body applies when pedaling and driving the velocipede. Cyclic leg movement stimulates the muscles of the lower back, where herniated discs are most likely to occur. In this way the spine is reinforced and secured against external stresses. In particular, cycling can stimulate small muscles in the vertebrae that are difficult to affect through other exercise. This can help reduce the likelihood of back pain and other problems.

Types of racing bicycles:

Bicycles for road cycling.

Cyclocross bikes.

gravel bikes Bikes for track racing . Triathlon bikes Bikes for time trials. Criterium racing bikes Bicycles for the Tour de France.

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