Anatomy Of A Bicycle
What is Cycling?
Cycling is a low impact sport in which people ride bicycles. There are many different types of cycling, including road racing, mountain biking, BMX and track cycling. Cycling is a great way to get exercise, fresh air and enjoy the outdoors.
Getting Started With Cycling
If you are new to cycling, it is important to start slow and gradually increase your mileage. You will also need to invest in some gear and accessories, such as a helmet, water bottle, and a comfortable pair of bike shorts. Once you have the basics, you can start exploring different types of cycling and find the one that is right for you.
Types of Cycling
There are many different types of cycling, each with its own set of rules and regulations. The most popular types of cycling are road racing, mountain biking, BMX and track cycling.
- Road Racing: Road racing is a type of cycling that takes place on paved roads. Road races can be either mass start or time trial events. Mass start events are races in which all the cyclists start at the same time, whereas time trial events are races in which each cyclist starts at a different time.
- Mountain Biking: Mountain biking is a type of cycling that takes place on off-road trails. Mountain biking can be either cross-country or downhill. Cross-country mountain biking is a type of racing that takes place on a variety of terrain, whereas downhill mountain biking is a type of racing that takes place on a single, steep downhill trail.
- BMX: BMX is a type of cycling that takes place on dirt tracks. BMX racing is a type of racing that involves multiple riders racing around a track. BMX freestyle is a type of riding that involves performing tricks on a BMX bike.
- Track Cycling: Track cycling is a type of cycling that takes place on a velodrome, which is a type of track specifically designed for racing. Track cycling can be either sprint or endurance events. Sprint events are races in which multiple riders compete against each other over a short distance, whereas endurance events are races in which a single rider competes against the clock over a longer distance.
Health Benefits
Cycling is a great way to get exercise and improve your health. Some of the health benefits of cycling include:
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Reduces stress levels
- Increases muscle strength
- Increases joint flexibility
- Helps to improve balance and coordination
Cycling Mobility
Cycling mobility is defined as the freedom of movement made possible by the use of a bicycle. This mobility can be used for commuting to work, for recreational purposes, or for just going to the shopping centre.
Positive aspects
- Transport efficiency - A bicycle has a transport efficiency of around 200 W/kg, compared with around 15 W/kg for a car.
- Environmental benefits - Cycling is a clean mode of transport. It does not produce any pollution, does not consume fossil fuels and does not generate noise.
- Health and fitness issues - Cycling is an excellent way of keeping fit and healthy. It is a cheap form of physical exercise and provides a good work-out for the body.
- Cycling saves money - Cycling is a cheap form of transport. It does not consume any fossil fuels, does not produce any pollution, and does not generate any noise. It also helps to create employment opportunities.
- Set up your bike for indoor training: You can also easily set up your bike for indoor training by removing your rear wheel and attaching it to the trainer. It's best to use a trainer skewer, which is a skewer made especially for trainer use.
Negative aspects
- Lack of or inadequacy of road and parking infrastructures - There is a shortage of secure and safe bicycle parking facilities at work, in the city or in public places, and there is also a shortage of bicycle lanes and bicycle routes.
- Cyclists’ safety and security - A high percentage of cyclists are involved in road traffic accidents. There is a lack of security for cyclists who have to use roads with heavy traffic.
- Weather conditions - Cycling is uncomfortable in the wet or in rain, or when the temperature is very high or very low.
- Poor intermodality - There is a lack of intermodality between cycling, public transport and car-sharing, and this results in a lack of synergy among the three modes of transport.
Essential Cycling Gears
There are a few essential pieces of gear and accessories that you will need in order to start cycling.
- Helmet: A helmet is the most important piece of gear for a cyclist. A helmet protects your head in the event of a fall or collision.
- Water Bottle: It is important to stay hydrated when cycling, so a water bottle is a must-have.
- Bike Shorts: Bike shorts are designed to be comfortable and reduce friction. They also have a padded insert that helps to protect your bottom from the saddle.
- Gloves: Gloves help to protect your hands from the elements and from vibrations.
Pro Cycling Gears
If you are interested in taking your cycling to the next level, there are a few additional pieces of gear that you may want to consider.
- Cycling Shoes: Cycling shoes are designed to be stiff and provide a more efficient pedaling motion.
- Clip-In Pedals: Clip-in pedals attach your shoes to the pedals, which helps to increase pedaling efficiency.
- Carbon Fiber Frames: Carbon fiber frames are lighter and stronger than aluminum frames.
- Aero Bars: Aero bars help to reduce wind drag and improve aerodynamics.
- Power Meter: A power meter measures the power output of your pedals.
- GPS: A GPS can be used to track your cycling route and distance.
- Heart Rate Monitor: A heart rate monitor helps you to track your heart rate and ensure that you are staying within your target heart rate zone.
- Action Camera: An action camera can be used to record your cycling rides.
- Cyclocomputer: A cyclocomputer is a device that mounts on your bike and displays information such as speed, distance and heart rate.
History of Cycling
The first documented bicycle race was held in 1868 in Paris, France. The first Tour de France, a road cycling race, was held in 1903. Mountain biking became popular in the 1970s, and BMX racing was added to the Olympic Games in 2008.
List of Beginner Cycling Equipments and Description
Here's a list of beginner cycling equipments and their descriptions to help you get started on your cycling journey:
- Bicycle - The bicycle should be the lightest possible, but have enough gears to climb the steep hills of San Francisco.
- Helmet - A nice bike helmet could cost anywhere from $100 to $500. Make sure it fits well and is comfortable.
- Gloves - Winter gloves are very important when you ride in the freezing temperatures of San Francisco, but in the summer gloves can be considered a luxury that protects the hands from injury.
- Shoes - Cycling shoes are only needed for racing, but are very helpful for long rides.
- Clipless Pedals - These are helpful in attaching the cleats to your shoes. Before you invest in these make sure you can attach and detach the cleats without damaging your shoes.
- Water Bottle - A water bottle is essential to any ride, but make sure it can be easily accessible while you are riding.
Cycling Tips for Beginners
Here are some cycling tips for beginners:
- Wear a Helmet - Helmets are required by law in some states, but they are recommended even in states where they are not required. Helmets can protect your head from injury in the event of a fall.
- Wear Gloves - Gloves are not required by law, but they are recommended. Gloves can protect your hands from injury in the event of a fall.
- Wear Shoes - Shoes are not required by law, but they are recommended. Shoes can protect your feet from injury in the event of a fall.
- Ride in the Bike Lane - If there is a bike lane on the road, ride in the bike lane. Bike lanes are designed to keep cyclists safe.
- Use Hand Signals - When you are turning, use hand signals to let other cyclists and drivers know what you are doing.
- Obey the Rules of the Road - Cyclists are required to obey the same rules of the road as motorists.
- Be Visible - Wear bright clothing so that you are visible to other cyclists and motorists.
- Be Predictable - Ride in a straight line and don't make sudden turns. This will help other cyclists and motorists know what you are doing.
- Yield to Pedestrians - Pedestrians have the right of way. When you are riding, yield to pedestrians.
- Watch for Vehicles - When you are riding, be aware of vehicles. Vehicles may not see you, so it is important to be aware of them.
- Use Lights at Night - When you are riding at night, use lights so that you are visible to other cyclists and motorists.
- Wear Reflective Clothing at Night - When you are riding at night, wear reflective clothing so that you are visible to other cyclists and motorists.
- Follow the Law - Cyclists are required to obey the same laws as motorists.
- Ride defensively - When you are riding, be aware of other cyclists and motorists. Ride defensively to stay safe.
List of Pro Cycling Equipments and Description
Here's a list of professional cycling equipment and their descriptions:
- Bicycle - The bicycle is the most important piece of equipment for a cyclist. There are many different types of bicycles, including road bikes, mountain bikes, BMX bikes, and track bikes.
- Helmet - A helmet is a piece of equipment that is worn on the head to protect the head from injury. Helmets are required by law in some states.
- Gloves - Gloves are a piece of equipment that is worn on the hands to protect the hands from injury. Gloves are not required by law, but they are recommended.
- Shoes - Shoes are a piece of equipment that is worn on the feet to protect the feet from injury. Shoes are not required by law, but they are recommended.
- Clipless Pedals - Clipless pedals are a type of pedal that allows the cyclist to clip their shoes into the pedals. Clipless pedals are not required by law, but they are recommended.
- Water Bottle - A water bottle is a piece of equipment that is used to hold water. Water bottles are not required by law, but they are recommended.
- Bicycle Computer - A bicycle computer is a piece of equipment that is used to track the cyclist's speed, distance, and time. Bicycle computers are not required by law, but they are recommended.
- Heart Rate Monitor - A heart rate monitor is a piece of equipment that is used to track the cyclist's heart rate. Heart rate monitors are not required by law, but they are recommended.
- Power Meter - A power meter is a piece of equipment that is used to measure the cyclist's power output. Power meters are not required by law, but they are recommended.
- Aerobars - Aerobars are a type of handlebar that is used to help the cyclist achieve an aerodynamic position. Aerobars are not required by law, but they are recommended.
- Bicycle Trailer - A bicycle trailer is a piece of equipment that is used to carry cargo. Bicycle trailers are not required by law, but they are recommended.
- Cycling Clothes - Bicycle clothing is specially designed to make your riding experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Cycling standard jersey should be made of breathable fabrics so that you do not feel hot and sweaty while riding. They should also be light in weight so that you do not feel tired easily. Always keep you cycling clothes clean and dry. Do not forget to wash them after every ride.
Cycling Training Tips
Here are some cycling training tips:
- Set a Goal - When you are training, set a goal. Whether your goal is to lose weight, get fit or prepare for a race, setting a goal will help you stay motivated.
- Make a Plan - Once you have set a goal, make a plan. Your plan should include how often you will ride, how far you will ride, and what route you will take.
- Know Your Limits - When you are training, it is important to know your limits. If you push yourself too hard, you may get injured.
- Listen to Your Body - When you are training, listen to your body. If you are feeling pain, tiredness or other symptoms, take a break.
- Warm-Up - Before you start riding, warm up. Warm up by riding slowly for the first few minutes. This will help you avoid injury.
- Cool Down - After you finish riding, cool down. Cool down by riding slowly for the last few minutes. This will help you avoid injury.
- Stretch - After you finish riding, stretch. Stretching will help you avoid injury.
- Rest - When you are training, it is important to rest. Your body needs time to recover from the exertion of riding.
Cycling Skills
Many Schools and police departments in UK and USA often run educational programs to teach children how to ride bicycles safely. These programs may teach children about the rules of the road as they apply to cyclists. They may also teach children how to handle their bicycles safely.
Cycling can be a fun way to get around, but it also takes skill to ride safely and efficiently in traffic. One popular approach to riding in motor vehicle traffic is vehicular cycling, occupying road space as car does.
In many countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands, where cycling is popular, cyclists have diffrent lane separate from, main highways and roads.
Cycling Association
Cyclists form associations to improve cycling conditions and advocate for cyclist rights. These associations can be for specific interests, such as developing trails or maintaining roads, or for more general goals, such as promoting fitness or reducing pollution.
The Bicycle Association of Europe promote the use of bicycles. Its early campaigns targeted the UK government to invest in the creation of better roads and highways, and to introduce legislation to improve both driver and rider safety. The association also focuses on supporting cycling as a viable mode of transport.
As you can see, there are many organizations related to cycling, and they all have their distinctive aims. Some of the groups are more geared towards recreational riding, while some others are geared towards transportation needs. Union Cycliste Internationale in Switzerland merged with the USA Cycling Association and the International Human Powered Vehicle Association for organising cycling as a sport internationally.
Cycling World Records
Speed record on a bicycle
- Bruce Bursford (1996), Speed-334.6 km/h (207.9 mph), Record-Flat surface (indoor), Virtual "motor-paced" (Pedaling on bicycle rollers after being "towed" to 100 mph)
- Denise Mueller-Korenek (2018), Speed-296.009 km/h (183.932 mph), Record-Flat surface (outdoor)
- Fred Rompelberg (1995), Speed-268.831 km/h (167.044 mph), Record-Flat surface (outdoor), motor-paced, male.
- Eric Barone (2017), Speed-227.72 km/h (141.50 mph), Record-Downhill on snow (outdoor), unpaced, on a prototype bicycle.
- Eric Barone (2015), Speed-223.3 km/h (138.8 mph), Record-Downhill on snow (outdoor), unpaced, on a prototype bicycle.
- Eric Barone (2000), Speed-222.22 km/h (138.08 mph), Record-Downhill on snow (outdoor), unpaced, on a prototype bicycle.
- Markus Stöckl (2007), Speed-210.4 km/h (130.7 mph), Record-Downhill on snow (outdoor), unpaced, on a serial production bicycle.
- Markus Stöckl (2017), Speed-167.6 km/h (104.1 mph), Record-Downhill on a volcano (outdoor), unpaced, on a serial production bicycle.
- Todd Reichert (2016), Speed-144.17 km/h (89.58 mph), Record-Slight downhill (-0.6% grade) (outdoor), on a Faired Recumbent.
- Ilona Peltier (2019), Speed-126.52 km/h (78.62 mph), Record-Slight downhill (-0.6% grade) (outdoor), on a Faired Recumbent.
UCI hour records
- UCI men's record: Victor Campenaerts Belgium, 2019, 55.089 kilometres (34.231 miles)
- UCI women's record: Joss Lowden United Kingdom, 2021, 48.405 kilometres (30.077 miles)
- UCI farthest distance men's: Chris Boardman United Kingdom, 1996, 56.375 km (35.03 miles)
World Endurance record for a single year
- 1911 Marcel Planes (France) 34,366 miles (55,307 km)
- 1932 Arthur Humbles (Great Britain) 36,007 miles (57,948 km)
- 1933 Ossie Nicholson (Australia) 43,966 miles (70,756 km)
- 1936 Walter Greaves (Great Britain) 45,383 miles (73,037 km)
- 1937 Bernard Bennett (Great Britain) 45,801 miles (73,710 km)
- 1937 René Menzies (France) 61,561 miles (99,073 km)
- 1937 Ossie Nicholson (Australia) 62,657 miles (100,837 km)
- 1939 Bernard Bennett (Great Britain) 65,127 miles (104,812 km)
- 1939 Tommy Godwin (Great Britain) 75,065 miles (120,805 km)
- 2015 Kurt Searvogel (United States) 76,076 miles (122,432. km)
- 2017 Amanda Coker (United States) 86,537 miles (139,269 km)
World Records In Track Cycling
Men World Bests
- Flying 200m time trial (sea level) 9.215 Jeffrey Hoogland/Harrie Lavreysen Netherlands 4 August 2021 Olympic Games Shizuoka, Japan
- 250 m time trial (standing start) 16.984 Rene Enders Germany 5 December 2013 World Cup Aguascalientes, Mexico
- 250 m time trial (standing start) (sea level) 16.995 Ethan Mitchell New Zealand 11 August 2016 Olympic Games Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- 1 km time trial (sea level) 58.016 Jeffrey Hoogland Netherlands 6 October 2021 European Championships Grenchen, Switzerland
- 1 km time trial tandem (sea level) 58.038 Neil Fachie/Matt Rotherham Great Britain 28 August 2021 Paralympic Games Izu, Japan
- 1 km madison time trial 54.446 Ed Clancy/George Atkins Great Britain 1 February 2014 Revolution Series Manchester, United Kingdom
- Team sprint (sea level)[a] 41.225 Jeffrey Hoogland/Harrie Lavreysen/Roy van den Berg Netherlands 26 February 2020 World Championships Berlin, Germany
- 4000 m individual pursuit (sea level) 4:01.934 Filippo Ganna Italy 28 February 2020 World Championships Berlin, Germany
- Hour record (sea level) 54.526 km Bradley Wiggins Great Britain 7 June 2015 London, Great Britain
Women World Bests
- Flying 200m time trial (sea level) 10.310 Lea Friedrich Germany 6 August 2021 Olympic Games Shizuoka, Japan
- 250 m time trial (standing start) 18.247 Bao Shanju China 2 August 2021 Olympic Games Shizuoka, Japan
- 500 m time trial (sea level) 32.720 Daria Shmeleva Russia 15 November 2020 European Championships Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Flying 1 km time trial 1:03.264+ Chloé Dygert United States 29 February 2020 World Championships Berlin, Germany
- 1 km time trial 1:06.144 Anastasiia Voinova Russia 8 August 2019 Saint Petersburg, Russia 3000m individual pursuit
- (sea level) 3:16.937 Chloé Dygert Owen United States 29 February 2020 World Championships Berlin, Germany
- Hour record (sea level) 48.405 km Joss Lowden Great Britain 30 September 2021 Grenchen, Switzerland
Conclusion
Cycling is a great way to get exercise, fresh air and enjoy the outdoors. It is also a low-impact sport, which means it is easy on your joints and muscles. If you are new to cycling, it is important to start slow and gradually increase your mileage. You will also need to invest in some gear and accessories, such as a helmet, water bottle, and a comfortable pair of bike shorts. Once you have the basics, you can start exploring different types of cycling and find the one that is right for you.