A Report On Bicycle, Its Components And Operation

Introduction

A bicycle otherwise known as a bike is a small human powered land vehicle which has two wheels, a seat, metal chain that is connected to cogs on the rear wheel and the pedals, and two pedals. All the parts of a bicycle are attached to the frame. The frame gives the bicycle strength. The name bicycle comes from the words “bi” meaning two and “cycle” meaning the wheel. Typically, a bike moves when an individual riding on the top powers it by pushing the pedals around with her or his feet. This is referred to as cycling. In most parts of the world a bicycle has become an important means of transport. It is also used from recreation since cycling allows people to exercise. Moreover, road bicycle racing is among the most popular sport in the world. The first bicycle was invented in the 1800s by Baron Carl von Drais when he introduced the running machine that allowed people to move around with a faster speed as well as an increased range. The running machine was a crud bicycle which had two wagon wheels connected through a wooden plank b had no pedals. Such a bicycle could only be used by men since it was underdeveloped. With time, bicycles have improved in design and shape. Previously, the bicycles were made of iron tires and wood and the bikers often faced the danger of death when they crashed. Today, most bikers wear safety gear when cycling to prevent serious injuries when they crash.

Components

Before you buy a bike, it is imperative to know all the major features or parts of a bicycle. Knowing the features of a bicycle helps you become a better cyclist. It is imperative to note that bicycles tend to be made of only a few parts which one can easily identify. At the core of a bicycle is the frame which is made of metal tubes which have been welded together. Each of the tube of the frame has a core.

• The frame of a bicycle
• The front fork refers to the moveable part of the frame which holds the front wheel of the bicycle.
• The seat and the seat post.
• The cranks and the pedals.
• The wheels which are made of the spokes, the hub, the rubber tire, and the metal rim.
• The brakes which consist of the actuators on the brake cable, the handlebars, the brake calipers, and the brake pads.
• The gears and chains which insist of the front chain wheel, the front and rear deraieur, the rear freewheel, the cables, and the shift levers on the handlebars.

Operation

The motor of a bicycle is what propels it to move forward. On the other hand, the gasoline of a bicycle is the riders own strength and energy. To this end, the pedals which are connected to a chain turns the wheels on the bicycle. All bikes have a gear system on which a chain turns. The gear determines how far each wheel turn with every pedal. The frame of the bike is made up of metal tubes which connect the wheel. It also provides the cyclist with a place to sit. It is significant to note that the metal tubes of the frame are made from lightweight metals including aluminum, steel or titanium. For the case of racing bikes, the frame is made from carbon fiber that is super strong and extremely lightweight. The wheels of a bicycle tend to be spoked with a rubber tire which covers the metal wheel underneath know as the rim.

However, the bike’s tires tend to have a similar design as those of a car but they are much lighter and thinner. The handlebars of a bike are where the cyclist controls the bicycle. While the handlebars may vary from one bike to the other depending on the purpose of the bike, they act as the main point of steering. Racing bikes have handlebars that are curved down like the horns of a mountain goat. On the handles is the bell which cyclists use to alert pedestrians that they are approaching. Therefore, a bell is an important part of a bicycle since it brings to the attention of other road users that they are approaching. The seat otherwise known as the saddle on a bike is a significant feature which attaches to the metal frame. People who want to enjoy riding their bike must make a choice of investing in a properly fitted sit. This however depends on the purpose of the bike. Some companies that assemble bikes make saddles specifically for men and women based on their different anatomies.

Conclusion

A bicycle is a great simple machine which can take you anywhere on land. It is easy and fun to go cycling across the streets while having conversations with people. In the modern world, bicycles are a healthy and safe choice for communities especially among the city residents. Bicycles are now among the most preferred method of transit because it pollutes the air less. The possibility of a bicycle causing accidents and hence wreckage in homes is minimal.

References

1. Gordon, D. (1981). Bicycle transit: Its planning and design. Transportation Research Part A: General, 15(2), pp. 195-196.
2. Narasimha, R. (2003). How two bicycle mechanics achieved the world’s first powered flight. Resonance, 8(12), pp. 61-75.
3. Oosterhuis, H. (2014). Bicycle Research between Bicycle Policies and Bicycle Culture. Mobility in History, 5(1).