Bicycle Bike

Short History of the Bicycle

The bicycle, bike or cycle is a human-powered vehicle that is driven by foot pedals. It has a basic frame with two wheels attached to it, one after the other. Almost 1.4 billion people in the world use this vehicle, and is obviously one of the most popular and cost-effective vehicles in use today. Not only is it an important and popular means of transport, but also an effective recreational tool. It has several uses such as police and military applications, courier services and cycling sports as well as adult fitness equipment.

Introduced in the 19th century in Europe, bicycle has a host of innovators and inventors credited to its name. The bicycle is supposed to originate from the human-powered vehicle called Draisines. This was introduced to the people in Paris in 1818 by German Baron Karl von Drais. Kirkpatrick MacMillan made an upgrade to this vehicle by adding a mechanical crank drive that as used to drive the vehicle. Thus, the modern `bicycle` came into being.

The French inventors Pierre Michaux and Pierre Lallement designed a high-seated and big front-wheeled bicycle (ordinary bicycle, as it was formally called) that wasn`t much preferred as of its bad weight distribution. The dwarf ordinary bicycle mended these faults but the front oversized wheel remained a problem to be solved. J.K. Starley`s 1885 Rover was the first modern bicycle in its true sense with even wheels and a proper seat.

The modern bicycle has many parts. They may be jotted down as follows.

Frame – Every bicycle today has a `diamond` frame, where the front triangle consists of the head tube, top tube, down tube and seat tube. The rear triangle consists of the seat tube and chain stays as well as seat stays. The basic of bicycle frames is to have high strength yet low weight so as to optimize the energy of the rider to the fullest. Women`s bicycles generally have a step-through frame. This defines that the top tube is absent as it allows the rider (usually a woman) to mount and dismount in a dignified way while wearing a skirt or dress.

Drivetrain – The pedals which rotate the arms of the mechanical crank and chain rings and the brackets, all are elements of the drivetrain. They are used for gears and other related functions in the bicycle.

Handlebars – The handlebars are one of the most important parts of a bicycle. Upright handlebars are used in normal bicycles while dropped handlebars are used in racing and mountaineering bicycles. The latter are used because they give aerodynamic steering and speed to the biker.

Saddles – The saddles are varying depending on the journey and preference of the rider. Cushioned ones are usually used for short journeys while narrower ones are meant to give more space for leg swings.

Brakes – Modern bicycle brakes are usually rim brakes that use friction pads to de-intensify speed. There are also internal hub brakes that have friction pads within the hubs that halt a speeding bicycle. Disc brakes are used on mountain, racing etc bicycles that need braking to be immediate and accurate.

Suspension – A bicycle has suspension to guard itself from the hard roads and also provide comfort to the rider who has to face the rough road.

Wheels – Wheels are necessary for a bicycle to run and reach its destination. Sizes, shapes and powerful wheels vary as per the rider`s needs and choice.

Cities such as Lyon, Barcelona and Paris have used bicycling schemes to good effect. The journey of the bicycle with the human race has been long and important, and will continue to lengthen as long as the human race still exists!

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Giro Xen Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $49 Giro Xen Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. What do you get when you combine the smooth, lower profile style and coverage of a multi-sport Bicycle Helmet with the lighter weight and ventilation of high-performance mountain bike Bicycle Helmet? The Xen of course!

Bell Delirium Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $49 Bell Delirium Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Amazingly light with extremely large vents for great airflow, this Bell Bicycle Helmet is more than just head protection -- it's a fashion statement!

GORE BIKE WEAR Bicycle Helmet Cap $32.99 GORE BIKE WEAR Bicycle Helmet Cap. This warming, extremely elastic cycling cap can be worn comfortably under a Bicycle Helmet. Won't irritate or restrict your head and is highly compact for easy packing.

2010 Bell Variant Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $64.99 2010 Bell Variant Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Whether it's a day at the trails, a few hours at the park or shuttling down that near vertical descent, this skate-inspired and trail-tuned Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet is ready to play anywhere you take it!

Bell Influx Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $34.99 Bell Influx Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. The fact that this is the world's best Bicycle Helmet value is kind of beside the point. With features like 18 massive vents, Fusion In-Mold Microshell, blade visor, GPS Fit System, channeled ventilation and Cam-Lock levers, the Influx is a great Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet at any price.

Giro Athlon Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $69 Giro Athlon Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. If your mountain bike riding style involves a timing chip and number plate, then you'll be relieved to know that Giro has developed a competition-specific bike Bicycle Helmet just for you. Compact shape, 23 Wind Tunnel vents and low-profile P.O.V. visor maximize comfort and performance on the race course.

2012 Giro Athlon Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $121.49 2012 Giro Athlon Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. If your mountain bike riding style involves a timing chip and number plate, then you'll be relieved to know that Giro has developed a competition-specific bike Bicycle Helmet just for you. Compact shape, 23 Wind Tunnel vents, low-profile P.O.V. visor and the new Roc Loc 5 retention system maximize comfort, fit and performance on the race course.

Giro E2 Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet Slate Small $99.99 Giro E2 Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet Slate Small. Whether you're attacking the singletrack or cruising through the great wide open, the Giro E2 Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet is a proven winner on the trail.

2012 Bell Sequence Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $89.99 2012 Bell Sequence Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Somewhere between full-on XC racing and just riding for the huck of it sits the Bell Sequence Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. European-inspired, the Sequence is equipped with the Twin Axis Gear fit system, 24 flow-tuned vents and a VPV visor adjustable visor for everything from the all-day XC epic to the a 24-hour endurance race to the show-and-go after work ride.

2011 Lazer Clash Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $69.99 2011 Lazer Clash Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Whether you're cruisin' fast on a rock-strewn trail or you've suddenly developed a relationship with a tree you never saw before, one thing is for sure: You'll be glad you wore the Clash bike Bicycle Helmet. Additional shell protection underneath the In-Molded upper shell maximizes durability. Award-winning, Rollsys system provides the most accurate and advanced fit on the planet, and even stays in position in the event of a crash.

Giro Animas Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $49 Giro Animas Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. If you're an up-and-coming racer or singletrack hog who wants a deal on top performance, you should check out the Animas. It combines aggressive style and Wind Tunnel vents with the stability of a Roc Loc 4 system and P.O.V. visor. Whether its epic endurance challenges or tough terrain, this bike Bicycle Helmet has you covered.

2012 Giro Xar Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $116.99 2012 Giro Xar Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Introducing the new czar of all-mountain riding. With skate-punk style, sleek lines, 17 Wind Tunnel vents, X-Static padding, and the unmatched fit and adjustability of Giro's new Roc Loc 5 retention system, the Xar bike Bicycle Helmet blends coverage, comfort and style.

2012 Bell Variant Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $71.99 2012 Bell Variant Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Whether it's a day at the trails, a few hours at the park or shuttling down that near vertical descent, this skate-inspired, trail-tuned, bike Bicycle Helmet is ready to play anywhere you take it. With features like Fusion In-Mold Microshell, adjustable visor, Twin Axis Gear fit system, channeled ventilation, and Cam-Lock levers, the Variant's got it all.

2012 Giro Hex Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $80.99 2012 Giro Hex Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. The Hex bike Bicycle Helmet lures the trail-hungry rider with its top-level features. Rock-hard design guarantees unparalleled protection for your dream box. 21 vents provide powerful ventilation, adjustable visor shields your eyes, and the new Roc Loc 5 retention system sets the standard for comfort, stability, adjustability and weight savings.

2011 Giro Hex Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $80.99 2011 Giro Hex Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. The Hex bike Bicycle Helmet lures the trail-hungry rider with its top-level features. Rock-hard design guarantees unparalleled protection for your dream box. 21 vents provide powerful ventilation, adjustable visor shields your eyes, and the new Roc Loc 5 retention system sets the standard for comfort, stability, adjustability and weight savings.

Giro Hex Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $34 Giro Hex Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. The Hex bike Bicycle Helmet lures the trail-hungry rider with its top-level features. Rock-hard design guarantees unparalleled protection for your dream box. 21 vents provide powerful ventilation, adjustable visor shields your eyes and the Roc Loc 4 retention system enhances stability over rough terrain.

2011 Lazer Oasiz Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $109.99 2011 Lazer Oasiz Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Lazer has teamed up with legendary mountain biker, Brian Lopes, to create an all-mountain bike Bicycle Helmet with more protection and coverage. In-Molded reinforcement structure improves impact resistance and guarantees higher safety. Extended back and sides shield your neck and face on rougher rides. Lazer and Brian even reduced the Bicycle Helmet weight, optimized ventilation, added advanced retention features and gave it a very appropriate name: the Oasiz. It's one of the safest places to put your head.

2012 Mavic Syncro Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $124.95 2012 Mavic Syncro Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Designed for the hottest days on the road or trail, the versatile Syncro Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet won't weigh you down or trap heat like other cycling helmets. Lightweight shell is constructed for competitive use and follows the contours of your head to reduce pressure points. Generously sized vents keep you cool, sweat-wicking Ergo Fit Pads provide comfort, and the single-handed retention system easily adjusts on-the-fly. Removable visor is included for off-road applications.

2012 Giro Feature Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $67.49 2012 Giro Feature Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Whether you're bushwhacking through neglected trails, gearing up for an all-mountain epic or racing in a Super-D, one thing is for sure. The Giro Feature bike Bicycle Helmet can handle it all. Its new shape has more coverage than traditional helmets for maximum impact protection. Internal channels keep your head cool on the climbs, adjustable moto-style visor protects your vision and the In-Form retention system makes it easy to dial-in the perfect fit, even with gloves on.

Bell Furio Road Bicycle Helmet $24 Bell Furio Road Bicycle Helmet. Are you the type Phil Liggett would say rides with fury? Then this is your road bike Bicycle Helmet!

TransIt Bicycle Hoist $39.99 TransIt Bicycle Hoist. There's no such thing as not enough room for another bike! Store bikes overhead and out of the way with the TransIt Bicycle Hoist. a href=/images/performance/web/PDFs/00-0807 Xport Bicycle Hoist Deluxe_1108_3_INST.pdf target=_blankClick for Instruction Manual/a

Bern Watts Bicycle Helmet $58.49 Bern Watts Bicycle Helmet. Have multiple impacts left you a few watts short of a light bulb? If so, then we have a bike Bicycle Helmet for you. ABS shell with EPS hard form provides excellent head protection so you can mountain bike, BMX, skateboard and ski in confidence. 10 vents keep your head cool, integrated visor just looks cool and Sink Fit design feels as good as it looks. Rediscover those light bulb moments in the Watts Bicycle Helmet.

Ascent Strada Road Bicycle Helmet $49.99 Ascent Strada Road Bicycle Helmet. The Strada bike Bicycle Helmet brings pro-level features and styling to the everyday road rider with its In-Mold construction, large cooling vents and fast, sculpted look.

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Giro Remedy DH Bicycle Helmet Blue Small $59.99 Giro Remedy DH Bicycle Helmet Blue Small. Take your big hit bike down the mountain with this high-impact full face Bicycle Helmet.

Ascent Blast Kid's Pack Bicycle Helmet and Pads $24.99 Ascent Blast Kid's Pack Bicycle Helmet and Pads. Is your little one learning the ropes of riding a bike or trike? Then protect them from bumps and scrapes along the way with this kid's bike Bicycle Helmet and pad set.

Giant Talos Bicycle Helmet Red Small $20 Giant Talos Bicycle Helmet Red Small. Protection and ventilation is the name of the game with bike helmets and the Talos has plenty of both.

Bell Slant Sport Bicycle Helmet $45 Bell Slant Sport Bicycle Helmet. With tons of ventilation, versatility and value, the Slant bike Bicycle Helmet is equipped for road and off-road riding. Features 21 channeled vents, Fusion In-Mold Microshell, ErgoDial fit system, easy-adjust Cam-Lock levers and removable visor.

Giro Rift Sport Bicycle Helmet $39.99 Giro Rift Sport Bicycle Helmet. There are plenty of affordable bike helmets out there that can make you look like a human bowling ball. But not this one! With rugged good looks and technical features that rival many higher-end bike helmets, no one will ever guess it didn't break the bank!

Bell Alchera Road Bicycle Helmet $49.99 Bell Alchera Road Bicycle Helmet. The Bell Alchera road Bicycle Helmet is a podium-worthy contender that's sure to become your new favorite.

Bern Brentwood Bicycle Helmet $67.49 Bern Brentwood Bicycle Helmet. Hello brain. Meet the Brentwood. It's the thinnest, lightest, lowest profile bike Bicycle Helmet available for adrenaline-pumping sports like skateboarding, biking, in-line skating, snowboarding and skiing. Tough, PVC shell is fused with liquid-injected, high-impact foam to protect your grey matter from the worst blows. Channeled vents keep your head cool while the detachable visor keeps you looking cool. Sink Fit design fits lower for better protection and accommodates sunglasses or goggles. The Brentwood is your brain's new best friend.

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