Bicycle - A High Utility Vehicle

Evolution of bicycle commenced in 1818 with pushmail delivery, used by military for troup movement, and
bikes or hobby horses which were like a woodenit also became a source of recreation.
frame supported by two in-line wheels and the riderWith an advent of technology and modern materials,
used to push it with his feet while navigating the frontvarious types of bicycles are launched in the market.
wheel. Then in 1839 it was refined, as a mechanicalThere is a range of utility bicycles, racing bicycles,
crank drive was added to the rear wheel.mountain bicycles, BMX bicycles and many more. One
A new design of bicycle marked its beginning in 1850scan select the type of bicycle according to his
and 1860s when Frenchmen Pierre Michaux and Pierrerequirement in terme of functions, number of riders, etc.
Lallement placed pedals on an enlarged front wheel. ItA rider rides the bicycle by keeping it upright so that
was made of wrought iron and wood with mountedthe centre of gravity remain on its wheels. He leans
wire spiked wheels with solid rubber tires on a tubularwhile taking a turn by turning the handlebars with his
steel frame. But this designed faced problem of veryhands. He uses brakes in order to stop, as the brakes
high seat and uneven distribution of weight.applies stopping force to the front wheels. It is the
Subsequently, these problems were solved to somemost energy-efficient means of transportation, as it
extent by reducing the front wheel diameter, addingrequires very low energy to ride in a slow speed and
gears to attain enough speed, setting the seat in thetransmits 99% of energy of a rider to the wheels.
middle, etc. But it faced major problem with the frontWith an influx of technology and innovatios, the
wheel, as both pedal and steer were attached to it.designing of bicycles has remarkably changed. There
Then J.K. Starley, J.H. Lawson and Shergold connectedare different models for men and women, racing and
the pedals with the back wheel with chain driveordinary rides, cargo carriers and circus use. Each
system to reduce the problem. Those bicycles weremodel has its own unique features in order to meet
given a name of safety bicycles or dwarf safeties, asthe exclusive requirements of the rider like gears for
they had lower seats with equal distribution of weight.racing riders, cushioned saddles for short distance
Golden age of bicycles began in 1890s, since newriders, disc brakes for off-road riders, etc.
innovations made these bicycles more comfortable.The use of bicycle has not only improved man`s day
Pneumatic tire was an invention of Scotsman Johnto day life, but also contributed for better environment
Boyd Dunlop in 1888 and then only freewheel wasbecause cycling doesn`t cause polllution. Moreover, it
developed. Subsequently, coastal brakes werehas positive effects on one`s health. Manufacturing of
invented in 1898. This period also marked thebicycles has led to the deveopment of other industries
introduction of derailleur gears and hand operatedalso like composition of ball bearings, sprockets,
cable-pull brakes. Soon it became world wide famouswashers, etc., as many companies make frames of
due to its high utility in alsmost every field. It was usedbicycles and buy other parts from other companies.
in India to distribute milk in houses, used by postman for