Intro

This fact file is about bikes. It covers the history, types and components of the bike. 

History of the bike

draisienne

The first bike was called the “Draisienne”[French for balance bike]. It was invented in Germany by Karl Drais around 1820. It had no pedals and was made of wood.

The boneshaker

This bicycle was invented in the 1860s in France. after 1869, it was replacedwith the type of bicycle called “ordinary”, “high-wheel”, or “penny farthing”.

The penny farthing

The penny-farthing, was popular in the 1870s and 1880s, with its large front wheel providing high speeds, and comfort, because the large wheel provided greater shock absorption.

The safety bicycle

With 2 same sized wheels, and a drive train, this bike is more like the ones we know today.

Types of bikes and uses

Today’s bikes look similar toa safety bicycle but have improved and become more specialised.

Some types of bikes available today include:

Road bikes

Primarily used on roads and for racing [tour de france, criterium du dauphiné].

Mountain bikes

Used for riding off road and trails. They can can be used for xc [cross country] dh [downhill] enduro [going up then down,on a road or up a trail.] they can have full suspension or rigid back. 

Bmx

Fully rigid bikes for pumptrak or for skatepark

Shopper bikes

This is my term for commonly used bikes in urban areas.

Bike components

Here is a diagram of a full suspension mountain bike.

The parts labelled are:

1. Frame
2. Forks
3. Rear Shock 
4. Brake disc
5. Brake caliper
6. Axle
7. Spoke
8. Rim
9. Tyre
10. Brake lever
11. Gear shifter
12. Grips 
13. Handlebars
14. Stem/headtube
15. Brake lines
16. Saddle
17. Seatpost
18. Seat clamp
19. Bottom bracket
20. Crankset
21. Chainring
22. Chain
23.  Missing, pedals
24. Cassette
25. Derailleur

Other types of bikes have some of these components too – but this is the most complicated type of bike.