Sports and Fitness, Equipment
What kinds of bicycles are: types, features of structures, characteristics, manufacturers
Those who still ask about the need to buy a bicycle, it is worth examining the data available to date on the benefits of its use. Regular movements on this vehicle can provide an excellent therapeutic effect, helping to eliminate stress. In addition, while riding a bicycle a person produces certain enzymes and hormones that work much better than the most powerful antidepressants. Beneficially affects this vehicle and the cardiovascular system.
A bit of history
In the distant 1818 German mechanic and professor of engineering invented an unusual for his time vehicle. It consisted of a frame, a steering wheel and two wheels. Such a design the author called a car for running, because the pedal drive she had at that time was not yet.
From this moment the history of the bicycle begins. Soon the car for running became very popular among young people of that time. This is confirmed by the records in the diaries of the nobles, as well as the first films of the emerging cinematograph.
A little later, an English engineer thought of adding a chain and pedals to the "sedentary scooter". This was the birth of a bicycle in the form that is familiar to the current generation. To date, manufacturers offer us dozens of types of models of these vehicles, not to mention their numerous varieties.
Classification
Before you visit the store in order to buy a two-wheeled vehicle, you need to understand its existing types. Why do I need to know what are the bikes? This is necessary to buy a suitable bike that can perform specific tasks.
The classification of this type of transport is not an easy task. After all, there are a great many of its official varieties, as well as subspecies.
What are the bikes? Conditionally they are divided:
- by age of the owner - children's and teenagers, and also adults;
- in the field of application (in the city, on the highway, on the rough terrain).
However, there is a common marketing grouping, which responds fairly well to the question of ordinary buyers "What are the bicycles?". According to this classification, these categories of two-wheeled vehicles are distinguished:
1. Mountain. This type of bike, called mountain bike, is by far the most common and popular among users. Its main purpose is to ride outside the roads, in a terrain that has a severely rugged terrain. The main varieties of this group include bicycles with one or two shock absorbers. They are called, respectively, hardtail and two-podvesves. This allows the cyclist to ride off-road with maximum comfort.
2. Road. Such bicycles are designed for quiet driving on city streets. They are great for those who, for example, want to get to their favorite store or admire the beautiful views of the forest park.
For those who like to show off during a walk, it is recommended to pay attention to this kind of bicycle, like a cruiser (chopper). This model was named because of its external similarity with biker motorcycles.
3. Highways. Such bicycles are intended for fast driving on good asphalt. They can be safely classified as sports. This also includes track bikes used on special tracks, called cycling tracks. Such bicycles do not have shock absorbers, which allows to eliminate the load on the rider's arms. With the help of road bikes on a flat road you can gain high speed. Buy these stories and ride on the asphalt streets of the big city.
4. Hybrid. Such bicycles are also called tourist bicycles. Their design is something middle between highway and mountain models. As a rule, the hybrid has a large number of speeds, the ability to roll over flat terrain, as well as the ability to move comfortably over a rugged terrain.
There are also some rather unusual designs. These include, in particular, electric bicycles, as well as runovels (they resemble a model created in 1818).
The need for classification
Why did the two-wheeled vehicle be divided into types? The fact is that each model has its own design features that are necessary for moving around a certain area. For example, riding a mountain bike is too inconvenient to ride around the city. The dimensions and weight of these bikes will make such a bike ride too tense for the owner. And vice versa.
Road bikes will be absolutely useless outside the asphalt. After all, their device provides for driving only on flat roads. That's why to choose the right option you need to know what kind of bikes are. This will immediately understand their distinctive features and choose a suitable vehicle for themselves.
Distinctive features
The vehicle can be used by a man, woman or child. From the correct choice of the type of bicycle will largely depend on the comfort when using it.
So, two-wheeled vehicles are:
- male, equipped with a standard high frame design;
- female, created on an understated frame, and for women urban bicycles (road), road and mountain bikes are produced;
- children's, differing dimensions of the construction and wheels;
- unisex, with a frame of medium height, suitable for both women,
And for men.
Sports options
How to choose the right bike for someone who decided to do cycling? These models also have their own classification. To date, the manufacturer offers a wide variety of sports bicycles, each of which has its own differences in the structural elements, as well as in the technical specifications. So, this group includes the following tales:
- Highways;
- mountain;
- for trial and freestyle;
- for triathlon;
- track;
- Turing.
Road Bikes
These road bikes when moving on a flat asphalt road allow you to reach speeds of up to 70 km / h. They are distinguished by the rigidity of the design, a small thickness of the wheels, well-developed aerodynamic properties, a large number of gears and a rudder that has the shape of mutton horns. In addition, the highway is the easiest bike. The weight of some models of this bike is only 6 kg. This effect manufacturers achieve by using such ultra-light materials as aluminum, carbon and high-alloy steel. The maximum weight of road vehicles is 11 kg.
The lightest bicycle has fewer spokes. Their number, as a rule, reaches twenty. This is due to the fact that the speed of this bike is in the first place, and strength is receding into the background.
Mountain bikes
Mountbikes designed for driving on terrain, where there are no smooth roads, have a special design. These adult sports bicycles feature a powerful frame with cushioning, a highly raised carriage, thick wheels up to 560 mm in diameter and a clear tread pattern on studded tires. They have at least fifteen speeds. In this case, their asterisks are designed in a special way. This makes it easier to climb a mountain. The design of the bicycle frame intended for cross-country driving has reinforcing elements. That's why the weight of this bike often reaches 20 kg. Even with the use of high-tech light materials (aluminum alloys and polymers), the weight of the bicycle remains quite impressive.
Manufacturers offer a mountain bike for men, as well as female models of similar bikes.
For freestyle and trial
These types of sports bicycles are very popular with fans of extreme sports. Models designed for freestyle and trial are distinguished by a rigid frame. It allows the bike to withstand heavy loads during the execution of acrobatic elements and various tricks. Wheels installed on such bicycles have a large number of spokes, which increases their reliability during landings and impacts. Another distinguishing feature of this type of bike is their curved steering wheel. It is designed to support and maintain the balance of the host. As for the speeds, there are no such bikes. Brakes are provided not disc, but rim.
For triathlon
These sports bicycles are twin brothers of road bikes. However, they differ slightly from the geometry of the frame and the location of the front wheels, which are at different levels with the rear wheels.
An important feature of such bikes is the ability to freely switch speeds, as well as ease of control.
Track bicycles
On city streets these tales can not be met. Their main purpose is to participate in competitions on the track. Such bicycles lack brakes and speed switches. To stop such a bike athlete has to do a few extra laps.
Tour Bikes
These models of sports bikes are designed for long trips on flat roads. Their design provides a powerful frame, which allows for greater safety for the cyclist. In the device wheels, the diameter of which reaches up to 28 inches, provides a large number of spokes - thirty or more. Tires have a tread that provides a reliable grip on the road surface.
Folding bicycles
This type of bike is only in road or urban models. A distinctive feature of their design is the presence of a movable hinge somewhere in the middle of the frame. This allows you to fold the bicycle in half. In this form, the bike takes up much less space and can be easily stored and transported. Today, manufacturers offer aluminum folding bicycles. They are noticeably lighter than their predecessors, which increases the ease of their transportation. After all, there are models not only of standard sizes. There are folding bicycles that can be carried in a backpack.
Buyers are offered models of similar bikes with disc brakes and speed switches. Especially advanced ones are equipped with a gasoline engine or electric drive. Depending on the overall size and weight of the bicycle is the size of its wheels. Their maximum dimensions reach 20 inches.
Women's bicycles
When reading this phrase immediately appears a walking version, which has an understated frame. Most often you can find a woman's bicycle with a basket and a mandatory bell. This is a classic two-wheeled vehicle, on which those ladies who do not set themselves a goal in conquering complex mountain descents or highways run. That's why a woman's road bike with a basket located on the trunk or in front of the steering wheel is the most popular among the weak half of humanity. In addition, a useful accessory allows women to place various small items and bags, and sometimes even put a child. At the same time, hands are released, which facilitates a safe and secure ride.
Previously, ladies rode on men's bikes. However, since the mid 80s of the last century the manufacturer began to produce models that take into account the anatomical structure of women. So, the developers reached the following:
- narrowed the steering wheel and lowered the saddle;
- made a wider seat;
- We lowered the weights;
- made the pedals wider and from less slippery materials.
However, such bicycles were not suitable for sports. The light frame did not allow you to drive through the mountains or accelerate along the highway at the right speed. Over time, this problem was solved. On the market were released sports bicycles, which took into account all the standards of professional equipment, and at the same time the characteristics of the female body.
Children's bicycles
A certain classification has also bikes, intended for small users. There are the following categories:
2. Children's bicycle from one to three years. It already has tires and chambers, a fairly comfortable and light foot brake. For the stability of the vehicle manufacturer has provided in it a couple of extra small wheels. The geometry of the frame of such bikes is greatly understated, which ensures the safety of the baby in the fall. On the sprockets, chain and steering wheel there are protective covers.
3. For kids from 3 to 5 years. These vehicles are equipped with wheels in 14-16 inches. There are manual or foot brakes in such models.
4. For children 5-9 years. These models are similar to adults. In their complete set there are wheels in diameter of 18-20 inches, some speeds, and also two brakes (manual and foot). Maximum comfort for the child is provided by special shock absorbers.
5. For children 9-12 years old. These models are not much different from adults. In their design, only a smaller frame and a 24-inch wheel diameter are provided.
Manufacturers
To date, many companies are engaged in the production of bicycles. However, according to most experts and users, the leaders among the manufacturers of bikes are American companies. Among them are the following:
1. Cannondale. This American manufacturer offers very high-quality, but at the same time expensive bikes.
2. Felt. Tales issued under this brand in the United States have a different level of quality and price.
3. Gary Fisher. These American bikes have an excellent roll and a light frame.
4. GT produces bicycles for those who dream of a simple and reliable two-wheeled transport for a reasonable price.
There are many other manufacturers whose products are very popular. This is the German company Bergamont. It offers quality bikes for city streets. Mountain and road bikes of the Italian brand Bianchi are popular. Good bicycles are also produced in Taiwan, China and Asia.
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