"A bicycle, also called a pedal cycle, bike, push-bike or cycle..."
Understanding the different types of bikes, components, and gear available to cyclists is important to maximize comfort and performance.
Road Bikes: A road bike is a bicycle designed for road cycling. It is generally lightweight, with narrow tires and drop handlebars, and designed for speed and efficiency on paved roads.
Triathlon Bikes: A triathlon bike is a bicycle designed specifically for use in a triathlon race, featuring aerodynamic frame geometry and handlebars that allow the rider to adopt a low aerodynamic position.
Cycling Shoes: Cycling shoes are specialized footwear designed for use in cycling. They provide greater power transfer from the rider’s legs to the pedals and a snugger fit than regular athletic shoes.
Pedals: Pedals are the component of the bike which hold the cleats used by the cycling shoes, allowing the rider to clip in and out of their bike.
Saddles: A bike saddle is the seat of the bike, designed to support the rider’s weight and allow for efficient pedaling.
Helmets: A helmet is a protective headgear worn by cyclists to reduce head injuries in the event of a collision or accident.
Sunglasses: Sunglasses protect the rider’s eyes from UV rays, glare, wind, and debris.
Hydration: Hydration is important in cycling, especially for triathlons, where endurance is key. Specialized hydration packs, water bottles, and/or hydration systems can be utilized.
Triathlon Watch: A triathlon watch is a multi-sport GPS watch designed for triathlon training and racing, with features such as swim tracking, heart rate monitoring, and run/bike tracking.
Bike Components: Bike components refer to the various parts that a bike is composed of, including brakes, gears, cranks, and derailleurs.
Bike Maintenance: Bike maintenance is a crucial aspect of cycling, ensuring the bike remains in good working condition. Tasks may include cleaning, lubrication, tire inflation, and brake adjustments.
Bike Fit: Bike fit is the process of adjusting a bike to an individual rider’s body type and preferences, ensuring optimal power transfer, comfort, and efficiency.
Nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for successful cycling, especially for triathletes who need to fuel themselves for multiple events. Topics may include macronutrient ratios, electrolyte replacement, and hydration strategies.
Training Programs: Training programs for cycling and triathlon vary, based on skill level, training goals, available time, and fitness. This may include structured workouts, coaching, and recovery techniques.
Bike Accessories: Bike accessories can enhance safety, performance, and functionality of a cyclist’s bike, including bike lights, bike racks, and bike locks.
Bike Tools: Certain tools may be necessary for bike maintenance and repair of components. These may include torque wrenches, tire levers, and hex keys.
Cycling Apparel: Cycling apparel includes jerseys, shorts, tights, and jackets designed specifically for cycling comfort and performance.
Triathlon bike: A specialized bicycle designed for triathlons, with aerodynamic features and a more aggressive riding position compared to a regular road bike.
Triathlon helmet: A lightweight and aerodynamic helmet designed specifically for triathlon racing, with a focus on ventilation and comfort.
Triathlon wetsuit: A neoprene suit designed for open water swimming, providing buoyancy and thermal insulation.
Cycling shoes: Specialized shoes designed for cycling, with stiff soles to enhance power transfer.
Clipless pedals: Pedals that attach to specialized cycling shoes, allowing the rider to generate greater power and control.
Cycling shorts: Padded shorts designed to reduce friction and chafing during long rides, with aerodynamic properties.
Cycling jersey: A specialized top designed for cycling, with stretchy and breathable fabric for improved comfort and ventilation.
Aerobar: An attachment to the handlebars of a triathlon bike that allows a rider to assume a more aerodynamic position and increase speed and efficiency.
Water bottles and cages: Equipment that allows a rider to carry hydration and nutrition during a triathlon race.
Cycling computer: A device that tracks and displays a variety of metrics during a ride, such as speed, distance, and heart rate.
Triathlon watch: A watch with specialized features for triathlon training and racing, including GPS tracking and swim stroke counting.
Bike pumps: Pumps used to inflate tires and ensure optimal tire pressure for the best performance.
Bike repair kit: A kit containing essential tools and spare parts for making repairs on a bike during a race.
Sunglasses: Specialized sunglasses designed for cycling that block UV rays and reduce glare.
Arm warmers and leg warmers: Stretchy pieces of fabric that can be worn over the arms or legs to provide warmth during cooler weather.
"Bicycles were introduced in the 19th century in Europe."
"By the early 21st century, there were more than 1 billion."
"These numbers far exceed the number of cars, both in total and ranked by the number of individual models produced."
"They are the principal means of transportation in many regions."
"...children's toys, general fitness, military and police applications, courier services, bicycle racing, and bicycle stunts."
"The basic shape and configuration of a typical upright or 'safety bicycle' has changed little since the first chain-driven model was developed around 1885."
"Many details have been improved, especially since the advent of modern materials and computer-aided design. These have allowed for a proliferation of specialized designs for many types of cycling."
"In the 21st century electric bicycles have become popular."
"The bicycle's invention has had an enormous effect on society, both in terms of culture and of advancing modern industrial methods."
"Several components that played a key role in the development of the automobile were initially invented for use in the bicycle, including ball bearings, pneumatic tires, chain-driven sprockets, and tension-spoked wheels."