The drivetrain components of the bike should also be considered. Being measured for a bike and taking it for a test ride are recommended before buying. However, UCI regulations stipulate a legal race bike cannot weigh less than 6.8 kg (14.99 lbs). The price of a new bicycle can range from US$50 to more than US$20,000 (the highest priced bike in the world is the custom Madone by Damien Hirst, sold at US$500,000 ), depending on quality, type and weight (the most exotic road bicycles can weigh as little as 3.2 kg (7 lb) ). The design, coupled with low or dropped handlebars, requires the rider to bend forward more, making use of stronger muscles (particularly the gluteus maximus) and reducing air resistance at high speed. Road bikes tend to have a more upright shape and a shorter wheelbase, which make the bike more mobile but harder to ride slowly. In Europe, Denmark and the Netherlands have the most bicycles per capita and most often use bicycles for everyday transport. Certain countries rely heavily on bicycles and their culture has developed around the bicycle as a primary form of transport. Since the bicycle is so effective as a means of transportation, various companies have developed methods of carrying anything from the weekly shop to children on bicycles. Utility bicycles tend to be equipped with accessories such as mudguards, pannier racks and lights, which extends their usefulness on a daily basis. These have frames with relaxed geometry, protecting the rider from shocks of the road and easing steering at low speeds. In many countries, the most commonly used vehicle for road transport is a utility bicycle. Video of a recreational cycling ride in Alabama. Īmong the disadvantages of cycling are the requirement of bicycles (excepting tricycles or quadricycles) for the rider to have certain level of basic skill in order to remain upright, the reduced protection in crashes in comparison to motor vehicles, often longer travel time (except in densely populated areas), vulnerability to weather conditions, difficulty in transporting passengers, and the fact that a basic level of fitness is required for cycling moderate to long distances. Individuals who cycle regularly have also reported mental health improvements, including less perceived stress and better vitality. Cycling on stationary bikes have also been used as part of rehabilitation for lower limb injuries, particularly after hip surgery. In addition, cycling provides a variety of health benefits and reduces the risk of cancers, heart disease, and diabetes that are prevalent in sedentary lifestyles. By fitting bicycle racks on the front of buses, transit agencies can significantly increase the areas they can serve. These have a lower financial cost for users as well as for society at large (negligible damage to roads, less road area required). Cycling also offers a reduced consumption of fossil fuels, less air and noise pollution, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and greatly reduced traffic congestion. Ĭycling is widely regarded as an effective and efficient mode of transportation optimal for short to moderate distances.īicycles provide numerous possible benefits in comparison with motor vehicles, including the sustained physical exercise involved in cycling, easier parking, increased maneuverability, and access to roads, bike paths and rural trails. They are the principal means of transportation in many parts of the world, especially in densely populated European cities. Apart from two-wheeled bicycles, "cycling" also includes the riding of unicycles, tricycles, quadricycles, recumbent and similar human-powered vehicles (HPVs).īicycles were introduced in the 19th century and now number approximately one billion worldwide. People engaged in cycling are referred to as "cyclists", "bicyclists", or "bikers". Cycling, also, when on a two-wheeled bicycle, called bicycling or biking, is the use of cycles for transport, recreation, exercise or sport.
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