There are some facts about the bicycle that anyone
(cyclist or not) would be interested to know. For one thing, the first crude "bicycle"
was built in the 1700s by a Frenchman named De Sivrac. The "bike" had
no pedals and the front wheel could not be turned to the right or the left.
Straddling a rough wooden crossbar, the rider had to push against the ground
with his feet to make the contraption move.
In 1816, a German named Baron Karl von Drais invented a
two-wheel velocipede (literally "swift foot") which earned for him
the title "Father of the Bicycle". Still without pedals, the bike was
an improved version since the front wheel was mounted on a pivot for steering.
Pedals were made in 1839 by a Scottish blacksmith, Kirkpatrick MacMillan.
Today, bicycles made of plastic are reported to have
been developed by a Swedish company. A plastic bike is said to weigh twenty
percent less than an ordinary one.
All bicycles have eight parts, namely: the frame, wheels, tires, rims,
handlebar, brakes, seat, and pedals. Lights and accessories can also be added.
Frames. The frame is the backbone of the machine.
Unlike the other parts, the frame cannot be changed without literally changing
cycles. Low-priced frames are sturdy, heavy, and unyielding. The best 447
tern designed to ensure a proper and controlled flow
of trains. Furthermore, its elevated rails can reportedly withstand an
intensity 8 earthquake. Ample security is provided at all times in the stations
and terminals.
Meanwhile, the LRT system which began operation in December 1984 from
Arroceros'toBaclaran, suffered a P68.99 million net loss after interest for
thie first 11 months of 1985. The gross revenue for the period was PI45.63,
against total operating expenses of PI 36.36 million.
The average daily traffic in 1985 was 240,000 to
250,000 commuters. During Wednesdays, traffic increased to a daily average of
about 270,000 commuters.
Bike frames are made of double-butted Reynold 513.
Double-butting is a process that makes the tubing thicker at its ends, the
point of maximum stress, and thinner along its central section where the stress
is lower.
Wheels. Large wheels are easier to propel, although if
the diameter exceeds 28 inches, efficiency decreases due to the extra weight
and wind resistance. Smaller wheels are slightly more difficult to maneuver
because the angle at which the circumference strikes an obstruction is greater
than when the same obstruction comes in contact with a larger wheel.
Tires. There are four types of cycles tires:
pneumatics, balloons, tubulars, and .. clinchers. Pneumatics are found on
lower-priced children's cycles and on heavy-duty delivery cycles. They are
tough and durable and punctures are easily patched. Balloons are heavy-duty
workhorse tires. They are tough, long-lasting and very difficult to pedal since
they are run on low pressures. Tubulars are faster than the other tire types,
because they are narrower, have less tread on the road, and are normally
operated at higher pressure. The clincher is wired on, has a tube inside and is
generally better for most bicycling needs. The only drawback is that it is much
harder to change.
Rims. Aluminum rims are unquestionably
the best. Steel
Handlebars. A flat or upright handlebar can be used for
short trips. A longer trip will require a racing-type or dropped handlebar. It
is better not to invest in high-riser handlebars. They look like giant Vs and
make a user ride as though someone had a gun at his back. To be more
comfortable while cycling for any length of time, the arms of the rider must be
more or less parallel.
Brakes. There are basically two types of brakes: center
pull and side pull. Both are good, and both operate from levers on the
handlebars connected by cables to brake calipers. They squeeze the wheel rim
when the levers are pressed. The center pull type allows smoother and quicker
stops, although the side variety can do nearly as good if kept clean and
adjusted.
Seats. Some people like flat, stubby seats. Racers
prefer long narrow seats, and tour cyclists usually select a compromise design.
Leather seats, though more expensive, are better than plastic ones because
they absorb moisture. Leather has some resiliency and with time, will give and
Pedals. The all-metal, most commonly referred to as
the rat trap, is far superior to the conventional rubber pedal. However,
cycling shoes are required with rat trap pedals.
Lights. Lights can be battery-powered or generator-powered.
While lights can be done away with, a large reflector installed in the rear of
the bike is a must especially when cycling at night.
Accessories. To carry things on a bike, a rack in the
rear serves the purpose better than a basket. Fenders are fine especially when
riding in the rain, but they are a constant source of irritation and repair.
They bend easily and rub the tires. Not surprisingly, there are a lot of
gimmicks and specialty bikes now on the market. And some of the weird
contraptions seen around are home-made. But there are some legitimate models on
the market that fit unusual needs.
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