The Bicycle: From The Streets To The Mountains

In many countries, bicycles are accepted and approved as a means of transport for people of both genders and all ages. Contrarily, very few adults in the United States ride a bike on any kind of regular basis, if ever. Although many children in this country love their bikes more than anything, the magic usually wears off when they reach their teen years. This change is probably a result of America's obsession with motorized transportation, i.e. the automobile. However, over the past decade or so, Lance Armstrong has done an incredible amount to further the "coolness" factor of bicycles in America. This development is all to the good, since bicycles are beneficial to both individuals and to the planet as a whole.

Bicycles were invented in the early 19th century. Interestingly, the bicycle's basic shape has never changed very drastically, although the one exception to this rule is the "penny-farthing" bicycle, the notorious model with a huge front wheel and a tiny rear one. For the most part, the first bicycles are easily recognized as bikes even by today's standards. Early bicycles were used simply as a form of transportation, whether recreational or commercial.

While early bicycles were fairly "one size fits all," modern cyclists have a whole laundry list of bicycle types to choose from. His or her selection is based on the type of cycling he or she intends to pursue. An individual who simply needs to get around the city will purchase a utility bicycle, but someone who enjoys bicycle touring (extended trips taken on a bike) will select a touring bicycle. Each kind of bicycle is designed to meet the challenges associated with the intended use.

Utility bicycles are probably the most common style of bike in the world. They are used by millions of people every day, especially in countries like China, Japan and the Netherlands, for commuting, shopping and basic point-to-point transportation. A utility bike often has a step-through frame, which features a low crossbar, making it easy to mount. This design evolved from the bicycles of the 19th and 20th centuries that were intended for female riders. Because the women of those eras always wore long dresses or skirts, bicycles needed to accommodate such clothing. While this is no longer (usually) a consideration, step-through frames remain popular due to the ease with which they can be mounted. Utility bikes are functional, durable, comfortable and versatile, but they do tend to be rather heavy. The handlebars on these bikes are usually higher than the seat, allowing the cyclist to sit upright.

Mountain bicycles are another extremely well-known type of bicycle. These bikes are designed to contend with unpaved environments such as mountain trails or country roads. They feature wide, knobby tires that provide a great deal of traction and shock absorption. Mountain bicycles usually have diamond frames, which are lighter than step-through frames. These bikes need to be relatively lightweight, as cyclists often need to lift them into trucks or carry them when the trail becomes too rough. The handlebars of mountain bikes are usually at about the same height as the seat, forcing the cyclist to bend at the waist while seated.