World Cycling Highlights

The term "bicycle" was coined in France in the mid 1860s where these "vehicles for human transport" required a rider to balance to be able to ride. The same is true today: if you can't balance on it, you can't ride it.

The first really popular and commercially successful cycle design was a French one. Developed in 1863, it became a fashionable craze briefly. It used rotary cranks and pedals mounted to the front wheel hub. The use of metal frames in building cycles around the world reduced the overall weight and provided sleeker, more elegant designs that now could be mass produced.

Different braking systems were used depending on the manufacturer. Because of the rigid frame and iron banded wheels, the ride was often times described as "bone shaking."

Cycling dropped off dramatically in the United States between 1900 and 1920.

Automobiles became the preferred means of transportation, and bicycles gradually became to be considered children's toys. By 1940, most bicycles were made for children. In Europe, cycling remained an adult activity and both commuting and racing became popular activities.

World Cycling History: Cruiser Bicycles

In the mid 1900s, there were two predominant bicycle styles for recreational cyclists in North America. Heavyweight cruiser bicycles featuring balloon tires, pedal-driven "coaster brakes" and only one gear, were popular for their durability, comfort, streamlined appearance, and a significant array of accessories (lights, bells, springer forks and speedometers).

World Cycling History: Lighter Cycles

A lot of these were imported from England and had hand brakes, thinner tires, and a three speed hub gearing system. They often also had generator powered headlights, safety reflectors, kickstands, and frame mounted tire pumps.

World Cycling History: Racing Bikes

There was an explosion in the popularity of biking between 1960 and 1980. Americans grew increasingly aware of the benefits of exercise and saving energy. Racing bikes made up the majority of sales during this time period and featured dropped handlebars, narrow tires, derailleurs gears, five to fifteen speeds, and a narrow seat

World Cycling History: Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes became available in the late 1980s and were very popular with extreme sports fans. These cycles featured heavier, sturdier frames, large wide tires, suspensions, and flat handlebars. By 2000, the sales of mountain bikes had far exceeded that of racing bikes, which by than were just used for long-distance road racing.

World Cycling History: Hybrid Bicycle

In recent years, casual cyclists have shown dissatisfaction with both the heavy mountain bike and the more fragile, sometimes uncomfortable racing bikes. Manufacturers responded with the hybrid bicycle, in effect combining the two styles into a lighter weight utility cycle, but with a larger selection of gears.