Cycling has evolved from its early origins as a form of transport, through to riding a bicycle for sport, leisure, skills development, fitness or even as a mode for adventure such as bike-packing. This is where bicycles laden with camping equipment allow riders to venture on long, multi-day journeys. Over 200 years ago in 1817, German inventor Karl Drais created the Laufmaschine which was a primitive bicycle concept that the rider propelled by running while seated on the frame. This concept can still be seen in toddler balance bikes today. Pedals began appearing in the 1860s and bicycle development has continued at a rapid pace ever since, with today’s bicycles utilising exotic materials such as carbon fibre and titanium, with super-efficient geometry and suspension designs. Cycling is a large global industry, worth over $US55 billion annually and this figure is expected to rise to approximately $US80 billion by the year 2026. The cycling market includes parts, accessories and cycling-specific clothing as well as bicycle purchases in its figures. Approximately 3.4 million Australians cycle for leisure or transport in an average week, while 55% of Australian households have at least one working bicycle. As an avid bicycle collector, I’ve purchased lots of bicycles at garage sales at bargain prices. Cycling has a diverse range of disciplines and bicycle styles to suit. There are broad categories for on-road and off-road bicycles, but then each category has multiple sub-categories for specific styles of riding or terrain. For example, Mountain Bikes are a popular off-road choice and there is a sub-category of downhill bicycles that feature long-travel suspension, fat grippy tyres and compact frames to tackle steep, rocky downhill trails, similar in nature to alpine skiing. These bicycles would be far less efficient to ride on road due to their weight and rolling resistance from fat tyres. With lots of cycling styles, and different bicycle types to suit each one, there is a common cycling saying that the correct number of bikes to own can be stated as (n) +1, where n equals the current number of bikes owned. So the pursuit of the ultimate personal cycling collection is never over! My own collection used to occupy 2 sheds, but is now at the stage where my wife says I can buy another bike, but I have to get rid of one in the process. This has been good as it has forced me to be quite judicious about any bikes I purchase, resulting in each one being meaningful beyond just its purpose. Picture: Early Laufmaschine, circa 1820. Bicycle Network. 2019. Accessed from https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/tips-resources/inspiration/history-of-the-bike
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AuthorHi folks, I’m David and I’ve loved riding bikes ever since I was old enough to do so. I’ve ridden for fun, fitness, competition and charity on all sorts of bikes from mountain bikes and road bikes to time-trial machines. Some of my favourite memories include riding the iconic climbs in the French Alps of le Tour de France on race day, or competing in grueling endurance mountain-bike events, but I still get the same buzz I had as a child, blasting through a series of sweet corners on my local trails with my kids. ArchivesCategories |