bicycle

Table of Contents

Introduction
History of the bicycle
- Bicycle predecessors
  - Draisiennes, hobby-horses, and other velocipedes
  - Treadles and pedals: powered velocipedes
  - From boneshakers to bicycles
- The ordinary bicycle
- The safety bicycle
- The modern bicycle
Bicycle design
- Basic types
- Basic components
  - Frame
  - Wheels
  - Drivetrain
  - Brakes

References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images & Videos

James Starley: “penny-farthing” bicycle

bicycle race, 1890

local government; SkyCycle

Trace the history of bicycles, the designs, the boom in the cycling industry, and how racing became an integral part

Components of a modern touring bicycle.

For Students

bicycle summary

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bicycle: Facts & Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Facts

Also Known As	bike

Photos and Videos

James Starley: “penny-farthing” bicycle

bicycle race, 1890

local government; SkyCycle

Components of a modern touring bicycle.

Trace the history of bicycles, the designs, the boom in the cycling industry, and how racing became an integral part

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

velocipede 10-speed BMX hybrid bicycle exercise bicycle diamond frame recumbent frame draisienne mountain bicycle penny-farthing ship automobile submarine airplane helicopter truck motorcycle litter sedan rickshaw

Key People

William Richard Morris, Viscount Nuffield

British industrialist

James Starley

British inventor

Pope, Albert Augustus

Albert Augustus Pope

American manufacturer

Quiz

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A History of Everyday Technology in 68 Quiz Questions