bicycle

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

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bicycle summary

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

mountain bicycle draisienne safety bicycle hybrid bicycle BMX hobby-horse 10-speed utility bicycle touring bicycle tandem bicycle ship automobile submarine airplane helicopter truck motorcycle litter sedan rickshaw

Key People

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William Richard Morris, Viscount Nuffield

British industrialist

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James Starley

British inventor

Pope, Albert Augustus

Albert Augustus Pope

American manufacturer

Alberto Santos-Dumont. Postcard of Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont's (1873-1932) airship or dirigible and Eiffel Tower. The Santos Dumont Air-Ship rounding the Eiffel Tower; on Octoboer 19th 1901. airplane

A History of Everyday Technology in 68 Quiz Questions