Introduction
Bikes, or bicycles, are the light, fast, and money-saving transportation that is preferred by millions of men and women worldwide. Cycling is a valuable sport preferred by many individuals due to its multiple health benefits for the body and mental health.
The most prominent characteristic of the bike is that it is an easy-to-carry means of transportation, and its operation does not require the use of fuel or external energy. It only needs the cyclist’s strength to move.
Despite the simplicity of the bicycle idea, it consists of several connected parts. And each has a specific role that helps cyclists go biking and control the bicycle safely and professionally.
In the following article, we will learn in detail about the origin of the bicycle, its types, benefits, and accessories, the most prominent cycling races, and other information that helps you get to know the bike more and more.
Definition of bicycles
They are bicycles, and bikes
A bicycle is a vehicle and means of transportation consisting of two wheels. The rear wheel is connected to a track, and this track is connected to the pedal centered in front of the rear wheel.
Bicycles rely on the kinetic energy generated by the cyclist pedaling by using the legs to propel the bicycle pedals with an appropriate force to move the bicycle’s front and rear wheels at a similar speed.
A bicycle is also a tool and device used by many individuals to do a light and healthy sports activity to burn calories and stimulate blood circulation, and a quick means of transportation preferred by millions of individuals worldwide to go to work, hike, and move from one place to another within the city, as well as for adventures and explorations around cities and in sports races, etc.
The History of bicycles
Experts have not been able to determine who is the inventor of bicycles, their idea, or the date of their inception, but bicycles in their well-known form were invented in the nineteenth century.
The idea of bicycles dates back to the fifteenth century, when the Italian Leonardo da Vinci designed the first shape of the bicycle in 1493 AD. But this design was not applied or paid attention to until the end of the eighteenth century.
In 1791, the French Count de Sevrac invented the first bicycle without steering or pedals, used it for running and leaning on foot, and called it the célérifére.
In the nineteenth century, the bicycle appeared in its well-known shape and design when the German inventor Dries von Summer Braun added the handlebar in 1817. While the inventor Mac Millan (1839) created the movement system (pedals and transmission set), the Frenchman Arnest Michaux developed it in 1855 to be in the form it is today.
It is worth noting that bicycles have gone through many stages of development related to their capabilities and other features that differ from one type of bicycle to another and from one brand to another in some characteristics and details.
Bicycles Types
There are several types of bikes, each of which differs from the other in the technical characteristics of the bicycle parts, some movement specifications, formal specifications, and performance, as well as the uses of each type.
The difference in technical characteristics and performance specifications for each type of bicycle is what distinguishes each one from the others. And it makes it have defined usages commensurate with its features and capabilities.
Certainly, bicycles intended for exploration and adventure over mountainous roads need technical characteristics and capabilities that are very different from those found in bicycles intended for the daily use of the individual and his light movement within the city.
We mention the most prominent types of pneumatic structures at the following points:
- Mountain bikes
- Road bikes
- Hybrid bikes
- Fitness bikes/Sports bikes
- City bikes
Mountain bikes
This type of bike is one of the most prominent and widespread worldwide, preferred by millions of cyclists who love adventures, exploration, and going over bumpy and rocky roads in various weather conditions.
Mountain bikes come with technical features and specifications that enable cyclists to ride over rough and mountainous roads with the utmost strength and comfort at the same time and at the required speed.
Mountain bikes are the heaviest and smallest in size, but they come with a wide seat, relatively wide tires, and a wide selection of gear.
These technical specifications of the mountain bike help it withstand the shocks of mountain roads and enable the cyclist to start steadily, quickly, and safely, no matter how rough the road is.
For more details and to learn more about mountain bikes, click here.
Road bikes
These bikes are characterized by their lightweight and thin tires, which allow cyclists to launch at extremely high speeds on the road and in races.
These bikes come with a forward-curving steering arm and fewer gears than mountain bikes.
Therefore, these bikes are only suitable for cyclists’ use on paved and level roads and are not perfect for off-road, rocky, or sandy terrain.
Hybrid bikes
This type of bicycle combines its technical characteristics and specifications with those of mountain and road bikes.
Hybrid bikes are lighter in weight than mountain bikes, and their tires are wider than those of road bikes. They also have more gears than road bikes.
This bike allows cyclists to adjust the bike frame by using a thinner or thicker tire or adding a front bumper to take out road shocks.
You can use this bike on daily tours on paved, off-road, and bumpy roads, but with reasonable and short distances. This bike will not help you go flexibly and steadily on long mountain roads or along paved roads.
Fitness bikes
They are bicycles intended for practicing sports activities, movement, weight loss, and burning calories. And one of the most prominent advantages of these bicycles is that they help cyclists get rid of negative energy.
Sports bikes can be used by professional individuals on city and country streets and cycling tracks.
These bicycles always come with technical specifications and capabilities that allow cyclists to use them for long distances and go at high speed.
City bikes
Also known as touring bikes or individual bikes, these are bikes designed for one’s daily use, whether to go to work or shop, and for small city tours.
These bikes are suitable for men, women, and children, and cyclists do not need any specific clothing to ride. It is an easy-to-move and controllable body with a high degree of flexibility.
Bicycle parts
Despite the simplicity of the mechanism and idea of the bicycle, it consists of a group of interconnected parts that enable cyclists to use the cycle professionally, with utmost flexibility, stability, and safety.
Of course, the role of each part of the bike is different, but they all integrate to help the rider go at their speed and control the bike as they want.
We can mention the most prominent parts of bicycles in brief points as follows:
- Handlebar
- brakes
- Bike Frame
- Fork Expansion
- Wheels and Tires
- Rims wheels
- Spindle and pedals
- Gear set
- Saddle
It is worth pointing out that some parts of the cyclone include several small components connected to perform their intended function.
For more clarification, we can see all the components of the bicycle as shown in the following infographics:
Bike clothes
Cycling clothing is indispensable for safe cycling in different weather conditions, long-distance cycling, and various cycling purposes, whether for exploration, adventure, touring, racing, or sports.
These clothes protect the cyclist from cold weather and rain on winter days and warm his body or protect his body from the sun and heat on summer days. They also protect the body from the shocks to which the cyclist may be exposed while biking.
Cycling clothing helps cyclists ride more flexibly rather than wearing non-sporting clothes that may restrict the cyclist’s movement while riding the bike.
Cycling clothing sets consist of many parts and components that have importance and advantages for the cyclist. We can mention the main cycling clothing sets in points as follows:
- Shorts
- T-shirt
- Warmers
- Gloved
- Socks
- Shoes
Bicycle accessories
Cycling accessories are the extra accessories and tools that some cyclists may need as they go cycling anywhere, whether to go to work, explore and adventure, tour, race, etc.
The accessories of this bike protect the cyclist’s body from frequent problems and shocks and help him to go on the bike in various conditions, day and night.
Every cyclist’s needs for bicycle accessories are different. And to determine the right accessories for you, you must first define your purpose for using the bike: racing, exploring, roaming around the city, going to work, traveling, etc.
Of course, there are plenty of cycling accessories that cyclists of all ages need for multiple purposes.
We mention the most prominent bike accessories in brief points as follows:
- Sports glasses
- Bicycle helmet
- Chains and locks
- Carriers
- Lights & Torches
- Bells
- Water bottles
- Backpack
- Mirrors
- Pump
Bicycle racing
Bicycle races are many and differ among themselves in terms of many elements, including conditions, considerations, the type of bike used, and the places in which the race takes place.
These races are preferred by many individuals who love to ride bicycles over paved or off-road tracks, especially those who use bicycles for exercise and sports activities.
Race objectives and winning mechanics vary according to many criteria, including the distance the bikes travel in a given time, who reaches the final point the fastest, or whether the cyclist passes certain obstacles.
Despite the multiplicity of bicycle races in each country, there are a group of public races known globally, the most prominent of which are the following:
- Road bike racing
- Cycling on the track
- Mountain bike racing
- BMX Racing
Health benefits of cycling
The bicycle is a light, safe, and healthy means of transportation and a multi-benefit sport for men, women, and children. It is environmentally friendly, does not cause any harm to the individual or the environment, and is suitable for all age groups.
Whatever your purposes for riding a bicycle, whether to go to work, as a sport, to race, explore, travel, cruise, or use it as a means of transportation, you will get many health benefits for your body that cannot be limited to one paragraph or one article, but we explain the most prominent of them in points as follows:
- The benefits of cycling for the different muscles of the body
- Burn calories and lose weight
- Benefits of cycling for the joints
- Benefits of cycling for the colon
- Stimulate blood circulation
- Get rid of negative energy
In general, a bike is a light sport and a means of transportation that is easy to move and control, and any individual can use it easily and take it inside or outside the city and take advantage of its multiple health benefits for slimming and weight loss, its benefits for body systems, and its benefits for stimulating blood circulation. As it doesn’t require much effort like other sports.
Biking Tracks in Saudi Arabia
Many cyclists are looking for the best cycling tracks in Saudi Arabia to enjoy a unique, exciting, and safe riding experience away from the hustle and bustle of cities.
The Kingdom’s leadership is always keen to establish professional cycling tracks in many Saudi cities due to the importance of this sport and its value to Saudi individuals.
If you are a cycling enthusiast, you can find bike tracks wherever you are in the Kingdom.
We mention the most prominent cycling tracks in Jeddah and Riyadh in brief points as follows:
- Cycling methods for the “Sports Track Project” in Riyadh
- Wadi Hanifa path
- Wadi Al-Sali track
- Cycling tracks in Jeddah
- Jeddah Waterfront
- Prince Fawaz track
- Prince Faisal bin Fahd Walkway
- Al Rehab Walk
Bicycle cleaning
Regular use of bicycles causes dust and dirt to accumulate on them and cause them to not look decent.
Cleaning the bike from time to time positively affects the performance of the mechanical parts of the bike, makes it more efficient, and thus encourages the rider to go in a more professional and high-performance manner.
Pneumatic experts advise that the different parts of the bike should be cleaned at least twice or once a week, especially the mechanical or main parts of the bicycle, such as the tracks and wheels.
Cleaning the bike at home requires some cleaning tools, liquids, and detergents that remove grease and oils accumulated in the bike parts, which are available through the wheels store and the branches of the Wheels Foundation in Saudi Arabia.
You can also watch this video to learn how to clean and wash a bicycle in simple steps.
Bikes maintenance and inspection
Bicycle maintenance and inspection are a must for any cyclist looking to take his bike on a safe, long-distance ride and for various cycling purposes, whether for exploration, adventure, travel, racing, or even going to work.
Bicycle experts recommend checking the bike at least once a week to ensure that it is fit to start and that all its parts are perfect for use.
Cycling maintenance requires many tools that you can use to maintain your bike at home without going to any maintenance store, and you can order them online from the Wheels online store.
Among the most prominent parts of the bike that need to be checked and maintained are:
Brakes, gears, bolts, bicycle seat, bicycle handle, tires, and cables
Wheels Corporation provides all maintenance and inspection services for the wheel and control of all its parts through the branches of Wheels Corporation spread throughout the Kingdom.
The Wheels Foundation seeks to spread the cycling culture in all Saudi cities and regions, so it always tries to help cyclists go biking with their bikes without being hindered by anything that affects their passion.
Therefore, Wheels Est. provides all bike inspection and maintenance services for different categories and types of bikes and all cyclists and cycling enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia.
The bicycle maintenance services provided by wheels include many of the services that the cyclist needs; the most prominent of them are as follows:
- Completely disassemble and clean all parts of the bike.
- Inspect and maintain brakes, gears, and bolts.
- Inspect and maintain the bicycle handlebar and seat.
- Check and adjust bike tires.
- Replace all bike cables, gears, and brakes.
- Tighten and adjust all bike parts.
Saudi Cycling Federation
With the spread of the culture of cycling in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, many groups and institutions have emerged that implement and sponsor many events and activities related to cycling in the Kingdom’s cities.
The Saudi Cycling Federation is the most prominent Saudi institution that sponsors and implements many events, activities, and races throughout the Kingdom.
Saudi Cycling Federation and groups of cyclists in Saudi Arabia
It is a Saudi national sports organization affiliated with the Saudi Olympic Committee. This federation was established in 1963 to achieve many goals, foremost among which was spreading cycling culture.
The Saudi Cycling Federation seeks to support Saudi clubs, prepare and train cyclists to be more professional, and participate in local and international bike races.
This federation also seeks to achieve the Kingdom’s vision of 2030 and spread the culture of cycling, practice it as a sporting activity, rely on it as a means of fast and light transportation, and be one of the top 5 sports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Recently, the Saudi Cycling Federation has achieved many achievements and successes on a large scale within the Kingdom and at both the regional and international levels. Thanks to the regular support of the Saudi Ministry of Sports to spread the culture of cycling, helping the cycling communities achieve their goals, play their community role, and develop professional training environments and diverse tracks for riding bicycles for exploration, adventure, racing, and entertainment purposes,
We can mention some of the most prominent cycling groups in Saudi Arabia in brief points as follows:
- Jeddah cyclist
- Drajti for women
- Draj Group
- Drajti Riyadh region
- Drajati Al-Madinah
- Drajti Al-Qassim – Buraydah
- Masar Group
- Riyadh Wheelers
Conclusion
Bicycles are considered one of the greatest modern inventions in the world of rapid transportation and the world of sports due to their multiple health benefits for the individual. They are a healthy and environmentally friendly means of transportation that saves time and money and is a light and safe sport suitable for individuals at all stages of life.
To meet the passion of cyclists and spread the culture of cycling in Saudi Arabia, Wheels provides the latest mountain, road, hybrid, city, and sports bikes for men, women, and children through the Wheels online store and the branches of the Wheels Foundation across the Kingdom.
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