Bicycle Used In Tour De France
The Tour De France is one of the most prestigious cycling competitions in the world. Since its inception in 1903, the Tour De France has seen many changes in the bicycles used by the riders. The bicycle used in Tour De France has gone through many modifications and has become a symbol of innovation and technology.
History of Tour De France Bicycles
The first Tour De France bicycles were made of steel and weighed around 20 kg. They had a single gear and no brakes. The riders had to pedal backwards to slow down or stop the bicycle. The bicycles used in the early days of the Tour De France were very different from the lightweight, aerodynamic machines used today.
In the 1930s, the bicycles used in the Tour De France started to evolve. The riders began to use derailleurs, which allowed them to change gears more easily. The bicycles also became lighter and more aerodynamic, which helped the riders to go faster.
In the 1980s, the bicycles used in the Tour De France underwent a major transformation. The introduction of carbon fiber frames and components made the bicycles lighter and stronger. The riders were able to climb hills faster and ride at higher speeds.
Components of Tour De France Bicycles
The bicycles used in the Tour De France are made up of many components that work together to create a high-performance machine. Some of the key components include:
- Frame: The frame is the backbone of the bicycle. It is made of carbon fiber and is designed to be lightweight and stiff.
- Wheels: The wheels are made of carbon fiber and are designed to be aerodynamic. They are also very light, which makes it easier for the riders to climb hills.
- Gears: The gears allow the riders to change the resistance of the pedals. This makes it easier for them to climb hills or ride at high speeds.
- Brakes: The brakes are designed to be very powerful and responsive. They allow the riders to stop the bicycle quickly and safely.
- Saddle: The saddle is the seat of the bicycle. It is designed to be comfortable and supportive, even during long rides.
Advantages of Tour De France Bicycles
The bicycles used in the Tour De France are designed to give the riders many advantages. Some of these advantages include:
- Lightweight: The bicycles are very light, which makes it easier for the riders to climb hills and ride at high speeds.
- Aerodynamic: The bicycles are designed to be as aerodynamic as possible. This reduces wind resistance and helps the riders to go faster.
- Strong: The bicycles are made of high-quality materials, which makes them very strong and durable.
- Responsive: The bicycles are designed to be very responsive. This means that the riders can change direction quickly and easily.
Conclusion
The bicycles used in the Tour De France are not only a symbol of innovation and technology but also a testament to the incredible athleticism of the riders. These bicycles are designed to be as light, strong, and aerodynamic as possible, giving the riders every advantage they need to succeed in this grueling competition. As the Tour De France continues to evolve, we can only imagine what the bicycles of the future will look like.