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Tandem bikes for sale online ,When Was the Bicycle Invented? Complete Guide to Bicycle Maintenance & Fitness
Tandem bikes for sale online ,The history of the bicycle is deeply connected to today’s modern cycling world. Whether you ride for fitness, transportation, or style, understanding bicycle basics can help you become a better rider. In this guide, we explore when the bicycle was invented, how to remove bicycle pedals, how to adjust your brakes, what bicycle crunches are, and how to measure the perfect bicycle frame size. Along the way, we’ll also look at exciting modern options like stylish tandem bikes for sale and custom lowrider-style tandem bikes from Galindo’s Lowrider Bikes.
When Was the Bicycle Invented?
The earliest form of the bicycle dates back to the year 1817, when Baron Karl von Drais of Germany created a wooden two-wheeled device known as the “Laufmaschine” or “running machine.” This primitive bicycle did not have pedals or chains—it was propelled by the rider pushing their feet against the ground.
By the 1860s, inventors in France introduced the first pedal-powered bicycle, which became the foundation of modern cycling. Later, technological improvements such as rubber tires, chain drives, and metal frames transformed bicycles into the efficient, comfortable machines we have today.
Today, bicycles come in countless forms—mountain bikes, road bikes, cruisers, BMX models, lowriders, and tandem bikes designed for two riders. Custom shops like Galindo’s Lowrider Bikes continue this evolution by offering beautifully built tandem bikes for sale for riders who want a fun, stylish, and unique experience.
How Do I Remove Bicycle Pedals?
Removing bicycle pedals is a common maintenance task, whether you’re upgrading your pedals or performing service on your crank arms. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
- Gather your tools: You’ll need a pedal wrench or a 15mm open-end wrench.
- Identify the pedal threading: The right pedal (drive side) tightens clockwise; the left pedal (non-drive side) tightens counterclockwise—meaning it loosens clockwise.
- Position the wrench: Place the wrench on the flat portion of the pedal spindle.
- Turn the wrench: On the right pedal, turn counterclockwise to loosen. On the left pedal, turn clockwise to loosen.
- Remove pedals fully: After breaking them loose, continue turning until the pedals come off completely.
Proper pedal maintenance can extend the life of your bike’s drivetrain. If you own or plan to buy a tandem bike, regular pedal inspection is especially important because two riders apply more force to the crank system. Check out stylish and durable custom tandem lowrider bikes perfect for double-rider fun.
How Do You Adjust Brakes on a Bicycle?
Proper brake adjustment is crucial for safe riding. Whether you have rim brakes or disc brakes, the goal is to ensure consistent stopping power. Below is a beginner-friendly overview:
Adjusting Rim Brakes (V-brakes or Caliper Brakes)
- Check brake pads: Pads should hit the rim, not the tire, and should be evenly aligned.
- Tighten or loosen the cable: Use the barrel adjuster to fine-tune tension.
- Center the brake arms: Most brakes have a small screw that moves the arms left or right.
- Test the brakes: Squeeze the levers and ensure they feel firm and responsive.
Adjusting Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Loosen the caliper bolts so the brake caliper can move freely.
- Pull the brake lever fully to center the caliper around the rotor.
- Tighten the caliper bolts while holding the lever down.
- Adjust pad distance using the barrel adjuster or inboard pad screw.
Well-adjusted brakes are essential on all bicycles, especially heavier models like tandem bikes, where two riders add additional stopping force requirements.
What Are Bicycle Crunches?
Bicycle crunches are a popular abdominal exercise used in fitness and cycling training. They help strengthen the core, which improves overall balance and stability on the bike.
How to perform bicycle crunches:
- Lie flat on your back with your hands behind your head.
- Lift your shoulders off the floor.
- Bring your right elbow toward your left knee while extending your right leg.
- Switch sides, bringing your left elbow toward your right knee.
- Continue alternating in a pedaling motion.
Bicycle crunches target the rectus abdominis, obliques, and hip flexors—muscles important for efficient pedaling, better endurance, and improved posture on long rides, including sessions on lowrider and tandem bicycles.
How Do I Measure Bicycle Frame Size?
Choosing the correct frame size is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. A frame that’s too large or too small will affect your riding experience dramatically.
How to measure frame size:
- Measure your inseam: Stand with your feet 6 inches apart and measure from the floor to your crotch.
- Convert inseam to frame size: For road bikes, multiply inseam x 0.67. For mountain bikes, multiply inseam x 0.66.
- Check the manufacturer’s chart: Brands may have slightly different measurements.
- Test the stand-over height: You should have at least 1–2 inches of clearance.
When choosing a tandem bike, frame sizing becomes even more important because two riders must be comfortable. Many tandem bikes are adjustable or come in universal sizing, but checking the frame geometry is still recommended. Visit our tandem lowrider bike section to learn more.
Final Thoughts
Bicycles have come a long way since their invention in 1817. Whether you’re adjusting your brakes, removing pedals, improving your core strength with bicycle crunches, or selecting the right frame size, understanding your bike allows you to ride more confidently and comfortably.
And if you want a unique and exciting cycling experience, don’t forget to browse beautifully designed tandem bikes for sale and stylish lowrider-style tandem bikes from Galindo’s Lowrider Bikes. These custom models combine style, fun, and craftsmanship—perfect for riders who want something truly unique.Tandem bikes for sale online